11 Ways to Network That You Haven't Thought Of

While college degrees may open many doors, building relationships is a supporting factor in determining your success in the professional world. A previous study by LinkedIn found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. This is a small glimpse into the importance of investing time and effort in building and nurturing connections.

Learning how to network is an essential part of building a successful career. But it can be challenging to know where to start.

Most people default to traditional methods like attending conferences or connecting on LinkedIn. While these methods are undoubtedly effective, they can also be limiting.

The world is changing and the ways we connect with others are expanding. Keep reading to explore 11 unique networking methods that you may not have considered. 

Importance of Networking

Networking is one part of the professional journey that will never go out of style. Success does not happen in a vacuum; people always need others.

Networking isn't just about exchanging information and storing it in a modern-day Rolodex. It's about building and maintaining relationships with other professionals. 

Typically, you can exchange value to help each other advance in careers and goals. This may include finding a job, securing new clients, or expanding knowledge and skills. People want to genuinely connect with others who are like-minded.

Networking opportunities can help you gain access to new opportunities and increase visibility in your industry. It also allows you to learn from others and gain new perspectives.

Whether you are seeking advice, mentoring, or simply a sounding board for your ideas, having a network of trusted contacts can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Building and nurturing your network can position you as a valuable asset to peers, clients, and employers. 

Read on to learn 11 tips on how to network that can take your career to the next level with networking.

1. Start or Join a Book Club

Book clubs often attract a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They all come together to share their ideas through their love of literature and growth. This diversity can provide a valuable opportunity to expand your own horizons and gain new perspectives on different issues.

Another great thing about book clubs is that they're structured for socializing. Be proactive about joining in on discussions and you can leverage thought-provoking messages from the book as conversation starters. Consider joining a club that focuses on books related to your industry or profession.

2. Attend a Twitter Spaces

Twitter Spaces is a feature that allows users to join live audio conversations on the platform. These spaces can be hosted by anyone with a Twitter account. They can be a great way to casually connect with others in your industry or profession.

During a Twitter space, you get a chance to easily join in on live conversations with experts and other professionals in your field. This allows you to ask questions and share your own insights and knowledge. You'll be able to get in front of the people you want to build relationships with.

From the app, you can explore different spaces that are happening live or add a reminder for one that is scheduled for a later date. If you're an avid user, consider scrolling through a few times per week to find chats to join in on. Use the search bar to find Spaces that align with your goals and interests.

3. Find a Discord Channel

Virtual community spaces are becoming more popular by the day─and for good reason. These are the perfect network opportunities to connect with others without having to leave your home. They also allow hosts to create a private digital "playground" (referred to as channels) from the ground up that gives members everything they need to thrive in the space.

There are several built-in features that support Discord being one of the best networking options. Both members and Channel hosts can benefit from features such as:

• Voice and video chat
• Screen-sharing
• Channel organization
• Text and audio chatrooms
• Third-party integrations (Google Drive, Trello, etc)

Discord channels can be created for specific industries, organizations, or events. They offer a place where professionals can ask questions, share knowledge and resources, and easily start conversations with others. Many Discord channels also host events such as webinars or virtual networking sessions.

Search online, via Discord, or on social media, or ask a peer, if you're looking for a Discord channel to join.

4. Host or Attend a Webinar

A webinar is a virtual seminar or presentation that is conducted over the Internet. Hosting or attending a webinar is one of the best networking options for connecting with others in your industry or profession, even if you can't physically be in the same room.

As a host, you have the opportunity to share your expertise with a wide audience and showcase your knowledge and skills. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your field and attract new connections and opportunities.

As an attendee, webinars can provide valuable insights and information on topics relevant to your work or interests. Webinars often include opportunities for attendees to ask questions and engage with the host and other attendees. This can lead to new connections and networking opportunities.

If you plan to host a webinar, be sure to promote it through your network and social media channels to maximize your reach.

5. Join a Professional Organization or Club

Professional organizations often provide opportunities for members to attend conferences, workshops, and other events. This gives you a chance to connect with peers and professionals and learn about new developments in their field. Clubs and societies are similar to these organizations and are widely available if you are a college student.

In addition to in-person events, many professional organizations offer online networking platforms. Members can connect with each other and share knowledge and insights. These platforms can be valuable resources for finding mentors, job opportunities, scholarships, dream internships, and other networking contacts.

6. Make an Engagement Plan for LinkedIn

It's a widely known fact that LinkedIn is one of the best online spaces for networking. But if you want to learn how to network on the platform, you need to create a plan after you've created an account. Developing an engagement plan for LinkedIn will help you with clear instructions on what you need to do to find others to connect with and build relationships with.

Start by identifying your goals with questions like these:

• What do you hope to achieve through networking on LinkedIn?
• Are you looking to connect with new professionals, share your expertise, or find job opportunities?

Once you have identified your goals, map out specific actions to take, such as commenting on posts, sharing articles, or sending personalized connection requests. You should also identify specific individuals or groups that you want to engage with. For instance, industry thought leaders, executives, or members of a professional organization.

It's important to create content that is relevant and valuable to your audience to increase engagement. Remember to be consistent in your engagement efforts. Engage with others regularly on the platform and monitor your progress to make sure that you're moving towards your networking goals.

7. Try Cold Emailing

Cold emailing can be intimidating because you have to reach out to individuals or companies that you are interested in working with or learning from but you don't know or have a personal connection. But when it's done properly and ethically, it can potentially open up new opportunities for collaboration or mentorship.

First, create a list of people you would like to connect with and research the recipient so you can tailor a message to their interests and needs. Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you are reaching out to them specifically. 

Be clear and concise in your message and highlight your skills and experience. Explain how they align with the recipient's goals or interests. Be respectful of their time and avoid a lengthy or overly sale-sy message. 

Wrap it up by thanking them for their time and expressing interest in staying in touch. Remember that not all cold emails will lead to a response or opportunity. Still, by being intentional and thoughtful in your outreach, you can increase your chances of making meaningful connections and expanding your network.

8. Get a Coworking Space Membership

Coworking spaces offer a collaborative and flexible work environment, as well as opportunities to connect with other professionals and attend networking events. The world is continuously moving toward embracing more remote work. So places that allow individuals to still engage with others while working are perfect communal spots for networking opportunities.

Signing up for a membership at a coworking space can also get you access to resources and support. These can help you grow your business or career. Take full advantage of your membership by sparking conversations with others in common areas (lounges, game rooms, etc).

If you aren't able to pay for a membership yet, try the next best thing─cafes! Cafes are free to enter and typically attract folks who are looking for a place to work. Check out the announcement boards to see if the cafe offers events that you can attend and meet others.

9. Attend Non-Industry Events

Going to industry events is a tried-and-true method for networking, but it's easy to fall into the trap of attending the same events or sticking with familiar faces. To really expand your network, consider attending events outside of your comfort zone. This could mean attending a conference or meetup in a different industry or attending an event geared towards a different demographic.

Not only will attending these events expose you to new people and ideas, but it will also give you the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the table. Remember, networking is about building valuable relationships and there is a lot of value found in diversity. 

Attending events outside of your comfort zone can also help you develop new skills and knowledge that you can use in your own career. You may learn about new technologies or trends that could be useful in your work. Stepping outside your comfort zone when it comes to networking options can open up a world of opportunities and growth.

10. Volunteer

Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, but it can also be a powerful networking tool. When you volunteer for a cause you're passionate about, you'll be working alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and interests. This can spark natural conversations and connections that grow into meaningful relationships over time.

11. Participate in a Hackathon

Hackathons are social coding events where individuals or teams come together to work on a project or problem within a set amount of time. These events often bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries, creating opportunities to collaborate and learn from others. 

Hackathons can be a great way to showcase your skills and work on a project with other students or professionals. They can also be an opportunity to learn about new tools and technologies, as well as to connect with potential employers or clients. A lot of hackathons offer prizes or awards for the best projects, which can be a valuable addition to your resume or portfolio.

This networking options tip is skill specific, but it's still a great way to make connections. Many hackathons are now being held virtually, which means you can participate from anywhere in the world. You can find a hackathon with a quick online search on Google or social media.

Learning How to Network Can Take Your Career to the Next Level

Starting a career journey is challenging and often non-linear. Without the right guidance, it can be difficult to know if you're on track to reaching your goals. The best way to find connections to help is by learning how to network.

Are you looking for a professional organization that can help you excel toward success? Contact us at the Honor Society today to learn more about how we can help.