Networking is one of the key skills people learn within the We Love Sales business network because it’s the key to long-term professional growth. However, a strong professional community is also one that is diverse, so try these suggestions to help you build a stronger set of connections:
• Reach Across Industries: You may be well-networked in your industry, but what about outside of that? Look for opportunities to meet people with similar interests and hobbies from completely different industries. It’s often these sideways combinations where magic happens.
• Reach Across Ages: Everyone at We Love Sales has mentors, and we’ve learned that these relationships need not depend on level of experience or seniority. Having a network of people from diverse age groups gives you access to seasoned professionals and the latest trends and thinking coming out of school.
• Reach Across Locations: When you travel somewhere new, if you have a little time, take the opportunity to set up coffee dates and meetings with people who share similar interests in the area. You never know what could come from catching up with an old school friend or meeting the local head of a chapter of your favourite organisation.
Building your network means casting a net that is both deep and wide. You want to be known well by people in many different circles because it is from these overlaps that unexpected opportunities come.