Last updated on Feb 29, 2024

You want to expand your professional network. What’s the best way to get started?

Expanding your professional network can open up new opportunities, insights, and connections for your career development. But how do you get started, especially if you are not a natural networker or have limited time and resources? In this article, we will share some practical tips and tools to help you build and maintain a valuable network in the context of information systems.

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to people, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to learn new skills, find a mentor, explore new career paths, or gain access to potential employers or clients? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your energy and resources on the most relevant and beneficial contacts. It will also help you craft your personal brand and value proposition, which are essential for making a good impression and establishing rapport.

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Miguel Jimenez

Director
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Para ampliar tu red profesional, comienza definiendo tus objetivos, como buscar oportunidades laborales o conectar con líderes de tu industria. Utiliza LinkedIn para identificar y conectar con profesionales clave, personalizando tus mensajes y ofreciendo valor en cada interacción. Participa en eventos de la industria y foros en línea para aumentar tu visibilidad. Es crucial mantener y nutrir tus conexiones, comunicándote regularmente y siendo recíproco. Este enfoque estratégico y personalizado fomentará el crecimiento de tu red profesional de manera significativa.

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2 Research and join relevant platforms

One of the advantages of working in information systems is that there are many online platforms and communities where you can find and connect with like-minded professionals. Some examples are LinkedIn, GitHub, Stack Overflow, Meetup, Reddit, and Quora. Depending on your goals, you can use these platforms to showcase your work, ask and answer questions, share insights, join discussions, and follow influencers. You can also search for events, webinars, podcasts, and newsletters that are relevant to your interests and skills. Make sure to update your profiles, portfolios, and resumes regularly and include keywords that reflect your expertise and goals.

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Miguel Jimenez

Director
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Para expandir tu red profesional, inicia con la investigación y unión a plataformas clave como LinkedIn, Twitter, y foros especializados. Optimiza tu perfil con una biografía precisa, foto profesional y contenido relevante. Conecta estratégicamente, interactúa en publicaciones y únete a grupos de tu industria. Participa en eventos virtuales y webinars para conocer otros profesionales. Mantén un seguimiento regular y cultiva relaciones a través de la reciprocidad y el intercambio de recursos. Este enfoque proactivo y estratégico te permitirá construir una red profesional sólida y significativa.

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3 Reach out and follow up

Once you have identified some potential contacts that align with your goals, you need to reach out and initiate a conversation. You can do this by sending a personalized message, email, or invitation that explains who you are, what you do, and why you want to connect. Be polite, respectful, and concise, and avoid spamming or asking for favors right away. You can also use some icebreakers, such as commenting on their work, expressing appreciation, or asking for advice. After you have established a connection, you need to follow up and maintain the relationship. You can do this by sending regular updates, feedback, referrals, or resources that add value to them. You can also use tools like CRM software, calendars, or reminders to keep track of your interactions and follow-ups.

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Miguel Jimenez

Director
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Para expandir tu red profesional efectivamente, comienza con mensajes personalizados, claros y que destaquen un valor recíproco. Después del primer contacto, sigue con agradecimientos y manten seguimientos regulares, compartiendo información relevante sin ser intrusivo. Utiliza herramientas de CRM y calendarios para organizar recordatorios. Actívate en eventos de tu sector y en grupos profesionales. Siempre ofrece ayuda y apoyo, siendo un recurso valioso para otros. La clave está en la reciprocidad y un seguimiento considerado, construyendo relaciones sólidas y beneficiosas para ambas partes.

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4 Expand and diversify your network

While it is important to nurture your existing connections, you should also look for ways to expand and diversify your network. You can do this by asking for introductions, referrals, or recommendations from your contacts, or by joining new groups, forums, or events that expose you to different perspectives and opportunities. You can also leverage social media algorithms, hashtags, or keywords to discover new contacts that share your interests or goals. Try to connect with people from different backgrounds, industries, roles, and levels of experience, as they can offer you valuable insights, feedback, and support.

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Abhinandan Nath

CISA | Manager | IT Audit | SAP | Deloitte USI | Ex - EY & PwC
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One thing I've found helpful diversifying your professional network is join and participate in professional events. There are multiple technical/ Business/ Professional communities which organize one or more in-person live events which give a good opportunity to expand your network.

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Miguel Jimenez

Director
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Para expandir y diversificar tu red profesional, identifica áreas de interés y participa en eventos y conferencias afines. Emplea plataformas como LinkedIn para conectar con individuos de diferentes campos, enviando mensajes personalizados. Sé un miembro activo en grupos y foros en línea, aportando contenido valioso. Explora colaboraciones y proyectos conjuntos. Diversificar tu red implica ser proactivo en diversas plataformas y estar abierto a nuevas industrias y especialidades, estableciendo conexiones significativas y enriqueciendo tu entorno profesional.

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5 Give back and reciprocate

Networking is not a one-way street. You need to give back and reciprocate the value that you receive from your network. You can do this by offering your help, expertise, or resources to your contacts, or by endorsing, recommending, or promoting their work. You can also share your knowledge, insights, or experiences with others through blogs, podcasts, webinars, or social media posts. By giving back and reciprocating, you can build trust, credibility, and goodwill with your network, and increase your chances of getting referrals, opportunities, or recognition.

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6 Be authentic and respectful

The most important tip for expanding your professional network is to be authentic and respectful. You should not treat networking as a transactional or manipulative activity, but as a genuine and meaningful way to connect with others. You should not exaggerate, lie, or spam your contacts, but be honest, transparent, and courteous. You should not expect immediate or guaranteed results from your networking efforts, but be patient, persistent, and open-minded. By being authentic and respectful, you can create a positive and lasting impression and reputation with your network, and enjoy the benefits of mutual learning, growth, and collaboration.

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Ming San Hu
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Social/professional networks have enlarged our network of contacts by leaps and bounds, giving us on the one hand the possibility of optimising their management, and on the other hand access to a considerable amount of contents. However, the risk of confusing the scope with the means is often very high, as is the risk of getting carried away. In my opinion, it is important to preserve one's professional ethics even in this virtual and somewhat mined field. Because spam and manipulative behaviour may perhaps guarantee results in the short term, but in the medium to long term, contacts will vanish, followers will withdraw and above all interactions, which are so important for scoring, will not take off.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You want to expand your professional network. What’s the best way to get started?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Research and join relevant platforms

3 Reach out and follow up

4 Expand and diversify your network

5 Give back and reciprocate

6 Be authentic and respectful

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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You want to expand your professional network. What’s the best way to get started?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Research and join relevant platforms

3 Reach out and follow up

4 Expand and diversify your network

5 Give back and reciprocate

6 Be authentic and respectful

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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