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Whether you’re at your old or new job, expanding your professional network should be a constant goal. Connections are key to your success—they allow you to forge healthy relationships with others who can help and guide you. Here’s how to start doing it effectively without being too overwhelmed.

How to Find the Right Connections

When building your network, you have to find the right people first. Make it a point to attend networking events offline or online. There are plenty of opportunities on the internet to meet like-minded individuals, especially on social media platforms and forums.

While it’s easier to correspond online, refrain from dismissing the importance of turning up at trade shows, industry conferences, and local meetings—nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Sometimes, hang out at lunch spots or bars and strike up random conversations to create connections.

How to Have Productive Conversations

new jobEven if you’re connected to the right people, your professional network won’t grow as it is—you need to have meaningful connections with them. Refrain from starting with an end in mind, such as a new job or a glowing recommendation—it leaves a bad taste. Instead, ask for advice or solicit their opinions as a way to show that you value their expertise. Listen actively rather than speak about yourself at length.

Keep the conversation engaging with sensible questions and common ground, but be sensitive enough to pick up cues that you’re taking too much of their time. Before parting, remember to thank them and ask if you can touch base with them. When they say yes, send them a short email to put yourself at the top of their mind.

How to Use Social Media

Social media has made it easier for people to expand their network. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Twitter to make your presence felt online. Share relevant content on your account or engage in meaningful posts to show what you know.

Of the three, LinkedIn is the perfect platform to create a credible professional profile. Update it when you have a new job or if you’re attending a conference—you may come across someone who attended the same event. Keep your conversations authentic; it’s better to have genuine relationships instead of forced exchanges on your social media.

 

Growing your professional network helps you travel faster and farther on your career path. When looking for a new job to build your career, let Express Employment Professionals help you. As a trusted employment agency in La Crosse, WI, they’ve helped countless residents find excellent jobs since 1983. Call (608) 779-4252 to learn how they can help with your job search, or visit them online to get started today.

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