“It’s not what you know but who you know.” You’ve heard it a million times—and for good reason. The right connections can open doors, spark new opportunities, and accelerate your professional growth. But networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building relationships that matter.
If you’re new to an industry or city, networking can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. The trick? Consistency, intentionality, and a mindset of giving before taking. Here’s how to grow your professional network effectively.
1. Make Networking a Habit
Networking isn’t a one-off task—it’s a habit. The most connected professionals don’t wait for opportunities to meet people; they create them.
✅ Set networking goals – Whether it’s having five coffee meetings a month or attending at least one networking event per quarter, define what works for you and stick to it.
✅ Be proactive – Reach out, schedule catch-ups, and stay engaged with your connections.
✅ Think beyond formal networking – Some of the best connections happen over casual conversations, shared interests, or even social events.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a running list of people you’d like to connect with and make it a point to reach out regularly.
2. Attend Networking Events (And Be Smart About It)
Networking events exist for a reason—to help you meet the right people. But showing up isn’t enough. You need a game plan.
✅ Find the right events – Choose industry-relevant events where your target connections will be.
✅ Prepare in advance – Research speakers, attendees, and key topics so you can have meaningful conversations.
✅ Use event tech to your advantage – Platforms like Presso Network let you see attendees, sessions, and even message people before the event starts.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t just collect business cards. Follow up within 48 hours to reinforce the connection and start a real conversation.
3. Find a Mentor
A great mentor is a gateway to an entire network of industry connections. But finding the right one isn’t about asking someone successful to “be your mentor.”
✅ Look for someone who aligns with your goals – A mentor should be in a position where you’d like to be in the future.
✅ Engage with their work – Read their content, attend their talks, or comment on their posts.
✅ Start with a small ask – Instead of asking, “Will you mentor me?”, ask for advice on something specific. If the relationship builds naturally, mentorship will follow.
💡 Pro tip: A great mentor isn’t just someone older and more experienced—peer mentorship is just as valuable.
4. Leverage Social Media (Beyond LinkedIn)
Social media is networking at scale, but only if you use it with intention.
✅ Optimise your LinkedIn – A strong profile, active engagement in industry groups, and thoughtful content-sharing can attract the right connections.
✅ Think beyond LinkedIn – Twitter (X) is great for industry conversations, while Instagram and TikTok allow for more personal connections with potential collaborators.
✅ Engage with stories and posts – Commenting on someone’s content is a natural, low-pressure way to start a conversation.
💡 Pro tip: Networking on Instagram? Respond to people’s stories with thoughtful messages—it’s a great conversation starter.
5. Give Before You Ask
Want to make valuable connections? Offer value first.
✅ Help before you ask for help – Share relevant opportunities, introduce people to others in your network, or offer insights they might find useful.
✅ Be generous with your knowledge – Sharing industry insights positions you as a thought leader and attracts the right people.
✅ Remember: Networking is a two-way street – The most successful networkers build relationships based on mutual benefit.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re reaching out to someone more senior, highlight how your skills or insights can help them, even in small ways.
Final Thoughts: Build a Network That Works for You
Networking isn’t about meeting as many people as possible—it’s about meeting the right people and maintaining real relationships.
Stay consistent, be intentional, and remember: The best networking happens when you’re genuinely interested in others and focused on creating value. The opportunities will follow.