What mode of communication (LinkedIn InMail, Facebook Messages, email, phone or something else) do you use when trying to build your network? What general advice do you have for someone who is starting to grow their professional network?
Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
1–10 of 28 posts
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#21) If you read or hear about someone you think are doing something great, contact them, tell them, ask them.
2) If you see someone who is doing something amazing, go over to them, tell then how great you think it is, ask them how they do it.
3) If there is something you want to understand but don't, figure out who do and ask them.
4) Get out amongst people.
5) Build, create, write, launch something put it out there for the world to see.
In other words.
Just be genuinely interested in the people you interact with and you will be building the best possible network without feeling you are being insincere. It doesn't matter if it's in person, by mail, via a tweet.
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#3You might hear an advice about going out to conferences or meetups and networking physically. For me this doesn't work as good.
Believe it or not, emailing an author about their blog post is much better than randomly talking to someone who shares your interests at a conference. The former being more targeted and personal.
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#41) If you read or hear about someone you think are doing something great, contact them, tell them, ask them. 2) If you see someone who is doing something amazing, go over to them, tell then how great you think it is, ask them how they do it. 3) If there is something you want to understand but don't, figure out who do and ask them. 4) Get out amongst people. 5) Build, create, write, launch something put it out there f…
I read this, and this feels like good advice, and then also seems like good advice, I think it might actually be good advice - which is sometimes hard to come by when it comes to questions like "How can I network more effectively?" Bravo, ThomPete, I really think you're on to something here, and I reckon I will try it out! :)
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#5You have to ask yourself; what's the purpose of this network? Is it to have a group of like-minded engineers so that if you lose your job you can get first hand referrals for a new job? Are you looking to establish yourself as a consultant? Are you looking to meet higher level executives in hopes of becoming them one day?
Whatever the case, if you email them with an shallow request of "looks like you're doing cool things let's get coffee", your request will probably be ignored. Everyone is busy, there's no time for random coffee with a stranger.
But if you can ask a very specific question regarding their work, you'll pique their interest. Offer to teach them something in return, now you're on the path to a mutually beneficial professional relationship.
Don't send out the same message to different people. Do the hard work; research each person's background, send an email specific to their likes/interests. Be strategic when making a request from someone and if you can offer something in return, even better.
I'm really good at writing these types of emails. Drop me an email at jim@techleads.io if there's something you want me to review.
Good luck!
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#6I can only speak for myself, but sitting at a computer has not done me any good for networking.
I did one speaking engagement talking about my career and what I do and that did more for my network than everything else I've ever done...combined.
Going outside, in my opinion, is the only way to network. Following up on Linkedin etc etc is only the aftermath.
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#7Go to the dev meetup after parties and bring coke. That's how I landed my research gig
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#8> What general advice...
Make an authentic connection. Find out what is most important to someone else. See if you can help them in some way, shape, or form. Be a value creator. Finally, stay in touch.
On this subject, Larry Benet is brilliant > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-39qOKErh10
Re: Ask HN: General advice to grow my network
#9Go to the dev meetup after parties and bring coke. That's how I landed my research gig
Beverage or powder?