Networking can be a tedious task, but it can pay off in spades. Just a few key connections can alter your career path forever. Luckily, we now have technology on our side to help make professional networking easier and, dare we say, more fun, than ever before.
Beef Up Your LinkedIn Profile
With over 467 million users according to LinkedIn’s most recent report, the professional networking website is a must for anyone looking to expand their professional network and find new connections. But to really make the most out of LinkedIn, you’ll need to really beef up your profile. Start with a polished professional-looking headshot. Add in a tagline that sums up your experience or aspirations. Include comprehensive explanations of your work experience using keywords that clearly illustrate your skills and help you stand out as a leader in your industry.
Once your profile is robust, it’s time to get networking. Build as many connections as you can with friends, past and current colleagues and other contacts. Join as many groups as are relevant to you and participate in their discussions. This is a great way to draw recognition from new connections and help build a reputation as an expert in your field. Take advantage of the Recommendations feature as well. Write recommendations for your former and current colleagues and return the favor when someone recommends you first.
Develop Your Social Reach
Social influence can take you places in our social media obsessed culture. Pick one platform to focus your energy on first and work to build a large following. Instagram is an ideal platform to start with; it can be easy to grow your influence exponentially over time with strategic use of hashtags, interaction and frequent posting.
Since Instagram is photo-driven at its core, it’s no surprise that it is critical to have beautiful photos. Instead of relying on a bulking DSLR for photos as many aspiring influencers do, upgrade your smartphone to one with an excellent camera, like the LG G6. It has a 13 megapixel camera and and even a square mode for shooting so that you can make sure your images are perfectly framed for Instagram’s signature format. Be sure to take advantage of the Instagram Stories feature as well, to give followers a real time glimpse into a day in your life.
Craft a Captivating Blog
Leverage your new social reach and expand your networking potential by starting your own blog. Aim to present your subject of expertise in a unique and fresh way to contribute a new way of thinking to your industry. There is no shortage of state-of-the-art blogging tools to help your launch your new platform, but some of the easiest ones to use are WordPress, Weebly and Wix.com. Be sure to post a link to your blog in your Instagram profile and on your LinkedIn page to promote your blog content throughout your network.
Connect In Person
There are plenty of ways to network online, but networking offline can be a little socially awkward at times. But with the LetsLunch app, you can make the most of outings you are already having, like grabbing lunch at your favorite restaurant. The app finds interesting people nearby who are also interested in networking and pairs you up so that you can make the most of your lunch hour.
