How to Grow a Network Youll Actually Love

How to Grow a Network Youll Actually LoveHow to Grow a Network Youll Actually Love4Everyone knows the importance of networking to career success. But many of us rank the activity as about as enjoyable as vacuuming underneath the sofa (and do it about as often). Instead of viewing networking as a chore, might there be ways to improve the process so that it becomes more bearable? Yes Take a look at the strategies below to grow a network thats both productive and pleasant.Heres how to grow a network that youll loveKnow what you want.Networking gets frustrating when it doesnt seem to lead to meaningful relationships. Increase the odds of meeting people you truly care about and are interested in staying connected with by evaluating your needs.The key is to create a written list of the traits and characteristics you seek in your contacts, colleagues, strategic partners, and friends, says Patti DeNucci, author ofThe Intentional Networker Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals Results in Business.She suggestsasking yourself these questionsWhat traits do you value fruchtwein?What kinds of people energize and inspire you?What types of resources, skills, and knowledge will complement yours and help you be successful in your work?Add other questions to help you create a basic- or even very detailed- profile of the people who will be most valuable to you, help you get things done, and ensure you are learning and growing and enjoying what you do, DeNucci says. This exercise actually recalibrates your brains Reticular Activation System, which acts as a personal radar.You will know when youve met someone who fits your criteria- and when youve met someone who has notChoose pleasant settings.Sharing an interest with those around you or working for a common cause oftentimes makes interactions easier. Youre bound to come into contact with people of diverse ages and backgrounds while doing volunteer work. Or head to an alumni event and discover others who thought Psychology 101 rocked. Tongue-tied at professional meet-and-greets? Join the organizational committee. Youll get to know the other members, plus youll have natural icebreaker opportunities by passing out name tags or helping people find assigned seating.Utilize LinkedIn.Great for introverts and extroverts alike, this online platform facilitates connections. Meet interesting people by joining a LinkedIn group. Follow the career progress of people in your network. See who might know someone at that company for which youre dying to work.Before attending a networking event, check out the profiles of people you might encounter. Youll get a leg up on remembering names and faces, and knowing a bit about someone can help fuspur topics of conversation.Make bond-building a routine.Asking a friend for help or advice feels much more comfortable than suddenly approaching someone you barely know. Consistently strengthen ties with acquaintances so that interaction with them becomes natural rather than forced . Set regular coffee dates, send a birthday card, pass along articles on a subject of mutual interest- actions that will keep you in contact throughout the year, not just when you need something.Want more tips on how to grow a network youll love? Check outmore networking tipson the blogReaders, what steps are you likely to use to grow a network that is more robust? Share your plans below in the comment sectionStart Your Job Search. Sign Up for Today