Your network can become your superpower and I want to help you make that happen.
In my first professional job I started using LinkedIn, but it was merely my online CV and a way to keep contact details from people I met. I didn’t use LinkedIn properly until about 2 years ago. Admittedly, my network had grown by then, but I still treated the platform as an afterthought, even though I got better at networking.
The Challenge:
You probably think you ‘should’ spend more time and energy on building a network, but it feels so cringeworthy and you don’t want to bother people and – heaven forbid – you definitely don’t want to come across as needy or salesy.
The Solution:
A great way to overcome those hesitations is to offer something of value to the world out there and see what comes back.
When you share your ideas and talents with the world, you’ll soon start having conversations with people who are curious and interested. Some may disagree with your opinions, others will become your biggest supporters. Those interactions not only give you connections, they also help you put your flag in the ground and stand for something.
That something doesn’t need to be some big ambition or altruistic cause. It can simply be the professional expertise you’ve build and the topics you’re passionate about.
Whether you’ve found some elegant solutions to technical challenges or have discovered a cool co-working space in your city; whether you’ve learned something new from a great book or worked your way through a professional certification – what lights you up can bring a lot of value to others, so start sharing.
The Next Step:
You could start a blog, sure, but I recommend you share on LinkedIn instead (or another platform that fits your style of content, e.g. YouTube, etc.). Your blog will have to be found and in the beginning that’s hard. Gaining momentum takes time. On LinkedIn you have a ready-made audience and a fairly easy way to expose your ideas to those who will most likely be interested.
Start sharing what you know and engage with those who comment on your work and who connect with you. Build genuine connection, be curious and return the favour by seeking out others and their content.
If you want to build a strong professional network, this is a great way to start. No awkward small talk required :-).
Have a great week!
Eva