Building a network is an exciting and dedicated undertaking, and while it doesn't happen overnight, it can snowball into a pool of talented people.
As a recent college graduate, I've been working on building a network of professionals to stay in touch with as I begin my career. What's surprising me is how my network has expanded in just a few months, and in ways I never expected.
As a Communications major with a wide range of interests, I have been involved in a variety of projects since graduating, and as a result I have been lucky to meet some very helpful people who have mentored me, advised me, and helped me connect with people in my field of interest.
Although it's not necessarily what I wanted, I've tried to talk to as many people as possible and make connections in unusual social situations.
You never know where it will lead, so it's always best to just put yourself out there.
This is especially important if you’re just starting out in your career as an agent or if you’ve left a brokerage and need to build your network from scratch.
The best first step in this situation is to reach out to people in your existing network to see if they know anyone who can help you along the way.
As you settle into your new normal, it's helpful to open up to your colleagues and potential clients. Don't just start building rapport with them, find out who they know. Be clear about your networking goals and seek out people with insight.
Once you have contact with one or two people, make sure you follow through on that communication.
Having a name doesn't help much, you need to start a dialogue and see where it leads.
Whether it's a one-time conversation or one that will lead to a lifelong relationship, taking the first step in communication is crucial.
When you’re in a new environment, locking yourself away or declining referrals isn’t doing you any favors.
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Even if you barely know anyone, you should be open to meeting new people and attending various professional and social events (that's what networking is for!).
After a few months have passed and you (hopefully) have built a pretty solid network, do an assessment to see if this network of people aligns with your goals and values, and based on this, approach people who are doing things that interest you.
I recently got in touch with a mentor and received some advice that has already proven beneficial.
She encouraged me to not just look for available opportunities, but to seek out information about things that interest me and find ways to market myself.
Having worked on various social media management projects in the past, I was always looking for an opportunity that could benefit me both in terms of experience and interest. On the advice of a mentor, I decided to reach out to one of my favorite bands and ask them if they needed any help with social media.
A week later, I was at dinner discussing their various social media options.
From there, I ended up meeting several other people looking for social media advice, and my network expanded in a positive way from that simple email inquiry.
Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to ask questions. The biggest lesson I've learned in the professional/networking field since entering the “real world” is that no one can do it for you.
So send out inquiry emails, look for referrals, and be open to invitations and opportunities – you never know where it may lead you.