6 Tips for Building a Community Network
Feeling stumped on how to network effectively? You may need a simple shift of perspective…
It’s important to remember: networking is a two-way street, and we should pursue others even when we don’t need anything.
What if we shifted our view of networking to something closer to the community building we pursue when we need to foster a new ecosystem of support?
6 Steps for Building a Thriving Community Network
Capitalize on online platforms
Create and optimize profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and actively engage with your contacts. This is the easiest way to connect with folks inside and outside your industry because it naturally facilitates global idea exchange, opportunities for mentorship, and access to collaboration!
Tap into existing contacts
Your current network of friends, family, and colleagues is a great place to start when looking to build community.
Here’s a fun one: have a dinner party or plan an outing and encourage all of your guests to bring one person the others don’t know! This automatically creates an environment for making new conversations and connections.
Friends can also vouch for your skills, provide recommendations, broaden your reach, and open doors to new resources and support.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a twofer! When you engage with causes you care about, it not only contributes to society as a whole but also connects you with like-minded people. You’ll be broadening your networking scope (because, chances are, unless you’re volunteering within your specific industry, there will be others from all different walks of life) and growing meaningful connections and relationships. Who knows? These may even lead to professional connections, too.
Stay in touch
Check-in with your contacts through an email, a quick call, or coffee to keep your connections active. Like with friends, getting together with former colleagues (especially those who were friends!) is vital in strengthening your well-being and community. This pursuit nurtures trust and ensures your network remains supportive over time, increasing the likelihood of exchanging future relevant opportunities.
Take the initiative
Making friends and building connections requires a little bit of courage and a lot of initiative! Just like with a new friend you’re looking to build a relationship with, send a potential connection a personalized message to show your genuine interest in learning about their experiences and perspectives. Approaching a new relationship when you don’t need anything sets a level playing field for easy connection without expectation.
Attend Events
Find a workshop, training session, or conference where you can meet like-minded professionals - and go! Face-to-face interactions are invaluable when you’re looking to expand your knowledge and community in specific spaces. I advise each client to go to one live conference a year to deepen personal connections, dive into meaningful conversations, and exchange new ideas.
It’s not about the quantity of people you know but the quality that makes life rich. Cultivating genuine relationships, offering help, and being open to learning from others creates a network that supports your career and enriches your life.
Here’s to new beginnings and deepened relationships!
🥂 nicole:)
