5 Ways to Grow your Network Quickly

'Know us before you need us,' was a billboard slogan many years ago in Central PA for a local health system.

That statement stuck with me for many years now as a Career Coach and Recruiter, as the #1 best way to find a job is through networking. Likewise, the #1 best way to hire is through referrals.

Yet, many job seekers and organizations alike struggle to hire the most suitable candidates to align with the core job as well as their culture.

Why?

We often get so busy, being busy, that we don't give the proper time, attention and priority to building and nurturing our networks. Instead, I've watched my career clients as well as my recruiting clients go into full blown panic mode, defaulting to job boards on both side and yet turning up empty handed.

People know people. That's the bottom line.

So, whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you know people, right? And we are all capable of building a professional network; we may just approach it differently.

Here are 5 ways to begin to build an authentic network:

1. Start small. Think about your close family, friends and neighbors and connect with them on LinkedIn.

2. Choose one event a week to participate in. It can be virtual or in person. It could be attending an event at your local library. Chamber mixers are not for everyone and that's ok, but you have to start somewhere. Consider Eventbrite.com for local event listings, too.

3. Volunteer. As the holidays approach, perhaps you've already begun to think about your annual volunteer commitment. But, why wait until the holidays? There is a great web-site, volunteermatch.org you can use to research your next volunteer commitment. Pick a one time commitment or something on-going. Catchafire.org is a way to volunteer using your professional skill set. Walking dogs isn't for everyone and that's ok :-)

4. Invite 1 person for a 30 minute coffee once a month. We are social beings and sure you can do it virtually and no- it doesn't have to take an entire day. Choose one day a month to invite someone within your network for a more personal conversation. Set the time limit up front and there won't be any surprises or expectations for a 2 hour meeting.

5. Be a guest presenter at your local college or university. It can be a community college or even a high school class. Remember- it is in giving that we receive. Or, you may want to check out an organization like Junior Achievement.

   
   

   A network is like a plant. You've got to:

   1. Talk to it.

   2. Feed it with knowledge.

   3. Water it with ideas.

      
      

If you want to avoid the scramble when your job situation changes or you feel you are no longer a fit OR you are an employer needing to hire, building a genuine network over time will yield fruitful results and be less frustrating and time consuming when you are in need of a 'human resource.'