In order to build a strong strategic network, you need to cultivate your connections. You need to show them some love. The best way to do this is to provide value to your network on a regular basis.
Instead of going in with this attitude “How can you help me?” You need to approach the Internet with this mentality “How can we help each other?” You need to constantly think about how to support your contacts.
But how can you do this? How will you demonstrate that you are a great addition to their network?
While it’s easy to fall back on the old route of, “Let me know how I can help you,” this isn’t always an effective way to offer support to someone. Why? Because if someone doesn’t know how you can help them, they won’t ask you, or they’ll ask you for something that you may not be able to provide.
Instead, offer them some help by being specific about what you can actually offer them. Understand what they need to achieve their goals, and then ask yourself, “How can I help this person achieve his or her goals? What supports, resources or opportunities can I provide them?”
Don’t worry, nurturing your network doesn’t have to cause you huge trouble. Here are some simple ways to provide value to your network.
1. Keep working
When you’re looking for a job, you’re likely to see a lot of great jobs that just aren’t right for you. However, they may be a good fit for other people in your network.
If you see a job opening, share it with people in your network who you think might be a good fit. You can send a private message with a link to the job opening, or you can post the job opening on your LinkedIn feed for people to see.
Not proactive find a job? You can still share job openings or cool companies you see online. So, please stay alert!
2. Share articles
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Sharing an article or video is a great way to start a conversation and/or stay in touch with your contacts. Consider the person’s industry, interests, and special projects, then share content that’s relevant to them.What you can find on their website LinkedIn profile?What did you learn about them during your conversation?
Send a message to your contacts with a link to the resource and some context. You could say something like: “I saw this article and thought you might find it interesting, especially the part about ____ since you were involved in ____. Enjoy!”
3. Share their content with your connections
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Another simple way to provide value your connections is about sharing their content with your connections. If you discover a blog post from an interesting contact, post it to your LinkedIn feed with a brief introduction to share it with your network.
Don’t forget to tag the author using the @ feature so they know you’re sharing it!
4. Introduce yourself
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Become a super connector! Look at your network to see which contacts could benefit from getting to know each other. Then, introduce. Make sure you provide some background information on each person and briefly explain how they would benefit from getting to know each other.
Here is an example:
“I noticed you want to get into the entertainment industry. I would love to introduce you to Jody Smith. She works as a talent agent in Los Angeles and I believe she will be a valuable addition to your network. Interested in an introduction?”
5. Recognize their skills
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If you know someone in your network is a great digital marketer, recognize them Get this skill on LinkedIn!
Your recognition will reinforce the skills listed on their profile, which is a huge value-add to them. It gives third party credibility factor Employers and recruiters are looking for on your LinkedIn profile. The best part? It only takes two seconds!
6. Write recommendations
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Recommendations are like recommendations for you LinkedIn profile.A good thing is worth its weight in gold.
If you have worked with the contact in the past and/or know they have certain skills or personality traits, write them down recommend. Your contact will appreciate this gesture and may even write you a letter in return! It takes more time and thought, but is more valuable to the contact than recognition.
Now you understand. Effective networking doesn’t have to be a hassle! Spend a little time every day nurturing your network. If you make this a habit, you’ll soon find yourself with a powerful network!
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