6 Pro tips for growing your professional network

Several factors are responsible for your professional growth such as determination, hard work, passion, discipline, to name a few. One more thing that can impact your professional growth is a professional network.

If you do not have a strong professional network, it can start to decrease your professional growth. When you connect with people with similar traits and train of thoughts, your chance of success increases.

There are few things that can help you network, like having a digital business card and presence on social media. Other than these tools, here are a few things to try to build a professional network.

Tip 1: Greet people according to their culture and confidently

 

When you meet people the first time, you must leave a good first impression on them. That will happen only when you are yourself. So, be polite, friendly, and shake their hand firmly. Show how pleased you are to meet them through your actions. Also, be confident and greet them as per their traditions. For instance, in India, it is a tradition to greet each other with folded hands. Remembering the culture of people and greeting them is a great way to build a network.

 

Tip 2: Have some distance between you and the other person

 

When you meet someone, whether a second time or initially, it is essential to remember to keep some distance between you two. Do not crowd their personal space as it comes across creepily.

Keep at least a distance of two feet between you two, leaving space for a third person to come and be part of your conversation.

 

Tip 3: Keep your business card handy

 

You meet people at events, and you want to build a professional relationship with them. For this purpose, keep your business card always with you. After a point in the conversation, you would need to verify your information, like the services you provide and your designation. Therefore, carry your digital business card with you always. People often forget to carry their business cards. Thus, it is best to have a smart business card, which you can share with people through emails and text.

 

Tip 4: Do your research

 

When you attend a professional network, do your research about the people coming to the event. Find out a few common interests for initiating conversation.

 

Tip 5: Let the other person talk too

Sometimes when we start talking, we are unable to stop. We keep talking about our likes or want to explain our opinions so well that we forget to listen to other people's opinions. So, keep this in mind and also ask them questions about them to keep the conversation going. Asking about their interests gives you a better chance to build a strong connection.

 

Tip 6: Always follow up

 

Following up after you meet someone at an event is essential. Send a simple mail saying, ‘It was nice to meet you. Looking forward to future collaborations.’ It will place you in their mind, and doing future business with them will be easy.

Share other tips for professional network building that worked for you in the comments below.