How can you build a strong network in your first year of work?

Don't be afraid to be fearless. Find those internal events and opportunities to network, but also find events in your community outside of work that can enhance and grow your network beyond work. And then you may surprise yourself! Some of my closest colleagues are those I met on the train and in elevators on the way to networking events.

In your first year of work, you don't need to have everything sorted out, but you should at least have an idea of where you would like to orient your professional career. - Identify and follow influential professionals within your local workplace/network and on LinkedIn who align with your career ideals. - Once identified, comprehend how they behave, think, and what they believe in. This offers a broader perspective to help you determine if it aligns with your ideals, values, and beliefs regarding your professional career. Try to surround yourself with people you'd like to emulate, both locally and on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. These steps will provide you with a clearer idea of how to strategically network.

Even newbies can approach others in their company, but it helps to have the right mindset. Networking is NOT about us, at least not at first. It's just a term for "getting to know others," but with a tiny bit of strategy incorporated. My first thought is to LISTEN far more than you talk. Of course, answer questions, but keep the focus on learning. Learning about what others do, why they do it, how they do it ... And this needs to be seen as real. Fake curiosity will be seen for what it is, and word will get around. But why wouldn't we want to know what they do? There's so much to learn, and it's all FREE (one of my favorite 4-letter F words.) Keep your eye on the prize!

Openly admitting you are learning, assessing, and evaluating is healthy. That is not to say you are green or inexperiecned. You may just be new to the industry, after years in another. Explain where you came from and how you got to the new position. Find someone who is open and offers to help you understand, and they will want to be approached. It feeds their ego (important) and nourishes your knowledge (more important). You can return the favor someday with more years under your belt, as your experiecne extends beyond your mentors' and you find yourself about to be the teacher to the other teachers.

Networking in your first year isn't just about adding contacts; it's about reciprocal relationships that offer mutual value. - Strategic Presence: Diversify your event attendance; unexpected connections often offer high value. - Micro-Mentorships: Multiple mentors can guide various facets of your career. - In-Office Network: Your immediate colleagues are an overlooked resource; build those bonds. - Reciprocity First: Offer value before seeking it; it leaves a lasting impression. - Social Capital: Regularly share valuable content and recognize others' milestones. Building a network in your first year is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on reciprocal value and long-term relationship building.

I cannot stress the importance of mutual exchange of value and trust. Give before you take. Offering useful information, feedback, introductions, or assistance to your contacts demonstrates your willingness to contribute. Expressing #gratitude through LinkedIn #kudos notes, follow-up messages, or positive endorsements fosters rapport and goodwill. This balanced approach is key to #Relationshipbuilding

Starting your first year of work is exciting and there is so much to learn. One thing you may not know is that networking is essential to your career and career advancement. Not only do you need to build relationships within your place of work, but you also need to network at industry events and other organizations to expand your network. Constantly connect with those you meet on LinkedIn. Also, consider a tracker on Google Sheets of all the people you meet. These folks may be a helpful contact to you a decade or more down the road.

Starting your first job and want to build a strong network? Remember, networking is more about cultivating relationships than hunting for contacts. Be a gardener, not a hunter. Start by genuinely connecting with your colleagues. Understand their roles, ask about their experiences, and show genuine interest. Attend meetings and events, offer help when you can, and be open to learning from others. Don't wait until you need something to reach out. Plant the seeds of relationships early, nurture them with care and watch your network grow organically. Your first year is the perfect time to start.

If you're feeling nervous about an upcoming presentation or public speaking, reach out to your networking contacts to have them listen to your speech or pitch, and share their positive feedback. Search for partners who serve similar clients but aren't direct competitors. Exchange industry insights and explore opportunities to team up and pursue big clients together. It's all about building valuable collaborations and going after significant opportunities.

Giving and receiving feedback can be the gift that keeps on giving. Continuous learning and developing skills and talents creates leaders. I have had formal and informal mentors and teachers all my life. I have found people are incredibly generous with their time and experience. Seek feedback and receive it with an open mind. Accept what's yours and park the rest without resentment. Discernment is key in recognising when you're hearing a truth and humble ears will find a way to implement or adjust accordingly.

Being authentically you is critical to long-term success and creating a community that uplifts you. When you are you in all settings it allows you to interact without having to "think" as much; there is power and connection is being yourself. People can feel it and this will built strong deeper connections

Introverts can excel in networking by leveraging their unique strengths and focusing on meaningful connections. - Quality Over Quantity: Introverts should aim for deeper, more meaningful interactions rather than trying to meet everyone. - Strategic Outreach: Utilize online platforms to find and connect with individuals who genuinely pique your interest. - Write, Don't Talk: Leverage the comfort of written communication like emails or thoughtful comments to initiate a dialogue. - Prep and Plan: Have a set of meaningful, open-ended questions ready to facilitate deeper conversations when you do interact. The goal is lifelong, multifaceted relationships that offer both professional and personal value.

I believe one area of networking that is too often overlooked is the reverse mentoring needed from younger perspectives to senior colleagues. Or, new to the profession colleagues to those long-tenured. Reverse mentoring can be a part of the networking landscape (and should) and more often I would like to see some 25+ year professionals simply ask, "What do those younger than me think about..." and you fill-in-the-blank on the topic. And one major recommendation during this is to be OPEN to the feedback received. Feedback is simply fuel. It fuels change, innovation, and opportunity. Who knows? A simply suggestion could be your next million dollar product or service offering.

An aspect that I don't hear enough people talk about in networking is that it is okay to feel "cringe". When you're cold reaching out to someone, you are in theory putting yourself out there for rejection. It typically feels uncomfortable or scary in the start. Just know that everyone was in your shoes at one point, and that the more you do it the more comfortable it becomes!