5 Ways to Master Professional Networking: Career Coach’s Guide

Professional networking is an essential skill to help you advance your career💅.

With the right connections, you can expand your knowledge, gain new opportunities and improve your personal brand. Does building a business network may seem intimidating or overwhelming to begin with?

In this guide, you’ll get access to a professional career coach’s advice and tips for mastering career networking and making the most out of your connections.

 

What is Professional Networking in 2024?

Professional networking, or career networking, refers to the ✨very important✨ strategic use of digital platforms, virtual and in-person events, social media and connecting to build a community of people in your niche with whom you can share ideas, advice, referrals and more. Successfully building these kinds of business relationships now will help you in the future.

 

How is networking different in 2024?

• Virtual networking has become the standard, encouraging global connections.
• AI tools personalise and optimise networking.
• Social media platforms enhance real-time professional engagement.
• Networking emphasises diversity and inclusivity.
• Hybrid events offer both online and in-person interaction.
• Digital business cards/QR codes are becoming popular.
• Data analytics refine and improve networking strategies.
• Sustainability is becoming a priority in networking events.
• Well-being is integrated into networking practices.

 

Why is Networking Important?⚠️

Networking is crucial to growing a community that can open doors for you now and in the future – network BEFORE you need it!

Networking can seem initially intimidating, it requires self-belief and confidence. The good news is that you can build both these things yourself!

Linkedin reports that 85% of job seekers in the UK found networking to be a significant factor in finding new job opportunities, especially with a personal connection leading to a more successful outcome (Personal Branding!)

 

Building a strong professional network can:

1. Deliver referrals (other professionals often have clients who might now – or one day – require your services)
2. Give you crucial advice when needed (as you grow and learn, you can share and gain knowledge from others)
3. Support you if things get lonely (especially if you’re a one-person show)
4. Increase your visibility within your industry
5. Get you access to collaboration opportunities

 

Types of Professional Networking👩🏻‍💻

1. Online networking
2. In-person networking
3. Industry/niche-specific networking
4. Community/local networking
5. Strategic networking
6. Academic networking

 

5 Ways to Master Professional Networking:

 

Create a Personal Brand📱

A well-strategised personal brand is a powerful tool that highlights your values and sets you apart from the crowd. When you’re building your network, you want to create credibility and trust by making sure your personal brand reflects what you stand for. For example, personal branding is the key to building a close-knit and strong community, especially for platforms like LinkedIn – but it can also help you refine what you want to talk about when you write posts or comment on other connection’s thought leadership.

 

Optimise Your Existing Network🔗

The first step to building a strong professional network is to start with your existing connections. This includes friends, family members, colleagues, classmates or even acquaintances. These individuals are already familiar with you and may be willing to introduce you to their own networks.

 

Host and Attend Networking Events Regularly📅

Networking events are great opportunities to meet new people in your industry and expand your network. By hosting or attending these events, you can showcase your knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas and establish meaningful connections. Remember to follow up with the people you meet at these events to maintain and strengthen your relationships.

Top tip: when you meet someone new, if you connect via the QR code on LinkedIn – screen shot the connection on your phone so that you can remember who you met the next day and reach out to say hi.

 

Utilise Career Networking Sites🌐

Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook can be incredibly powerful tools for building professional networks. These sites allow you to connect with individuals from all over the world who share similar interests or work in the same industry as you. You can also join groups or communities on these platforms to further expand your network.

Top tip: be mindful of who you are connecting with and why, it will help to build variety and depth in your connections and the content you see in your feed.

 

Offer Value and Help Others🤝

Networking is not just about what you can gain, but also about what you can give. By offering value and helping others in your network, you build trust and establish yourself as a valuable connection. This could be through sharing resources, providing advice or making introductions to other professionals. Growing a business and a brand for yourself means a lot of learning – share these lessons with others and you’ll build a strong community

Top tip: be interested, before you become interesting – ask questions, be curious and get to know the other person before you roll out your elevator pitch!

 

Make sure you know your values

Knowing your values is the best way to ensure you’re attracting the right kinds of people. For example, if you run an e-commerce business selling vegan skincare products, it will be important to build a network with people who are in the vegan/ethical/cruelty-free space. Even if they sell a completely different product, their customers will likely be looking for other brands and products with the same ethics. Long story short, network with people in your niche.

Top tip: this can also tie back to your content pillars for what you write about on social platforms, if you weave your values into what you write – you will become known for those values further strengthening your brand.

 

5 Networking Sites for Women 2024

Over 65% of UK professionals use digital platforms for networking, with women only taking up one-third of the UK’s entrepreneurs. Additionally, the same source highlighted a clear lack of access to relatable networks as a key barrier for women. Considering the data, it’s important to know about the best career networking sites specifically for women entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Other than the obvious ones like Linkedin, there are dozens of other networking sites that can benefit you, if not now, further down the line. Planting the seed now and creating some brand awareness is crucial in growing an audience that will be there for you when things get quieter.

 

Female Founders

Female Founders is a brilliant online platform that connects and supports women entrepreneurs from all over the world. It offers a community, events, resources and educational opportunities for female founders to network and grow their businesses. When you sign up, you’ll get access to their WhatsApp group where you can find advice, recommendations and support from other women in business.

 

Enterprise Nation – not specific to women (but still valuable)

Enterprise Nation is an industry networking platform that connects small businesses with experts, resources and events to help them start, grow and scale their ventures. You can also access their community forum where you can discuss ideas, and collaborate and network with other entrepreneurs. Enterprise Nation also hosts various networking events throughout the year where you can meet and connect with other small business owners like you.

 

Ellevate Network

Ellevate Network is another platform for professional relationship building for women founders and women in business. They host networking events and offer community support, educational content, and even mentorship programs to help with your own talent development!

Sign up as a member to access their online community and join local networking events in cities around the world.

 

We Are The City

We Are The City is an award-winning platform that provides resources, connections and opportunities for women in business. They host several networking events every month across various industries and professions, including finance, tech, hospitality, law and many more. You can also join their online community where you can network with other professionals and access career development resources like webinars, workshops and mentoring programs.

 

Shelance

Shelance is a freelance and networking platform for women where ideas are shared, jobs are posted, and people meet up if they’re based nearby.

It’s perfect for women freelancers who are looking to connect with other professionals in their industry or find new opportunities. You can also join their online community and participate in discussions, workshops and events hosted by Shelance.

 

Women in Business Network

Women in Business Network is the UK’s leading women’s networking organisation. With 95% of their members renewing their membership after their first year, WIBN is a great choice. They offer community building, networking events, professional development, business support, resources and more.

Whether you’re just starting to build your network or looking to expand it further, these networking sites for women offer valuable resources, connections and support that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Remember, networking is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of developing relationships and exchanging value with others. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, attend events, join online communities and start building meaningful connections today!  So go ahead and start building your professional network using the tips shared.

 

The Round-Up

Networking is not just about making connections, it’s about building relationships and finding support in a community. By understanding or discovering your values, joining online platforms and attending networking events, you can build a strong community that will help you grow both personally and professionally as a woman entrepreneur.

So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start connecting with others who share your values and goals. Remember, the more you give back to your network, the stronger it will become. So share these lessons with others and continue to cultivate a supportive community of like-minded individuals!  Happy networking!  Keep growing, keep learning💅

 

Get Support from Your Career Coach for Women

At The Glass Female, we are passionate about helping women achieve their career goals and reach their full potential. We offer personalised career coaching services for women who want to build a successful and fulfilling career on their own terms.

By working with a career coach, you can gain valuable insights, tools and strategies to help you navigate your professional journey with confidence and purpose. Plus, you’ll have someone in your corner who understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in business.

Interested in learning more? Book a free chemistry call >