How do I get more connections?

In today’s digital world, having a strong professional network is more important than ever. With the rise of social media and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, there are ample opportunities to connect with other professionals in your industry and field. However, simply having an online presence is not enough. You need to be proactive about growing and nurturing your network by regularly engaging with your connections. Here are some tips on how to get more high-value connections.

Make use of existing connections

Start by looking within your current network. Go through your contacts on LinkedIn and other platforms and think about who you haven’t connected with in a while. Reach out to old colleagues, classmates, or acquaintances with a quick note to catch up. Staying top of mind with your existing connections increases the likelihood that they will think of you when a relevant opportunity arises.

You can also ask your current connections for introductions to new contacts. A personal referral goes a long way and can help you expand your network exponentially. When asking for an introduction, be specific about who you would like to connect with and why. This gives your contact context to know which introductions are most relevant.

Get active on social media

Actively engaging on social media is a great way to connect with professionals in your industry. Follow relevant hashtags and companies to stay on top of the latest news and trends. Share articles and contribute thoughtful comments to establish yourself as a subject matter expert. You can also join relevant Facebook groups and LinkedIn groups to connect with like-minded professionals.

In addition to posting your own content, be sure to like, share, and comment on updates from others. This raises your visibility and gets you on other people’s radar. Over time, regular social media activity will lead to organic connections and opportunities.

Attend industry events

Industry networking events, conferences, trade shows, and seminars provide valuable face-to-face opportunities to make new connections. Come prepared with business cards and an elevator pitch that summarizes who you are and what you do. Greet people with a smile, make eye contact, and focus on building rapport.

Don’t just stick to people you already know at events. Step outside your comfort zone and strike up conversations with new people. Ask smart questions to find common ground and listen attentively. Collect business cards from new contacts and follow up within a few days. LinkedIn is great for looking up people you met and sending connection requests.

Here are some tips for maximizing your connections at industry events:

• Arrive early – You can connect with attendees in a smaller setting before the event gets crowded.
• Stand near high traffic areas – Position yourself near places like registration tables or food/beverage stations.
• Engage with speakers and hosts – Introduce yourself and share feedback on their presentation.
• Mingle purposefully – Don’t get caught in long conversations so you can meet more people.

Volunteer strategically

Volunteering is a rewarding way to expand your professional network while supporting a cause you care about. When selecting volunteer opportunities, choose organizations where you’ll be likely to interface with people in your desired field. For example, if you’re an accountant you might volunteer to serve on a finance committee or assist with taxes and auditing.

Nonprofit board service is another strategic volunteering tactic that adds valuable connections. Before joining a board, make sure the organization has a strong reputation and an impressive roster of board members you can learn from. Approach volunteer leadership roles with a spirit of service and avoid self-serving behavior.

Connect online and offline

The most effective networking combines online and offline strategies. Once you’ve made an initial online connection, follow up and offer to meet for coffee or a quick video chat. Meeting in person helps convert connections into solid professional relationships. Send personalized messages when connecting online and reference previous conversations or meetings.

Similarly, after meeting someone at an event ask to connect on LinkedIn or other platforms. This allows you to keep the relationship going and continue the conversation. Integrating online and in-person networking provides diverse touchpoints to strengthen your overall connections.

Tips for following up with connections:

• Connect within 24 hours of meeting someone new
• Note where you met or who connected you
• Reference previous conversations to personalize messages
• Suggest meeting for coffee or schedule a call to learn more
• Share an article or other material relevant to their interests

Provide value to connections

The best networkers focus on giving rather than getting. Look for ways to offer genuine support, advice, or assistance to others in your network. Share articles or information that may interest them. Introduce them to someone who can help them succeed. Offer your skills and expertise where applicable.

When you provide value, people are more inclined to reciprocate. They will naturally think of you when opportunities arise. Give without expecting anything immediate in return, and your contributions will pay dividends through your growing connections.

Ways to provide value:

• Make introductions to contacts who can help them
• Share advice based on your experience
• Give recommendations and endorsements
• Offer feedback on projects or ideas
• Point them to jobs or openings in your network

Follow up consistently

Out of sight, out of mind. That saying especially applies to networking connections. Following up regularly is key to nurturing relationships over time. Check in every month or quarter with existing connections to keep lines of communication open. Forward interesting articles, comment on updates, or just say a quick hello. The more regularly you engage, the stronger your bonds will become.

Setting reminders on your calendar can help ensure you follow up consistently. Brief monthly or quarterly check-ins are ideal for maintaining top of mind presence. Following up more sporadically leads to weaker connections that can quickly go cold. Dedicate time on your calendar for regular networking follow up and outreach.

Join professional associations

Industry associations and professional organizations offer built-in opportunities to expand your network. These groups hold regular meetings, education events, and conferences that enable you to connect with like-minded professionals. They also provide online directories of members that make it easy to reach out.

Getting actively involved with associations as a member, speaker, or volunteer is ideal for making connections. This increases your visibility and allows you to develop deeper relationships over time. Professional associations also keep you up-to-date on industry news and changes which gives you more opportunities for high-value networking conversations.

Network internally

While external networking is important, don’t neglect opportunities within your own organization. Take time to build connections across different departments and teams. Reach out to colleagues in different roles to learn about their work and challenges. Discover shared interests and opportunities for collaboration.

Strong internal networks increase engagement, innovation, and productivity. Colleagues you connect with can provide insider advice that helps you navigate the organizational landscape. They are also great sources of introductions when expanding your external networking.

Leverage your connections

Expanding your network is just the starting point. To gain maximum value, you need to actively leverage your connections. Turn to your network when you need advice, input, or introductions. Share job openings, new projects, and developments that may interest them. Make collaboration and referrals a regular practice.

Keep track of your connections’ areas of expertise, interests, and goals so you can quickly identify who to turn to for help. Proactively putting your network to work saves time and leads to more rewarding outcomes than trying to accomplish everything yourself.

At the same time, avoid simply using your network only when you need something. Over-utilization reduces the likelihood that your contacts will engage. Find ways to add value for others first and your connections will enthusiastically reciprocate when the time comes.

Examples of leveraging your network:

• Asking a marketer friend for input when preparing a campaign
• Introducing an IT contact in your network to a technical co-founder
• Sharing a job posting with a college alum who may be interested
• Recommending a project manager you know for an open consulting role
• Connecting a venture capitalist you know with a startup seeking funding

Turn connections into relationships

There is a big difference between simply having connections and developing meaningful professional relationships. Turning contacts into trusted relationships takes time and consistent nurturing. Share personal updates and milestones, not just professional news. Follow through on commitments and provide extraordinary support when needed.

Look for ways you can collaborate on projects or initiatives together. People you work with directly become invested in your success and vice versa. Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to build deep relationships with too many contacts. Focus on cultivating a smaller inner circle of loyal connections.

Patience and persistence are critical when transforming connections into relationships. Stay positive if someone is slow to respond or not receptive at first. Consistently demonstrate your value and support and bonds will strengthen over time.

Strategies for developing deeper relationships:

• Meet in person regularly when possible
• Look for opportunities to collaborate
• Open up and share challenges you are facing
• Offer to mentor junior-level connections
• Show extra generosity when they are in need

Maintain your network

Once you’ve established connections, you need to maintain them over the long-term. Continuously add new connections while also nurturing your existing ones. Stay organized by keeping a master list of your network with notes on how best to engage each contact.

Review your network regularly to identify dormant connections to reactivate as well as new connections you still need to make. LinkedIn and CRM tools make it easy to manage your connections so you can maximize their value.

Avoid neglecting your network, which causes contacts to disengage. Carve out consistent time on your calendar to connect with your network through both online and offline channels. Maintaining your network produces the greatest payoff for your career over time.

Tips for network maintenance:

• Add new connections regularly
• Follow up consistently with current connections
• Tag and group connections for segmentation
• Note connections’ key details and preferences
• Block time on your calendar for networking

Expand your circles continuously

Networking is not a one-and-done activity. To maximize your professional opportunities, you need to keep expanding your connections and circles of influence. Avoid getting complacent and relying only on your existing network.

Look for opportunities to network with different types of professionals, not just those in your immediate field. Connections in complementary industries often lead to game-changing collaborations and innovations.

Keep challenging yourself to network outside your comfort zone. Attend new events, join expanded associations, and put yourself in unfamiliar networking situations. The ability to connect and build rapport with anyone is a skill that opens limitless doors throughout your career.

Ways to expand your circles:

• Pursue leadership roles in associations
• Ask for introductions to your connections’ networks
• Reach out cold via LinkedIn messages
• Gradulate from casual connections to closer relationships
• Travel to conferences locally and globally

Conclusion

Building an expansive professional network requires patience and persistence. Focus on providing value, nurturing authentic relationships, and consistently expanding your circles. With time and commitment, you can develop an incredibly influential network that provides guidance, opportunities, and support throughout your career.

Start by strengthening existing connections today. Reach out to past colleagues, meet someone new at an industry event, and find ways to add value for others. Small steps compound over time into a powerful professional network that can accelerate your success.