Step up your online networking and get ahead
In today’s competitive job market, having a robust professional network filled with authentic connections can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and advancing your career. In fact, most (if not all) jobs for independent professionals and freelancers, come from referrals – not job postings.
One of the most crucial questions to ask of your Circle is, who is going to help you find work and maximise your revenue.
While we have covered who should be in your immediate circle in an earlier article (add link here), there are certain tips and tricks to the online networking game that can help you get the most out of whatever platform you use.
In this article, we’ll relook at the key people we need in our inner circle, then delve deeper into how you can use professional networking platforms to attract clients. More specifically, we’ll cover how Reloop is designed to work with you, not against you.
The Inner Circle
First step is to ask who are your most trusted and valued connections? Who would be the first people you would reach out to when you need some support?
1. Peers in Adjacent Fields
Let’s face it, peers in your own field of expertise aren’t as likely to recommend you for a role – but people you’ve worked with in the past in adjacent professions or with complimentary skillsets will certainly be open to sharing opportunities.
As an independent professional, how often have you been asked by a client if you know another freelancer that can join the team or project?
Connecting with peers in related industries can offer fresh perspectives and open doors to unexpected opportunities. They can provide introductions that might not have been otherwise accessible.
2. Cheerleaders/Friends
Your friends can be your most enthusiastic advocates. They know you well and can vouch for your skills and abilities. Their support and encouragement can be invaluable in bolstering your professional reputation.
3. Previous Managers/Colleagues
Maintaining relationships with former supervisors and colleagues can yield numerous benefits. They are familiar with your work ethic and capabilities, making them excellent sources of recommendations and referrals.
4. Mentors
Having a mentor can be a game-changer in your career. They provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable advice. Mentors can introduce you to their own network, creating a ripple effect of potential opportunities.
5. Trusted Peers in Your Field
Building relationships with peers in your own industry is essential for staying updated on industry trends and developments. They can also be instrumental in introducing you to key players and decision-makers.
6. Juniors
Don’t overlook the potential of networking with professionals at earlier stages in their careers. They may have unique insights or connections that can be beneficial, and they can also become valuable contacts in the future.
To visualise this concept, consider a network graph. At the centre, you’ll find yourself, surrounded by these different categories of connections. This foundation circle is the starting point of your professional network.
The real magic of networking happens when you extend your reach to prospective clients. This is where your foundation circle comes into play. They can provide introductions, vouch for your expertise, and offer valuable advice on approaching potential clients.
Maximising Your Impact on Social Networking Platforms
Moving forward, let’s explore in greater detail how to effectively utilise networking platforms to expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities.
1. Keep Things Focused
When reaching out on social and professional platforms, it’s essential to be clear about your objectives. Whether you’re seeking advice, exploring collaboration opportunities, or simply introducing yourself, clarity of purpose is key. Vague or ambiguous messages may lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
Your connections should always have intent, there’s no point in having a large network unless it creates meaningful relationships. Here are some people you should connect with in order to keep your networking focused:
- A manager or leader in a specific department or company you want to work with.
- CEOs of small companies you want to work with.
- People for whom you have specific questions and you think you can learn from.
Connecting with purpose can help you build the strongest version of your personal professional network.
2. Keep it Personal
Avoid generic messages that could apply to anyone. Tailor your outreach to each individual, demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to understand their background and interests.
Personalised communication shows that you value the connection and are genuinely interested in establishing a meaningful professional relationship. If you are able to say why you want to connect with that specific person, they are much more likely to be helpful down the line than if they see your relationship as generic.
And remember to always be courteous as friendly, if you feel like a friend your connections will treat you like one.
3. Don’t Be Shy!
It’s common to feel hesitant when reaching out to new contacts, especially those who may be more experienced or influential in your field. However, remember that networking is a two-way street. Most professionals appreciate genuine and thoughtful outreach. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted introduction or a sincere expression of interest in their work. You’ve got nothing to be shy about, even the most innovative industry leaders were once where you are now, they understand and appreciate ambition and sincerity.
4. Engage on the Platform
Networking doesn’t stop at sending messages. Actively participate in discussions, comment on relevant posts, and share insightful content. This not only showcases your expertise and interests but also helps you stay on the radar of your connections. Being an engaged member of your professional community positions you as a valuable contributor and demonstrates your commitment to your field. Don’t let your connections forget you exist, be an active voice on your platform and stay at the forefront of your connections’ mind.
5. Be a part of multiple platforms
Most independent professionals are part of 3-4 networking sites, and job platforms. Each serves its own purpose. As many of us are looking for new clients more often than the full-time employed, it makes sense we need a few different sources of work flow.
How Reloop helps
There are many great resources for online networking out there (and they all serve a purpose), but here are a few of the things that make Reloop a fantastic place to set up your network.
1. The Availability Switch
The availability switch feature makes sure that your circle knows exactly when you can work. Keep this updated and your network will know whenever you are available for work, keeping you at the forefront of their mind for any available projects.
2. Offerings
The Offerings feature approaches networking in a gentler way. Being generous with your time and skills helps people understand what you’re good at with zero pressure. Connections that you’ve had a 30 minute zoom call with are far more likely to refer you, particularly if you’ve been helpful for them.
3. The Journey
People you are connecting with see the whole picture – and it makes sense for those of us who have often htaken a non-linear path to working independently. Your profile, helps explain your personal journey in an accessible and holistic way. Don’t underestimate the power of humanising your story – it’ll attract the right clients in the long run.
4. Searching
Using the search bar, you can search for individuals you’d like to meet on Reloop – whether by skillset or by profession. This is invaluable in filling out not just your wider network but your inner circle as well. Make Reloop part of the research cycle as well as the networking, and find relevant people based on shared experiences and interests – not just career decisions.
By incorporating these strategies into your networking approach, you’ll be well on your way to building a robust professional network that can be a powerful asset throughout your career journey. Remember, networking is about cultivating genuine relationships, and the efforts you invest today can lead to meaningful opportunities in the future. A quality network needs to be nurtured – just like any relationships. Play the long game!
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Sources
https://hbr.org/2016/09/dont-waste-your-time-on-networking-events’\
https://community.themomproject.com/the-study/networking-as-a-freelancer
