A Quick Guide to Networking

Networking with other professionals in your industry and related businesses can lead to mutually beneficial relationships where you are both able to help and learn from one another, gain increased business opportunities, and contribute to growth in your career. According to a LinkedIn global survey, nearly 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be vital to career success.
 
Due to the coronavirus, many of our typical in-person networking events have been cancelled or postponed, but that does not mean networking has been suspended. There are many ways to continue to reach out to your connection virtually. Unusual times such as what we experienced with the coronavirus are the perfect time to stay in contact with your network and ask for ideas of how they have continued to function in a safe manner and share with them tips you have found useful as well.
 
If you make a new connection that you want to keep in touch with, but you are not sure exactly how to, there are a few tips you can use. First, make sure you get their business card, email, or phone number so that you can follow up with them. You can also use social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to continue to connect with them, and it will give them an opportunity to learn more about you and your business. Then, to stay in contact with them, remember your conversation with that person, and send them an article, book, or anything else that relates to the conversation you had that would interest them. In addition to this, if you see that they recently received a promotion, had an anniversary or birthday, received an award, or any other achievement, do not hesitate to reach out to them. The more you reach out to your network, the stronger connections you will build, and your name will be on their mind when they need to think of a business like yours for any future opportunities.
 
Another beneficial way to build your network is through joining professional organizations that relate to your business, or business in your region, such as the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Organizations such as the Alliance offer an array of networking opportunities for you to meet other professionals interested in the same field as you and contribute to the benefit of the local business economy. If you are interested in expanding your network and fostering growth in your career, a few networking opportunities that the Alliance is currently offering are A.M. Alliance, Commerce and Cocktails, and Restaurant After Hours. The Young Professionals of Central Virginia also host networking opportunities for young professionals in the region to connect.

                                                                              
Corinne McCaw is a Marketing and Communications Intern at the Alliance, currently studying Journalism & Mass Communications at Samford University.