How do you develop your professional network?

A professional network is like a spider's web, giving you access to new opportunities. But networking isn't always easy... and that can be a barrier to improving your visibility.

How can you expand your network to do business or find a new job? What are the best practices for effective networking? We tell you all about it.

Networking... what does it mean?

Networking is the act of going out to meet new people to form a network of acquaintances. Sometimes confused with “pulling some strings”, networking can still have a negative connotation... yet it's a powerful tool for developing your professional career.

Finding work (or new customers), obtaining new information and tips on a particular subject, getting recommendations, or gaining an outside perspective on a situation... the benefits of networking are manifold.

GOOD TO KNOW
Networking is not reserved for a particular social class or profile. Anyone can build up a professional network, even the most introverted!

Focus entirely on social networks

The Internet can be a powerful ally in expanding your professional network. Social networks like LinkedIn, but also Twitter, Facebook or Instagram are ideal platforms for networking. Choose the tool best suited to your profile and objectives!

• At the very least, update your profile: professional photo, recent description, latest experience and current research.
• Be particularly active on LinkedIn: publish or share content, comment and react to your contacts' publications, and engage in private message conversations.
• Follow regional groups in your field: this can be useful if you've just moved to a new region.

GOOD TO KNOW
Use the QR code on your LinkedIn profile to share your profile more easily at physical events.

Participate in events

Being behind a screen is great... meeting people "in real life" is even better. Take advantage of face-to-face events to expand your professional network.

Here are a few tips for finding new events:

• Associations or networks in your profession
• Alumni networks (in other words, your former schoolmates)
• Trade shows, particularly well-suited to B2B (business-to-business) activities
• Cultural or sports associations, for natural, long-term networking.

Also keep an eye out for online meetups organized by organizations or networks. With COVID, virtual events have become increasingly popular.

Take advantage of continuing education

Admit it, you hadn't thought of it 😉 ? And yet, training organizations are a real lever for networking in your business sector. Because you're in contact with the same people for several weeks at a time, it's easier to forge a bond.

At Executive Education HEC Lausanne, we favor daytime training to help networking. The lunch break is the ideal time to get to know the rest of the class!

To find out more, discover how to choose the right continuing education course.

Join a community of professionals

Professional associations are perfect for networking. These structures often offer "networking evenings" to enable members to get to know each other. As well as benefiting from a group dynamic, you'll meet interesting profiles and be able to expand your knowledge.

GOOD TO KNOW
Focus on the quality of your contacts, not the quantity. Having 150 people in your professional network won't do you any good if those profiles aren't qualified 😉

Our tips for effective networking

Planning to go networking? Here are a few tips for an effective strategy:

• Remember the names of the people you meet: it's normal to forget them! To avoid losing contact, write each name down in your phone. Better still, add them directly to LinkedIn!
• Follow up contacts: you can send a personalized message on social networks. Don't hesitate to share a tip or tool that might be useful. You can also follow up on one of the themes discussed during the event.
• Give before you ask: advice, encouragement, congratulations! Networking should be a win-win situation. If you want people to take an interest in you, take an interest in others first.
• Maintain your professional network: networking is a long-term practice. An immediate return is unlikely (but possible), so think about a possible collaboration in the near future. 

Unsurprisingly, the key to good professional networking lies in taking action and listening. Don't hesitate to diversify your networking tools (social networks, platforms, physical events, or even continuing education) to discover new opportunities. Last but not least, be pro-active and give of your time before soliciting your contacts: the "return on investment" is generally long-term, so be patient!