6 Tips to Build Your Strong Professional Network (When You Don't Know Anyone)

Networking is one of the most effective ways to get a new opportunity, climb the success ladder, get a promotion, or even start your own business. It is the No.1 unwritten rule of business success.

The More People you know, the more opportunities will come your way.

As a professional, you realize the importance of networking but don't know how do you build a professional network from scratch?

If your network seems a little weak, don't worry. The start of a new year is the best time to engage in growing your community.

Here are some practical tips that will help you build a strong professional network when you don't know Anyone.

Why is networking important?

If you're in a place where you don't know many people, it can be tough to build and expand your network. But building more personal and professional relationships is what you need to achieve if you want to find a job.

If you're new to networking, changing careers, it can be hard to make friends, but it's mandatory.

Here are five easy tips for building a professional network from scratch.

1. Create a list of your potential relationships

list all the people you know—friends, relatives, co-workers, professors, or Anyone else you've met. Reconnect with these people. Show real interest to revive all relationships.

Make sure that you reach out to each one of your contact about three times/ year. Something is better than nothing.

2. Attend business meetings and professional networks

To kickstart your career in a particular company or industry, you must realize the importance of attending industry meetings, professional events, and networking events. You don't know whom you may meet & which golden opportunity you'll get.

3. Reach your networks professionally

One of the most significant mistakes professionals make when they start creating and reaching their networks is not understanding when and how to contact the industry leaders when they need anything.

Here are some quick tips to reach out to your network in the right way:

• Keep your request short and understandable. Don't ask for a working link right from the beginning.
• Stick to short communications.
• Don't send several requests in bulk in one message.
• Respect other people's time and their personal life.
• Don't keep buzzing over their heads.

4. Utilize Social Media (especially LinkedIn)

Social media connect millions of people, so if you don't know how to utilize it, you're losing many perfect opportunities. As a professional, LinkedIn will be your ideal platform to interact with industry leaders and professionals working in the same field.

5. Start More Conversations

Initiate discussions with the people you meet. You don't know who may bring you your next opportunity. Get out of your shyness and prepare your elevator pitch to make the best use of the meeting's first minutes.

Read also: How to Be A Charismatic Employee in Workplace

6. Engage in more activities

Besides spending time building and expanding your network, you have to spend more time helping others make your connections valuable. Spend more time learning and trying new things. Help others as much as you can, invest your time in volunteering, attend nearby professional meetings. 

Prove that you are someone who can add value to any position. Anyone anywhere can make a difference.

Building your network while you don't know anyone isn't an easy thing. It's a long term journey that requires getting out of your comfort zone, breaking the ice, and overcome your shyness to reach your dreams. Although this may be challenging, it still has its merits. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you'll get.

If you are strategic and consistent in your strategy, your network will lead you to significant steps. From reaching into the hidden job market to having great referrals and gaining more friends, your community will help you develop a good personal and professional life. Don't forget to be an initiative to achieve what you want in your life.

Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting.