How to Build a Strong Network: 5 Simple Steps

Building a strong network is essential for career growth and success. This is one of the reasons that Founder, Sandy Ko created CCWomen and established a series of CCWomen Summit events. Throughout the years, I have watched women and allies excitedly file into the Summit room, coffees and mimosas in hand. The morning starts with quiet chatter before the sessions and activities begin, and by the end of the day, the room is roaring with laughter and buzzing as new connections are being made.

Events like these make creating a professional network look easy. However, I have learned that these women are networking far beyond the bounds of the CCWomen Summit Day. They are fostering relationships through shared interests, being active online, and stepping out of their comfort zone, with the intention of supporting both their own career and those of others. 

Here are 5 ways you can do the same.

Engage in Shared Activities (Even if the Activity is Drinking Cocktails)

To build a powerful network, you need to think about what you have in common with those you are connecting with. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, individuals who engaged in shared activities as a form of networking were more likely to build long-lasting connections that lead to career growth. Finding common interests is easier than you think. 

For example, if you have a keen interest in community service, you might hit it off with someone who serves on the board for a non-profit and can help you get involved. Perhaps you meet someone who is a Padres fan (*cough* like me *cough*). Ask them to catch a game with you sometime! Or maybe you find someone who loves a good craft cocktail just as much as you do – offer to treat them to a drink! The possibilities are endless. And between you and me, many of our CCWomen Summit attendees are passionate about craft cocktails so it is always a good topic to lead with. 

Become a Mentee or Mentor 

Requesting mentorship from accomplished individuals in your field can provide valuable guidance. Reach out to those you look up to and ask to chat, while expressing your admiration and goals. Most professionals will be flattered by your request. In fact, a survey conducted by LinkedIn revealed that 82% of professionals believe mentorship is important, highlighting the positive impact it can have on their career fields as a whole.

CCWomen Founder Sandy Ko is a big believer in the power of a mentor-mentee relationship. After having a few bad mentors, Ko found mentor Dr. Hui Wu Curtis, Co-Founder & COO of SupportU, who champions and spotlights Ko’s professional accomplishments, as well as guides her through the trials and tribulations of founder-hood. Here are 5 Lessons from Extremely Bad Mentors (And 5 Ways to Be a Great One) from Sandy Ko herself.

You’re Not Being Annoying, Just Follow-Up

Building any relationship requires consistent effort. According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, individuals who engaged in regular follow-up interactions were more likely to develop stronger connections over time. Put the same effort into your professional relationships that you would with a personal relationship by showing genuine care and interest. 

One way to show genuine care and interest is by following the 80-20 rule of conversations: focus 80% of the conversation on the other person and 20% on yourself. Try to go beyond surface-level and get to know the person that is behind the career. Even if your mentor or mentee is extremely passionate about what they do, your relationship will be improved by talking about life outside of work and remembering important details about one another.

Another easy way to show your effort is through proactive follow-ups. If you need to cancel a scheduled meeting, let your mentor or mentee know right away. Second, follow up with them to reschedule. Life is busy and sometimes we need to cancel our plans, but if you take the lead on scheduling meetings, you can take your relationship to new heights.

Develop an Online Presence

In the digital age, it can be hugely beneficial to your personal brand to shout about yourself online – and you can do it easily on LinkedIn. You do not have to claim that you are the absolute best at what you do, but you do have to find a way to differentiate yourself and establish authenticity. Think about what makes you or your story unique and how you can use that to connect with others, whether it be through sharing an article, commenting, or participating in groups.

It is also important to load your LinkedIn with keywords that are relevant to your profile: in your title, description, job duties, and more. This will help both recruiters and potential members of your network discover you online. Of course, you can send connection invitations to others as well. To stand out, add a personal note when connecting with someone new!

Join an Established Professional Community!

In a world where 85% of positions are filled by connections, it is essential to have a community of industry peers and leaders to rally around you. In addition to creating your own network through outreach and organic connections, you can also join an established professional community that convenes in person, online, or both!

Lucky for you, CCWomen has you covered. In addition to our event series, we are preparing to launch a digital platform this June, just in time for the CCWomen Summit at CCW Las Vegas. Imagine being able to ask an entire network of women and allies about your most pressing questions – with CCWomen you can! As a member of the community, you will access exclusive content, discussion forums, special events, networking opportunities, mentorship matching, a job board, and a CCWomen merch store.

Sign up to be first in line to become a member.

Join us for our launch at the CCWomen Summit, June 19, 2023. 

Networking is a powerful tool that requires strategy and effort to be effective. Building your network is not just about adding contacts to your rolodex. It is about fostering relationships based on trust, mutual support, and genuine interest. By embracing the networking practices above, your career and industry knowledge will flourish, and you just may form some friendships along the way.