Whether you are an entrepreneur looking for funding, a woman in business or when you are starting out in a new place or industry, it is always good to have a solid network.
It is crucial that you know what your goals are. If you are looking to connect with a very particular group of people like someone from a certain industry, with a certain designation, geographic-specific contacts or who is in the same life stage.
Now that you know answers to what, who, and why, let’s figure out how you can start to build your network.
Stage 1 — Start right from where you are
As an entrepreneur looking for funding and others, you already have a network, which includes your former or current classmates, previous co-workers, friends, family, and more.
Take help of people who already know and trust you, and ask them if it is possible for them to connect you to the specific group of people you are looking to meet. Make sure to use social media and the contacts from your phone, set up calls or meet people in person and catch up. Depending on the circumstances, emails can also work.
Stage 2 — Expand your circle with local organizations
As an entrepreneur looking for funding, next you have to look for organizations that interest you, they may be startup investors, platforms for business loans, business-to-business professionals, etc.
Once you have the list of such organization, make sure you join their newsletters and attend some of their events. It will help you decide which organization best resonate with you and then invest more time and energy over them.
When you decide, you have to give your all. Volunteer, meet with people, take a leadership role, and find ways to build a reputation as someone who is part of this community and can offer great value.
Stage 3 — Focus on one-on-one networking
Now that you may know relatively more people, focus more on one-on-one meetings with people who are involved in your area of interest. Ask them who you should contact in the industry and if they would mind introducing you to them.
In each of these meetings, make sure to be specific about what you need help with and ask them if there is another person whom you should speak with.
In any instance when your contact connects you with someone, make sure to follow up and thank them for introducing you, as well as give them a quick idea about how the meeting went.
Stage 4 — Consider national organizations
As you talk to people from stage one to three, ask if they recommend joining any national organizations that may help you with your goal. Just like in stage two, try to get more involved in them and figure out which organization can help you and invest more time there. Set a goal to attend a certain number of relevant workshops, conferences, seminars, and retreats.
By the end of these four stages, you would most likely have a better understanding of your industry of interest and you would definitely know more people from the industry who can help you meet your goal. However, during this time make sure to reflect back on how much your network has grown and after some time you will also be able to pay it forward by doing the same for others.
