Are you looking to expand your network? It is more challenging to find time to meet in person sometimes, but it is still the best way to build a connection. You could also have a video call or phone call to meet people. Online connections through LinkedIn and Facebook are other options. With so many people online now, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. You have to be intentional about the way you do it. Connecting with the people that you already know on LinkedIn or Facebook is fine. Expanding your network to find people that you have no connections with yet, is how you can really broaden who you may get to meet.
You have to do some research and spend some time on this to really make some headway. Choose an outcome that will help you focus. Here are just a few ways to think about it: Are you looking for people in your function? Are you looking for a new job and a company that is similar to yours? Are you looking for people who have information on a specific topic in your function?
We will use LinkedIn and building Supply Chain connections as an example:
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You can do a quick search for “supply chain” on LinkedIn to get you started. You will potentially see over 6 million results.
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Look at the filters to narrow those results by people, locations, jobs, content, companies, groups, etc.
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People can be filtered by 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level connections. Who do you already know who can introduce you to someone else you would like to meet? Connect to a 2nd level connection with a note that is sincere and says why you would like to be connected with them. Share that you have a connection in common. Once you are connected with them, then you can try to build more of a relationship with them to ask questions or maybe meet for a networking session. (If you want some examples of notes that you can use to reach out, let me know)
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Look at which Supply Chain companies your connections or the next level connections are working at now. Where are they located? People are switching jobs and it is hard to stay on top of that all the time. Reach out to your current connections and say congratulations when they switch jobs or companies to maintain connections. If there is a company you are interested in, look at who you know who works there. Are there others there that you would like to have as a connection?
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LinkedIn Groups are a great way to meet other people in your function. Look at your connections to see what Supply Chain groups they are in. Join groups that include the types of connections you are looking to build. Some groups have certain requirements, so you have to check the rules to join. Be active in the group and comment on discussions, articles, etc. If you need information, you can ask questions to get responses from others who may have already had a similar situation and build a connection from there.
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If you choose content under Supply Chain you will see the articles that people have written or shared on that topic. Are there influencers that are writing articles that you find interesting? Follow the Influencers on LinkedIn and you will get notified when they write an article and publish it. Start a conversation with them to share why you liked their article. You can also write your own articles and have people follow you.
These are just a few ways that you can expand your network online using LinkedIn. You can insert whatever you are searching for instead of Supply Chain here to find your own results. Focus on your goal, determine how much time you want to spend on it and do what works for you. Spend as little as 15 minutes at lunchtime or at night when you are watching TV to send out a couple of notes or comment on some articles. The goal is to be consistent and intentional about it each week to see your network grow.