The document provides three tips for continuing to grow one's professional network even after landing a new job. The first tip is to continue meeting new people in person by scheduling coffee or lunch meetings. The second tip is to keep one's LinkedIn profile updated by adding new projects or accomplishments. The third tip is to get involved in outside activities like group fitness classes or volunteering where new contacts can be made without explicitly networking.
Three Tips to Strengthening Your Network, Even When Your Happily Employed
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So you’ve landed your next job — Congratulations! That’s certainly a thrilling feeling, and also can be a relief. You’ve likely worked
hard to build your network during your job search, whether it was your first, third or fifth, including touching base with everyone you
know, attending networking events and much more. I’m here to tell you not to ever let those freshly updated contacts and that
energizing momentum go to waste.
Just because you have a promising job, doesn’t mean you should stop trying to expand your professional network, which is
unfortunately what I see happen a lot once job seekers land their next position. Keep up the good work and you will reap the rewards
when it’s time to look for the next one down the road — or, hey, you might not even need to; the next gig could come to you!
The following are three simple ways you can continue to grow your network, even while fully embracing your current opportunity:
1. Continue to meet new people face to face. There’s something to be said about booking a coffee or lunch with a new contact, and
putting a face to the email address, even if nothing specifically comes of it right now.
2. Keep updating your LinkedIn page. Maybe there’s a cool new project that you just completed at your company — add it to your
personal LinkedIn highlights. In the future, you could forget about these day-to-day successes, which make for really good research
material for a future employer.
3. Get out and play. Some of your best contacts are made when you are doing something outside of work that you enjoy, such as a
group fitness class, foreign language course or volunteering at a nonprofit. It’s a great way to build your network without actually trying
to grow your network.
Whether you’ve just landed a new job or are fully engaged at your current position, networking is a life-long process that requires
ongoing nurturing and energy. Don’t rest on your laurels and become complacent in your networking. Follow these simple tips, keep
those networking skills sharp and remain connected to those around you.
Do you have a question about how to expand your professional network? What simple ways do you stay connected? I welcome your
comments and ideas.
Three Tips to Strengthening Your Network, Even When Happily Employed
by
Charlie Schutt
Executive Senior Partner – Accounting and Finance