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Author: Victoria Cohen
Building genuine connections not only expands your access to opportunities but can also help you down the line of your professional career. These relationships can not only add meaning to your life but also amplify the possibilities you can tap into professionally. Below are five tips to help you cultivate these vital connections and propel your career forward:
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and industry-specific forums provide invaluable opportunities to network and build relationships. Here’s how to maximize your online presence:
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile:
Ensure your profile is complete and showcases your skills, experiences, and aspirations. A professional photo, compelling headline, and concise yet comprehensive summary are key.
Engage in Specialized Groups:
Join private LinkedIn and Facebook groups for young professionals, or even industry-specific groups. These communities provide a platform for focused discussions and networking opportunities.
Personalize Connection Requests:
When reaching out to potential connections, add a personalized message explaining why you’d like to connect. Mention shared interests, mutual connections, or specific aspects of their work that resonate with you.
In-person events remain invaluable for networking. Conferences, workshops, seminars, and meetups offer unique opportunities for face-to-face interactions. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch:
Practice your basic introduction that outlines who you are, what you do, and what you’re aiming to achieve. This will help you articulate your goals effectively.
Set Specific Goals:
Determine what you want to accomplish at each event, whether it’s exchanging contact information with someone, gaining insights on a specific topic, or seeking advice on a particular challenge.
Follow Up Post-Event:
After the event, connect with the professionals you met on LinkedIn and send a personalized message referencing your meeting. This strengthens the connection and keeps the conversation alive.
Networking communities, such as Engage! Cleveland, and industry-specific organizations like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) provide exceptional resources for connecting with local professionals. These groups offer a platform for like-minded individuals to come together, share knowledge, and foster meaningful relationships.
Here’s a short list of Networking and Professional Development Organizations in NE Ohio:
Northeast Ohio Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The Executive HR Women’s Network – Hosted by Staffing Solutions Enterprises
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland
American Marketing Association
For young professionals, joining organizations like Engage! Cleveland that host various networking events can be particularly beneficial. These groups provide a platform to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and expand your professional circle. Here’s how to get the most out of them:
Here’s a short list of young professional organizations in NE Ohio:
The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club
Column & Stripe – The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Young Friends Group
The Circle – Young Professionals of the Cleveland Orchestra
Cleveland History Center Young Professionals
Ambassadors Circle – Cleveland Zoological Society
Beck Center for the Arts Associate Board
Jewish Federation of Cleveland Young Leadership Division
The National Black MBA Association
Volunteering and civic engagement are powerful avenues to meet people and build genuine relationships with those who share similar values. Whether it’s joining the board of a local non-profit, participating in hands-on volunteering at a book bank, or contributing to your local Habitat for Humanity, there are numerous options available to get involved. Not only does this strengthen your ties to the community, but it also provides opportunities to connect with professionals from various industries.
Here’s a short list of philanthropic boards and organizations in NE Ohio:
Bridge Board – Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland
The Gathering Place Rising Leaders Council
Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s YP Pantry
Recovery Resources Associate Board
The Young Professionals of Greater Cleveland Volunteers
United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Emerging Leaders
Don’t limit your networking efforts to formal events. Check out platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup.com for a wide range of local events. These can include networking sessions, professional development workshops, and even social activities like happy hours and hikes. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your professional and social circles.