5 Tips for Building a Better Network

I was thinking about a lot of the connection requests I get. All too often it's an impersonal message asking for something - a referral, to be a reference.

As a principle, I only do this for people I know well and who have a good track record. But this made me think... how do I go about building my network?

With that, here are 5 tips on how to build a better network.

1. Start early, before needing to make an ask, by engaging in their posts.

2. Make it about them, not your ask.

3. Create a conversation that is specific about them and their insights.

4. Feed their ego in specific and authentic ways.

5. Give them something of yours they can react to: share code, projects, whatever it may be and ask for their advice.

Then, after enough time has passed and you've built a good reputation, make your ask. This takes time... hence, repeating #1: Start early.

I'll also add ... My little "networking menu" is more of a guide than a guarantee. Those times are also best case scenario minimums - it can always take longer 😅.

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