How to build a strong network

Intro:

I understand that most people not only do not enjoy networking but find the activity a little fake and not necessary. Although sometimes it may feel that way, networking is essential not only to get a job but for your long-term career. I think the purpose of networking is half for getting future jobs and a half for job security. You should think of networking as creating a two-way relationship with someone. Similar to a friendship. If you just ask someone for favors without giving anything in return then this relationship is one-sided. Even if you think you have nothing to offer at the time, in the future you may be able to help. As a student or recent graduate you will often feel like you do not have anything to offer professionals, however, you may be surprised how helpful you can be as a student. Networking is about creating and sustaining long-term relationships.

Over the past few years, I have been able to build my network from the ground up from a few people to hundreds of professionals around the country and world in different industries and roles. This was not easy, but I am confident that with these tips I can help you create just as strong a network. I went over the basics of networking (LinkedIn Searching, Drafting messages, Referrals/Tips) in my first article ‘How to get an internship/full-time as a college student’, which you can check out here. In this new article, I will be going over more advanced networking tips regarding how to create a long-term network, how to keep in touch, and how your network will provide job security/opportunity.

Long Term Networking:

Creating a network can be a challenging and daunting task. It is a continuous process that never stops (just like making friends). Often times it is difficult to know where to start. People often tell themselves they do not have powerful connections and can never get there. However, you have the power to create a strong network all by yourself. After having calls with professionals it is important to keep in touch. Ideally, you should create a network that is a web of connections vs. you solely being connected with a number of different people. The top picture shows the latter in which the people who are connected do not know each other and you have not been able to connect any of them with each other. While the bottom picture demonstrates a web of connections in which not only are you connected to each person, but you have been able to connect your connections to each other therefore making a stronger network. This is difficult to do, however, this is one way a young student or recent graduate can create value for their network.

For example, if you have a connection who is a strategy consultant and another connection who works at Google in Strategy & Operations, you could potentially connect them (if they both agree). This relationship for them could be mutually beneficial and gives you an opportunity to create value. It is important that you ask both sides if they are interested in connecting first and then you could send an email that connects both of them. This is beneficial to all parties.

Keeping in contact:

Keeping in touch with your network is crucial to building a strong network and keeping it that way. Keeping in touch with your network is not easy and there is no super-easy way to do it. I personally use excel to keep track of my contacts. These are contacts that I have had at least one call with and have given me advice and knowledge about their field. I make sure to have columns on their contact information, my takeaway from our call, any personal info, and their LinkedIn/current job. I also categorize the excel by company, by position, and write down when I reached out to them so I know when to update them again. This is definitely a tedious exercise but pays dividends in the long term. There are also software’s that attempt to make this process easier, however, I have yet to find one that is more convenient than excel (please comment if you have found anything!). It is difficult to decide how often you should contact your network, especially if you have no significant updates. I recommend messaging them (through whichever method you prefer) every 3-6 months or potentially longer depending on the circumstances (at least once a year). An example of an email you could send is below. These messages can contain an update in your life (a new job/moved to a city etc.), a congratulations to them for a new job or/and an interesting article that relates to them that you found. You should definitely not only be reaching out when you need help or a favor. In this case, you are using this person and they will notice quickly and not be as inclined to help you.

Example email:

Hi [Insert Name Here],

I hope you are doing well! I wanted to send a quick message to update you that I have started a new job at [Insert firm] and have moved to NYC. I am super excited to start my new job and would love to continue to keep in touch. I am looking forward to catching up soon and I would love to hear if you have any updates as well.

Job security:

Many people do not view creating a network as job security. They exclusively view it as a short-term job opportunity. However, a strong network is an even stronger tool than most people believe. At one time or another, you are likely to receive a setback in your career and might be looking for a new job. Having a network of people that you can rely on and reach out to when this happens is incredible. They will be able to offer you guidance and connections that there is no way you could have found on your own. You must remember that you should not just reach out to your network when this happens, but keep in touch and update them as well as provide help when you are able. If you do not do this, it is unlikely they will be as willing to help you. Not everyone in your network is likely to be equal, you will have a stronger relationship with some and a weaker one with others. You may have ten people in your network that you would call if you need advice or guidance, but others in your network you would only update via email and if something comes up. Nevertheless, when you have a vast network, it can provide countless job opportunities which provide a sense of job security. You should not expect anyone to hand you a job, however, even knowing one person at a company exponentially raises your chances of getting a job at that company.

Conclusion:

It is crucial that you create a strong network for future job opportunities as well as job security. This can be tough, but also rewarding in the long term. Keeping track of your network via excel or another software as well as keeping in touch every 3-6 months is a great way to slowly build your network. I firmly believe you should network when you are NOT looking for a job. This will demonstrate that you just want to learn about the person's role or company on the call. You can network while you are searching for a job if you need to, however, it is always a good idea to do it before you start your search so you already have a network you can go to. Many people tend to network in phases of when they need a new job, however, it is much more effective if you try to talk to a few people a month that have jobs that you find interesting. This will be much more genuine and build your network to be more long-term. Let me know if you have any feedback on this article, lingering questions about the content, and/or comments that you would like to share. You can message me on LinkedIn or email me at abbhisekar@gmail.com. How do you keep track of your network?