Casting a Bigger Network

July 29, 2016

Casting a Bigger Network In the short few months that ReSourceYYC has been open, it has made me aware of the power of networking. One of the goals of this workspace was to provide an environment where professionals feel comfortable to collaborate. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of our members how to increase a person’s network in practical ways:

1. Sign-up for courses and seminars outside your profession: Cast a bigger network by challenging yourself to meet people outside your normal circles. A deliberate way to do this is to participate in training that exposes you to new people and ideas. Recently, I sat in on a reliability engineering course facilitated by Sue Lubell. The session was attended by several geologists and it was intriguing to listen to the valuable conversations and professional relationships that resulted from the session.

2. Attend sessions with small groups: Make a point of joining sessions or workshops with small groups. Many of the mini-courses at ReSourceYYC have had less than a dozen people and it has been encouraging to see how facilitators like Catherine Brownlee encourage insightful introductions and involvement of the attendees. Take the time to stay after the session is over and have meaningful conversations. Large events may give a sense of community, but small groups have a better chance of establishing professional relationships.

3. Volunteer & contribute: The best way for people to get to know each other is by doing things together. Volunteering will allow you to gain respect from others for your contribution. Demonstrating a positive attitude and work ethic encourages others to include you into their network.

4. Be positive about everything: Everyone wants others to validate their problems, but this is not part of networking! If you want to expand your network, focus on the positive things about the situation you are in and find the good things about other people. First impressions are important, so make every introduction a positive experience. You will be remembered for your compliments, and avoided for your complaints. (Note: It is important to have a few close confidants that you can share your problems with, but these are friends and advisors, not your network.)

5. Use LinkedIn and Social Media: Don’t avoid it! The first place anyone looks to find out about you is LinkedIn. Be sure your profile is up-to-date and has an appropriate photo. Use social media to your advantage by blogging or posts of topics that you have knowledge and expertise in. People reading your profile will see value in having you part of their digital network which will connect you to the entire world. At ReSourceYYC we are posting all the members LinkedIn profiles for the world to see: check them out!

Good networking is about connecting with not only your peers but with people outside your normal circle of work and friends. It is easy to be complacent about your professional relationships, but in this modern world, casting a bigger network could be your competitive advantage. Ron Bettin is a Canadian entrepreneur with more than 25 years of management and entrepreneurial experience. As a co-founder of several companies including Fitneff and ReSourceYYC, he a strong understanding of the importance of building shareholder value and the creation of successful teams. He is a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and has an MBA from Queen’s School of Business.