Expanding Your Network

Whether you’re self-employed, employed, or looking for work, it’s important to maintain a network of contacts. Your personal network is comprised of friends, family, co-workers and others individuals who are supportive of your professional endeavors. Expand your network beyond your inner circle by stretching to make new connections.

 

 

 

Assess your resources. Some people in your network may be a great source of encouragement. Others may provide leadership and mentorship. Still others may offer valuable industry and career insights. Any of these individuals may be a resource when you need a referral or recommendation. Evaluate your network to determine what kinds of contacts you may be lacking, and then go in search of people with the potential to provide the support you need.

 

Connect online. Use a twitter account and online blog to add to the public discourse. Tailor your musings to information that relates to your industry or expertise. Maintain your LinkedIn page to include your skills, abilities and current projects or interests. Make sure all of your online identities are linked and add value.

 

Attend local functions. Look for local gatherings of like-minded professionals. You can seek out a group that is directly or indirectly related to your industry. For example, you might attend a meeting of your local chamber of commerce to meet business owners in your area. Or you can join Toastmasters to hone your public speaking skills and connect with others hoping to do the same.

 

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Renée A. Hanson, CFP®, CEP®, CDFA™, CFS, is a private wealth advisor with Hanson, Ayala & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Her passion is in helping women achieve their dreams and financial goals, regardless of life’s many obstacles. Renée is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, MI, MN, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI. Please visit: www.reneehanson.com to learn more.

 

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients.

 

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