Professional Networks was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Strong professional connections are a vital element of career growth. Networking with the right people can help you bag an executive position or retain one. It gives you a fresh perspective, which comes in handy when you want to prove your value to your current employer or a potential one.
Investing in your professional network will help you foster and retain good relationships. It improves your profile in your industry and gives you a leadership status.
Here are eight effective executive networking strategies.
1️⃣ Improve Your Social Media Presence
Many people use social media to connect with professionals from all over the world. With a strong online profile, you can easily network with people without meeting them physically.
Build your LinkedIn profile and connect with other executives in your industry. Engage them by posting interesting content and keeping in touch to discuss various matters. These may include recent innovations and trends or proposed business regulations.
Engaging your network ensures you can rely on it for career progression. If an executive opportunity arises, you can trust that your connections will let you know and vouch for you. They may also provide helpful advice to excel in your position and retain a leadership role.
Facebook is another platform you can use to build your network. Find and join many work-related groups and link with like-minded professionals. Besides, follow popular career pages for helpful insights on marketable skills and executive hiring.
2️⃣ Add Value to Your Network
Everyone wants to gain something from their professional network. So, it’s only fair that you have something to offer your connections so they can reciprocate.
Contact your connections to propose something valuable, like a referral or network. You can also compliment them on their latest achievements or provide helpful resources. Such steps will help you prove your value, build your brand, and boost your reputation. In the long run, you create many mutually beneficial relationships.
If you offer your contacts guidance and assistance, they will likely help you when needed. For example, they can help you solve work challenges to be more eligible for executive roles. They may also refer you to reliable vendors and clients that will make your bosses happy.
3️⃣ Speak at Conferences
Industry conferences allow you to link with people in your niche. Identify the areas you are good at and approach organizations that host conferences. Offer to speak at the event and be open to discussing topics that weren’t in your original plan. Don’t forget to invite your network, then inform your friends and colleagues.
If you offer valuable information at a conference, you might be surprised by how many people approach you afterward. You will also likely receive many networking requests, even from top executives in other firms.
Participating in industry conferences makes you more visible to potential employers. More people will know about you and your expertise, making it easier to move up in your career.
4️⃣ Be Smart About Using Your Business Cards
Sometimes, you won’t have enough time to talk to potential employers and sell yourself. Business cards will come in handy by allowing you to connect with the right people with less effort.
Create a simple card that reflects your professional identity and share it during various events. These may include trade shows, seminars, or even informal gatherings hosted by business owners. Make your card stand out so it doesn’t end up in the trash. It’s also a good idea to share your details with friends and former colleagues so they can help you access more opportunities.
Do you want to expand your network without carrying cards around? Digital business cards are perfect for networking with less hassle. With such, you can share your info and track who interacts with your profile in a few clicks.
5️⃣ Be Active in Your Community
Business owners need employees who easily connect with clients and relate with consumers. If you want to get an executive position or retain one, you’ll benefit from your local community.
Volunteer for charity activities like visiting nursing homes or cleaning local parks. Additionally, inspire students by participating in career days in local schools.
Such initiatives will make you a valuable member of society and connect you with industry stakeholders. They also help your employer notice your initiative and consider you for a leadership role.
6️⃣ Target the Right Associations
Associations give you early access to opportunities and information in many ways. For example, if a former schoolmate runs a company, you can learn about open positions from your alumni group. Besides, some employers may ask for referrals from members when looking to fill an executive position.
Joining the right associations will help you reap such benefits. You will know about lucrative positions and sell yourself before employers consider others. Likewise, you can find a good mentor to offer the guidance needed to be a great executive.
7️⃣ Interact With Employees
Executives often have less time to interact with employees due to demanding duties. In such a role, you might avoid small talk and only focus on connecting with people in your rank or higher. Unfortunately, you could miss out if you don’t build a rich network with employees.
Create a community with other workers, and don’t be afraid to interact with them outside the office. Show genuine interest in their work and support their career goals. You will succeed in your current executive role if you nurture good relationships with employees.
8️⃣ Work on Essential Soft Skills
You might underestimate the power of soft skills in building and retaining connections. But, you can only maintain a good network if you are approachable and relate well with others.
Show interest in your connections by asking them about their projects or career milestones. Offer constructive feedback and be open to criticism instead of avoiding people who disagree with you. It’s also good to listen actively so you can offer your opinion only when necessary.
Set Yourself Up For Success
Applying practical networking tips builds valuable connections and prepares you for success. It expands your knowledge and makes you more confident in your abilities. You can gain new insights, share ideas and showcase your skills when interacting with other experts.
