Networking strategy

11 posts

Even at work, you have a personal brand. What are people saying about you when you're not in the room? Are you giving off the right vibe to your colleagues and conveying the brand you want to convey at work?

Developing your personal brand is essential for the advancement of your career. It is what makes you special, and how you'll become more valuable to an organization.

Here are a few tips on how to develop your personal brand:

1. Get Clear On Your Unique Value Proposition

To become respected in your company or industry, you need to be very clear on what unique value you provide and how to connect that to your company's mission.

Most peopleâand I see it all the time with my interview coaching clientsâare not that clear on what makes them different from others. This is the reason they don't get the jobs or promotions they are after!

Your brand should be authentic to you so notice your emotions when performing certain tasks and activities. If it is something you have passion and energy for, it should become part of your personal brand.

Spend some time thinking about what makes you different from your peersâyour strengths, your passions, and your goals.

2. Ask For Feedback

What do you want others to experience about you?

You might want to write down 3-5 things you'd want others to experience when interacting with you and then ask a close friend or a trusted colleague to do the same. Are the answers similar? If so, well done. If notâyou have some work to do in terms of branding yourself the right way.

It is important to understand how others perceive you as this will enable you to start sending the right messages to your audience. And having a personal brand is definitely a requirement for leadership positions and will enable you to create more impact.

3. Be Consistent

Everything you do or post on social media ultimately contributes to your personal brand. Once you're clear on your personal brand, make sure that the way you dress, the emails you write, your body language, and so on are consistent with your brand message.

4. Use Social Media Effectively

Platforms like WordPress make it easier than ever to promote yourself to your target audience. I blog weekly, and I'd recommend that you post a couple of times a week on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter on topics that your audience will find educational (and will also highlight your experience).

Here is a quick guide on how you can position yourself as an expert so that you get the best opportunities in your business or career.

5. Promote Your Brand In Person

Utilizing social media to build your personal brand is great, but make sure you promote your brand in person, too. Whether it is participating in industry groups, giving talks, or offering to lead a project that highlights your talents, what can you do to promote your brand offline?

If you want to be successful, creating a personal brand isn't just an option; it's a necessity. Whether you aspire to get that promotion or land your dream job, creating a compelling and consistent brand will help you meet your goals.

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5 Tips For Building Your Personal Brand …

After months (maybe even years) of careful thought, you have decided that the time is finally right to make a career change. This is one of the biggest decisions of your professional life and it will have a significant impact on your quality of life moving forward.

Buckle up! This change won't happen overnight and it's going to be a roller coaster of a process.

As you navigate your way through the career change process, here are five mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Believing That A Career Change Will Be Easy

As alluded to in the opening paragraphs, the career change process is a roller coaster ride of emotions and there's nothing easy about it! Some people go into the process, think they'll apply for a few jobs, and just hope something will come together. Then, after the setbacks mount, they lose confidence and become frustrated.

You need to take a step back and taper your expectations.

The job market is as competitive as ever and, depending on how long you were at your previous job, the job search process has changed significantly. From the way you find jobs, apply for jobs, and interview for jobs, the process is not the same as it used to be.

Mistake #2: Not Doing Enough Research

Man looks at his phone while researching companies to work for

You've decided you don't want to continue with your current career path and have narrowed in on another career to pursue.

Guess what? That's not enough!

You need to research the industry you're going into to see how many of your professional skills will transfer over to the new career field. You also need to take a serious inventory of the skills that you're lacking and investigate your options for upskilling to gain those valuable skills. This may be the most difficult of all the career change challenges. However, addressing it early in the job search process will only benefit you more in the long run.

In addition to all of that, you need to have a strong understanding of the state of the industry you're targeting. Some industries, such as journalism, are struggling and seeing significant reductions in the workforce while other professions are in danger of being automated. It's important to make sure that the profession you're going into is better than the one you're leaving behind.

It's also important to research salaries for the profession, so there are no surprises as you go along in the process (more on that in a bit).

Mistake #3: Attacking The Career Change Process Alone

Woman at a networking event talking to colleagues who could help her with her career change

If you've neglected your professional network or don't have one, you may want to make that your first priority before starting your job search.

A career change is hard enough as it is, but very few people are able to accomplish it without a little help. This is where your professional network comes in handy. Talking to former colleagues, professional acquaintances, and mentors can not only help shape your career path, but they may also be able to recommend companies that may be a good fit for you and make some initial introductions.

If your professional network needs some work, try to reach out to colleagues to see if they're willing to introduce you to some professionals in their networks. In addition, you may want to look into attending some local networking events to meet new people.

Online networking tools such as LinkedIn also give job seekers an opportunity to run their own proactive job searches. If you've identified some companies that you're interested in, you can use LinkedIn to connect with people at those companies. You can also contact the recruiter for those companies.

Your networking efforts should run concurrently with your job search.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Your Resume

Job seeker on laptop shows a lack of interest in working on his resume

There may have been a time a long time ago when a one-size-fits-all resume was fine but it's not like that now. Every resume needs to be tailored to the specific job you're targeting. The modern-day recruiter handles so many resumes that they only have time to skim them.

You basically have six seconds to get that recruiter's attention, so all the relevant skills that you possess for that job need to be at the top of your resume.

There are still some people that fall into the trap of spending most of their time writing a good cover letter but using the same resume over and over again. Both documents deserve an equal amount of attention. It may take a little extra time but it beats being repeatedly passed over for job interviews.

Mistake #5: Expecting To Make More Money

Woman saving money during the career change process

If you're making a career change just to make more money, you may be in for a surprise.

Sure, depending on your industry and professional experience, there are some career changes that lead to instant raises.

But in many cases, any financial gain that comes from career change happens in the long term, not the short term. It's very possible that you'll have to take a pay cut initially until you prove yourself in your new position. This is especially true if a company takes a chance and hires you with little experience. The company wants to make sure you can do the job before it makes a significant investment.

That's why it's important to do salary research early in the process and plan accordingly.

The job search process isn't easy, but if you take the proper steps, it doesn't have to be miserable. Hopefully by avoiding these five mistakes, making a career change will be a little less daunting and intimidating. And (even though it didn't make the list) make sure you don't prematurely quit your current job before you've secured a new one (unless you have the resources) because even the smoothest career changes take a little time.

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5 BIG Career Change Mistakes

13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To Know

It's that time of year again when job seekers think they should stop looking for a job throughout the holiday season. No one will be hiring anyway, so you may as well take the rest of the year off, right? Not true, according to HR and job search experts.

Although some companies may have no budget left for hiring, others still have openings they need to fill by the end of the fiscal year. That means it's unwise to assume a company won't be bringing on new candidates unless they announce a hiring freeze.

The savvy job hunter maintains job search momentum throughout the holiday season and finds fresh ways to leverage networking to open doors with hiring employers. After all, there are increased opportunities to network offline throughout this period, and each event you attend offers the gift of connecting with people you haven't met or haven't seen in a while.

Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual networking has become an essential part of your career, allowing you to continue to grow your professional network from the comfort of your own home. Over the holidays, attending a few virtual networking events will be easy, since you should already be familiar with them from your experience working from home or attending some in the past.

As you launch your own holiday networking campaign, make sure you avoid these ânaughty" tactics and follow the "nice" holiday networking tips instead.

"Naughty" Holiday Networking Strategies To Avoid

Two professionals network at a holiday office party

1. Focusing only on your search needs. Leverage a give-to-get strategy instead by cultivating your relationship with the people you encounter in your holiday merrymaking. Ask them astute questions about their workplace needs, and look for ways you can help.

2. Asking for jobs, information, or leads without offering to give one or more of the same first. Above all else, the holiday season is a time to connect in meaningful ways with people you already know and those you don't. You can't do this if your sole focus is on you.

3. Pushing your job search agenda on influential contacts. If you focus on proving your usefulness first, you won't have to push your agenda at all.

4. Sending out networking requests disguised as holiday greetings. Remember: you don't have to ask for something each time you connect with your network. Focus on giving something every time instead.

5. Expecting quick responses from anyone about anything. The closer we get to Christmas and New Year's, the more delay you can expect in any job-search-related communication. Accept this and move on.

Focus your holiday energies on leveraging these "nice" door-opening strategies even Santa would love...

"Nice" Holiday Networking Strategies To Try

Group of professionals at a holiday networking event

1. Attending a wide variety of holiday events and being prepared to make connections. Whether you're going to parties or open houses, joining a friend for a company event, or enjoying dinner with one or more friends, use every outing to gather insight and information. Replace your usual holiday networking outings with virtual networking events if you have safety concerns (or just like the convenience of it).

2. Preparing a two-sided business card for on-the-spot networking. Present your personal branding statement on side one, and showcase your experience, credentials, and impacts briefly on side two. If a two-sided card is too small, try a fold-over card that allows you to print text inside and out. If this is still too small, why not try a postcard instead?

3. Building a holiday list. Like Santa, you need to know what everyone on your target list is seeking. Ask the contacts and job seekers you meet how you can help them, and keep a record of their responses for immediate follow-up. Look for ways to refer job seekers to recruiters and companies, and suggest recruiters and companies to job seekers.

4. Proactively referring potential candidates to recruiters, companies, and hiring managers. Be the star in your network by preparing a brief intro about job seekers you know and feel comfortable recommending, then offer their contact information (with permission, of course) to recruiters and companies that match the job seekers' search targets.

5. Following up promptly. Don't let those holiday connections go to waste! Make sure you follow up with new members of your network soon after meeting them, to let them know how nice it was connecting with them, and to keep the communication lines open.

6. Using the period between Christmas and New Year's to re-contact all previous interviewers. Let your past interviewers know that you're still available. I've known more than one candidate who reopened an opportunity by proactively reaching out during an otherwise slow period.

7. Sending out New Year's greetings to influential contacts in your network. Include a short, brand-driven message about your value proposition, assuming that you have previously sent a holiday message with zero branding included. This strategy allows you to refresh the memories of your influential contacts with your candidacy as they put the holidays behind them and return to work in the new year.

Remember persistence and assertiveness are always in season. When paired with smart search strategies, your holiday networking can yield a bounty of new gifts in the new year.

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Networking is something most professionals struggle with. But the truth is, your network is your net worth.

If you don't have a strong network, your career will suffer. It will also make your job search more difficult than it needs to be.

Need help building your professional network? We can help!

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13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To …

Top 10 People You Must Have In Your Network To Find A Job

So, you know it is important to have the two Qs as you build out your network: quality and quantity. But have you considered the importance of having a well-rounded network?

In this labor market, having a strong network is critical to your career success. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect with them, and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. This article focuses on who should be in your network.

Here are the top 10 people that should be in your network, no matter if you're looking for a job or happy in your current positionâbecause every job is temporary!

Who Should Be Part Of Your Network?

There are 10 types of people you should have in your network:

The mentor
The coach
The industry insider
The trendsetter
The connector
The idealist
The realist
The visionary
The partner
The wanna-be

1. The Mentor

This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their successes as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.

2. The Coach

The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.

3. The Industry Insider

Man shows an article to someone in his network

This is someone in your chosen field who has expert-level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed on what's happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.

4. The Trendsetter

This is someone outside of your chosen industry that always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.

5. The Connector

This is a person who has access to people, resources, and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.

6. The Idealist

This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how "out there" your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flesh out your dreams in high definition, even if you don't have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.

7. The Realist

On the flip side, you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is the person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations are a little to unrealistic and need some grounding. These are not people who knock down your dreams; rather, they challenge you to actively make your dreams happen.

8. The Visionary

Woman works with two people in her network

Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.

9. The Partner

You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities, and information.

10. The Wanna-Be

Young professional gets help from her mentor at work

This is someone you can serve as a mentor. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing someone is watching.

Obviously, you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on that fit into the roles listed above.

Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities. Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work and the connections to land your dream job? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps. Happy networking!

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Top 10 People You Must Have In …

How To Use The Holidays To Become A Better Networker

Perform you find it difficult to get inside contact with people throughout your network (especially close to the holidays)? And/or people struggling to grow your own personal network overall? Even using your present strategy?

The holiday season can be the wonderful time of yr for many individuals. This is a new great time to loosen up, reconnect with friends plus family, and celebrate! Youâre probably going to end up being seeing people that you havenât spoken within quite a few time.

With that being said, this allows you this PERFECT chance to brush upward on your networking abilities and reconnect with these types of individuals PLUS others!

In this teaching, youâll learn to:

Begin networking having the people who are around you PLUS develop new connections
Pinpoint the various ways in which you may get started together with your marketing strategy
Create meaningful relationships that will assist you enhance your job search

Sign up for our CEO, J. To. O'Donnell, and Director associated with Training Development & Training, Christina Burgio, for this particular live event on Wed, November 9th at twelve pm ET.

CAN'T GO TO LIVE? Which okay. You'll have entry to the recording as well as the workbook after the program!

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How To Use The Holidays To Become …

How To Get Rid Of Your Networking Anxiety

Will this thought of attending some sort of networking event give anyone crippling anxiety? Are people worried youâre wasting your own valuable time on a good networking strategy that isnât on your side? If so, most likely in the proper place!

The good thing is that not one of us are given birth to with a natural expertise for networking, even often the people who enjoy this.

Like a business-of-one, you need to marketplace yourself. Networking is your skill that anyone may learn. To do so, everyone just need to make use of the best strategy!

With this training, youâll understand how to:

Create a highly effective marketing strategy that gets one results faster than using to countless jobs
Identify dream businesses you'd love to function for
Turn out to be a more confident marketer and grow your existence online

Join our TOP DOG, J. T. O'Donnell, and even Director of Training Advancement & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live occasion on Wednesday, October nineteenth at 12 pm AINSI QUE.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You will have access to your recording as well as the workbook right after the session!

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How To Get Rid Of Your Networking …

Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If You Hate It)

After a long day at work, sometimes all you want to do is sit on the couch, eat a bag of chips, and zone out watching television. The thought of attending a networking event seems so daunting. Not only do you have to give up free time, but you also may have to talk with strangers.

With this type of mindset, it's easy to see why so many people are apprehensive about the concept of networking. However, when you avoid networking, you miss out on so many great opportunities.

While networking can feel uncomfortable at first, it's actually a huge investment in yourself. Many people avoid networking simply because they're not used it, but like anything, practice makes perfect.

Here are the top reasons why you should embrace networking:

Take Networking As A Challenge

Building networking skills not only builds confidence but it also plays an important role in professional development, career planning, and potential job searches down the line.

The best way to build these skills is to embrace networking as a challenge. Like going to the gym to reach a fitness goal or taking online courses to further a career, you take on this challenge in order to achieve a long-term goal.

Flex Your Networking Muscle

Young woman networks with colleagues at work

When you're working out at the gym you don't see instant results. You have to put the work in. Networking is the same way. The results won't be instant but every step you take puts you in a better position.

Make networking a habit. Try to attend some sort of social function each week to keep those networking "muscles" flexin'.

Make Networking Part Of Your Routine

A simple change of attitude could go a long ways in changing your outlook about networking. The hardest part is getting started!

Put Yourself Out There

Start by putting yourself out there and attending local networking events reach out to a well-connected colleague to help introduce you to other professionals both in and outside your field.

The more this is done, the easier it becomes. Soon, you'll see your network slowly grow. Having a large professional network can lead to new friendships and mentorships.

Most importantly, this network could eventually turn into future job references, LinkedIn endorsements, and job opportunities.

You never know when you'll be looking for a new job. So, get off the couch, meet some new people, and see where your network takes you.

Rethink Your Networking Strategy

Don't be a selfish networker. While networking can work to your advantage, remember that it's important to help others, too. This is especially true when connecting with someone on LinkedIn. Don't ask for favors right away. Show your value as a connection first.

How's Your Networking Etiquette?

Take inventory of your networking habits. There may be simple ways to improve.

No matter where you are in your career, you shouldn't pass up networking opportunities. We hope these tips help you embrace networking, instead of fearing or dreading it.

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Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If …

Come along intended for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! Within this interactive group session, you will exercise your networking plus presenting skills so an individual can become a more assured connector!

Our virtual event requires place via Zoom exactly where you're able to discuss unique experiences and trade information, advice, and recommendations with a selection of like-minded professionals.

Join our own CEO, J. T. O'Donnell, and Director to teach Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this reside event every Friday in 1 pm ET or 10 am PT.

We hope in order to see you there!

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Networking Masters

While it's not so difficult to add a connection on LinkedIn when you already know the person, approaching someone you don't know, like a hiring manager, recruiter, the head of the department you want to work for, or a contact that can help get you through to the decision-maker is a different story.

Here are five tips on how to approach people you don't know, or don't know very well, and what you can say to get them to connect with you on LinkedIn:

1. Have A Reason To Connect

Man thinks about how to customize his connection request on LinkedIn

Don't send a blank (or default) invitation to connect. It's unlikely that the person you're trying to connect with will accept it.

If it's a hiring manager who interviewed you, but you didn't get the job, it may still be a relationship worth maintaining. Your message could say, "Thank you for the interview opportunity. I would love to be considered for future positions that come up and have you as a professional connection no matter where we may possibly cross paths again."

The act of simply taking the time to write a personal message with your invitation makes you worthy of consideration.

2. Share What You Have In Common

Woman writes a connection invitation on LinkedIn

In your LinkedIn connection request, find ways to form an instant bond by sharing what you have in common. For example, when you're both a member of the same group, club, or volunteer organization, it's easier to approach the individual.

People also want to know or be reminded of how you know them or found them. So you can say something like, "I'm also a member of XYZ on LinkedIn. I noticed you're the head of the marketing department at 123 Company, and I was hoping you could share some advice on how you got started in your career because I'm looking to pursue a similar path."

This approach is less likely to come off like a cold call. If there are other things you have in common, like a similar education or background, share that as well.

3. Mention A Mutual Acquaintance

Whenever possible, it's easier to start an introduction with the help of a mutual acquaintance. After the help of an introduction, it's up to you to build rapport.

If you connect with someone who works for a company you want to work for, you may consider a message like, "I'm a former colleague of John Smith, who's told me a lot about you and your work. I'm considering a position at 123 Company. Would you mind if I ask you some questions related to your experience with the application and interview process?"

The saying, "It's not what you know. It's who you know," has never been truer. Take advantage of your current connections and use them to expand your professional network today.

4. Don't Ask For A Job On First Contact

Woman invites someone to connect on LinkedIn

Avoid sending your resume on first contact, or asking if your new connection knows of any job openings at their company. Your first message to a new connection should focus on starting a conversation, and you can effectively do that by asking for general advice rather than inquiring about a job.

Also, remember to keep questions open-ended so you can build conversation, not end it.

5. Congratulate And Give Recognition

Man writes a message to a new LinkedIn connection

Who doesn't like to be greeted with a nice word of recognition like "Congratulations on the recent award!" or "Great article! I found it really insightful"? It informs the individual you admire their work, making it easier to get their attention and find a reason to connect with you.

If you're already connected, giving kudos to this person will strengthen your relationship and make them more willing to help you in your career.

Having a good network of connections is NOT about quantity but the quality of the people and the strength of the relationships. Take the time to really evaluate who is worth connecting with, and when you do try, have a compelling reason why you want to connect with them so they will sincerely consider your request.

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What To Say When Connecting On LinkedIn

Someone accepted your request to connect on LinkedIn. Yay! Now what?

Now, you need to start a conversation.

Don't just let that new connection sit dead in the water. Here's how to start a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection:

Start With The Subject Line

Struggling to write your initial message? Here are a few subject ideas to get you started (you would elaborate within your message).

For a basic subject line, you could start with something like:

Thanks for connecting!
It's great to meet you!

If you enjoyed an article they wrote/shared, you could start with something like:

Loved your article!
Thanks for sharing your insight.

If you met your new LinkedIn connection in person, you could start with something like:

Great meeting you at yesterday's event!
Wanted to continue our conversation from yesterday.

Introduce Yourself

Shoot your new LinkedIn connection a brief message shortly after connecting. You can start by introducing yourself, then elaborate on why you wanted to connect in the first place.

Mention things you have in common. Feel free to ask them about their goals and interests. What do they want to accomplish? What do they love doing? Highlight commonalities. It will help build a stronger personal connection.

Offer Your Support

We can't stress how important it is to offer value to your connections, especially in your first conversation. It shows that you're a valuable contact who's ready and willing to help your connections.

Offering your support can be as simple as saying something like, "If there's anything I can do to offer support or anyone in my network that I can introduce you to, please let me know. Happy to help." You don't have to go overboard with this in your first message. A brief sentence like the one above is great. Just let them know you're offering.

Don't Ask For Any Favors Just Yet

Do not ask for anything from your new connection unless it benefits them in some way.

For example, if you need a quote from them for an upcoming blog post you're writing, highlight the fact that you'll be promoting the heck out of it and that it will give them some exposure. You can ask for a favor after you've built your professional relationship with this person and you have a history of offering value without asking for anything in return.

What To Do When Someone Connects With YOU...

When someone reaches out to you and asks to connect, make sure you message them immediately after accepting their request with a message that says something like, "Thanks for connecting. It's great to meet you." That way, if they forget to message you, you'll be sitting in their inbox, happy and ready to chat.

Starting a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection is easy once you know how to do it properly. The next time you want to connect with someone new on LinkedIn, follow these four steps. You'll grow your professional network in no time!

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How To Start A Conversation With A …

How To Make Friends With Ambitious People

If you’re trying to take yourself and your life to the next level, it makes a lot of sense to aim higher when it comes to making friends. The right friends will support you emotionally and provide practical help along the way.

If you have exciting friends that aren’t as ambitious as you are, chances are that they’re unconsciously holding you back. You don’t have to stop seeing them; your best bet is to focus on building friendships with new people. If you want to make friends with ambitious people, read on.

In this article, I would like to share with you three important steps. These steps will help you go to the next level in your social life, meet many ambitious and interesting people, and have them stick around for a long time.

Step #1 – Take Control Of Your Social Life (Don’t Leave It To Chance!)

People seem to leave their friendship life to chance, more often than not. While that probably worked well when you were a kid, it most certainly won’t work for you as an adult. With no college or school to facilitate new friendships, you need to be proactive about it. This means that you get conscious and curious about friendship and how it works—consciously make time, every week, for meeting new people, staying in touch, and hanging out with them.

Studies have shown that the influence other people have on you is strong; your destiny literally depends on the people you hang out with. This is why it’s important to have a clear idea of the kind of people you want to have in your life. All you have to do is make a general list of qualities, attributes, or activities that you want in your future friends. It doesn’t have to be definitive; it’s just a guide for your mind. You can start by listing qualities like "healthy," "ambitious," "honest," "productive," "fun," "interesting," etc.

Step #2 – Adopt These Winning Social Habits

Man shakes someone's hand while networking

Success in your friendship life means that you don’t only use the tips once in a while; it means that you adopt the easy new habits that will work on a consistent basis. The first habit is to go meet new people every month. The way to do that is to join a local community that meets up once or twice every month. Try a few that you can find on meetup.com and decide on the one that has the kind of people you'd like to get to know better. In general, go where meeting people is easy; focus on places like trade shows, cultural or charitable events, seminars and talks, and so on.

The second habit is to dedicate at least one hour every week to reaching out to people in your network. You can put it in your calendar; it can be something like every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Early in the week is better. Contact and network with important/strategic LinkedIn connections during this hour. This habit will make sure you don’t lose touch with your existing friends, and follow up with the new people you meet.

The third habit is to decide what you’re going to do over the weekend ahead of time. When it’s time to reach out to people, plan ahead and decide on what you want to do; suggest that plan to those you want to see. This is why it’s important that you contact people early enough in the week, when they haven’t already decided what to do on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Step #3 – Build A Social Circle

Making friends can be time-consuming if you don’t optimize your efforts. If you’re always the one calling and making plans, then you’re not going to be doing it for very long. The best way to tackle this is to focus on forming groups of friends, instead of having a bunch of friends that don’t know each other. I recommend that you always introduce the people that you know to each other, especially if they’re of the ambitious kind. After they meet once or twice, a new group emerges, and you now have a circle of friends. When that happens, they start to call and make plans as well, which means you’ll have more time to contact and make plans with people that you don’t know that well.

As you meet new people, introduce them to the existing group, and make it bigger. If you prefer to meet in small groups, this is a great strategy as well; you can still meet two or three people at the same time, even if your social circle has dozens of people in it.

These three steps will get you started on having ambitious, resourceful friends that will help you succeed, introduce people to you, and emotionally support you when you need it. What’s really important is to open your mind to learning about friendship, how it works, and how you can apply that information to your life.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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