Networking - Professional Services
Discussion
I'm an accountant. Fully qualified, work for one of the largest firms in the world. I won't be too specific on my field as the question is more general.
I've been told to build a network. I already have a network of friends, ex colleagues and some ex clients. Generally we get on because we have similar interests/we worked well together/ I did a good job for them. Pretty happy to do so. Realistically it is part of life.
I have been to a few events locally, usually things I'm interested such as a factory tour for local professionals of a large technology centre. Tend to meet a couple of people each time. I don't tend to force the conversation or a business card at them.
Is it the case I continue to show my face in the area and my network will bloom organically? Any other tips? How much time is sensible to invest?
I've been told to build a network. I already have a network of friends, ex colleagues and some ex clients. Generally we get on because we have similar interests/we worked well together/ I did a good job for them. Pretty happy to do so. Realistically it is part of life.
I have been to a few events locally, usually things I'm interested such as a factory tour for local professionals of a large technology centre. Tend to meet a couple of people each time. I don't tend to force the conversation or a business card at them.
Is it the case I continue to show my face in the area and my network will bloom organically? Any other tips? How much time is sensible to invest?
What's your area of work?
Get on linked in
What professionals do you regularly work with/for?
Who instructs you/ buys your expertise?
These are the people you need to get to know.
Invite people out for coffee/lunch or organise some events.
Speak to your bosses, get ou with them and meet some of their contacts.
Alternatively just get smashed after work and see who stays out late
Get on linked in
What professionals do you regularly work with/for?
Who instructs you/ buys your expertise?
These are the people you need to get to know.
Invite people out for coffee/lunch or organise some events.
Speak to your bosses, get ou with them and meet some of their contacts.
Alternatively just get smashed after work and see who stays out late
A network isn't about who you know, it's about who the people that you know, know. And maybe even one level deeper than that. Think Kevin Bacon - 6 degrees of separation.
LinkedIn does show it quite nicely.
A lot depends on who has told you that you need to build a network, and what their reasoning is.
Think about if you needed to find a new job - you saw something you were interested in - who do you know who works there? Who do you know who knows the hiring manager? etc. etc.
It's not something that comes naturally to most people, which is why LinkedIn is an easy place to start. Other than that, are there any user groups / round tables that cover your industry or key products that you use? Start attending those, and even start to host the meeting - you probably only need to do this once a year.
LinkedIn does show it quite nicely.
A lot depends on who has told you that you need to build a network, and what their reasoning is.
Think about if you needed to find a new job - you saw something you were interested in - who do you know who works there? Who do you know who knows the hiring manager? etc. etc.
It's not something that comes naturally to most people, which is why LinkedIn is an easy place to start. Other than that, are there any user groups / round tables that cover your industry or key products that you use? Start attending those, and even start to host the meeting - you probably only need to do this once a year.
Who told you to build a network and why? That may add some insight to help us respondents. The task as it stands wouldn't help you unless you knew what the final outcome to be achieved is. Once you do know, then you can develop a plan to meet that specific outcome and prioritise your networking activity to attempt to get the best RoI of your precious time. Good luck!
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