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Network Diversification: 15 Tips For Expanding Your Professional Contacts

Forbes Coaches Council
Expert Panel, Forbes Coaches Council

It’s often said that success is all about who you know. Having a vast network can lead to new opportunities, business ventures and strong professional relationships with peers who may have knowledge or skills that you don’t. But what if everyone you know in your professional network is the same kind of person in the same industry?

Diversification only works if the network is actually diverse. So, what are the most effective ways of expanding your existing network to make new contacts in different areas of the professional world? How do you meet people who are clearly not in your current circles?

We asked 15 entrepreneurs from Forbes Coaches Council to share their best tips for diversifying a network and making lots of new professional contacts. Their answers are below:

All images courtesy of Forbes Councils members.

1. Go To Non-Industry Events

Take a genuine interest in the person and not their title or industry. To expand your professional circles, go to events that peak your interest, not just industry-specific events. Shift your mindset from networking to building relationships. When you meet someone new, be intentional about building a friendship with them and put aside what they can do for you. - Chizzy Igbokwe, The Art of Global Citizenship

2. Broaden Your Definition Of Networking

Don't distinguish between your professional and personal network. Everyone you meet and know could support you in your next career move. Family, friends and people you meet socially -- such as people you meet at the gym -- can be a part of your network. Personal connections can be even more invested in your progress. I use the word "connecting" versus "networking" as that is more authentic for me. - Rosie Guagliardo, InnerBrilliance Coaching

3. Develop Other Interests

Read and learn about topics outside of your comfort zone. Once you are able to engage with others about ideas or current events outside of your industry, you will be able to build your network with professionals outside of your industry. - Donald Hatter, Donald Hatter Inc.

4. Focus Your Efforts

If you have a specific industry or functional area in mind in which you'd like to build your network, join a professional association focused on it. Attend their events and get active on their e-list or LinkedIn group. Also, think about if anyone in your existing network can make introductions. LinkedIn makes it easy to see who your contacts know. - Charlotte Weeks, Weeks Career Services, Inc.

5. Find People With Similar Hobbies

Developing relationships with a diverse range of people can be incredibly beneficial to your success at work. What might appear initially as a "waste of time and conversation" could spark new ideas for a problem you're trying to solve. So spend more time with professional people who share non-work interests, like music, astronomy or volleyball. Look for clubs at work or groups via LinkedIn. - Gabriella Goddard, Brainsparker Leadership Academy

6. Be Deliberate

If everyone in your network thinks like you, you only need one person in your network. Be deliberate in developing connections with professionals and experts in other industries. Common topics, such as leadership or innovation, provide a basis for connection across industries. Read articles and comment to open the conversation. This simple gesture of reaching out is how to best connect. - Chris Stricklin, Afterburner


7. Try Something New

Look for local events such as Chamber of Commerce networking events, book launches or art walks — something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Have some cards (business card size) with the question "Let’s have coffee?" Hand these out with your number or get others to write in their contact details. Choose people who are different from you and interest you and be sure to follow up. - Frances McIntosh, Intentional Coaching LLC

8. Go Back To School

The best way I know to meet interesting people is to take a course for a new skill or subject. The people you will meet are interested in the same topic, so you start from a common base. You share the experience of the course so there is plenty to talk about. You can all help each other get better. This way you will create relevant and deeper connections. - Caterina Kostoula, The Leaderpath

9. Understand Your Life Path Vs. Your Career Identity

Until people have to awaken, they go through life in a linear process -- same job, industry and story about how they wish they would be doing something different or meeting different people. Wake up. You are in complete control of your life. If you want to meet different people, hang out in a diverse coffee shop, attend a conference open to all and start living your precious gift called life! - Drew Aversa, Aversa Strategies

10. Leverage Your Network’s Contacts

Within your LinkedIn network, view your contacts’ connections and request an introduction or send an invitation mentioning your contact’s name. Further expand your network by reaching out to consultants, bankers, attorneys and community leaders who work in your industry as well as other industries. Also consider philanthropic and volunteer organization leaders, golf club and health club members. - Beverly Harvey, HarveyCareers, LLC

11. Take Your Headphones Out And Start Being Friendly

We tend to stick with people and places that are comfortable. How many times do you go to the same coffee shop where people have headphones in and are focused on their laptops? Look around, there is usually a person who doesn't have headphones on -- they're open for a chat. Get comfortable with starting a conversation and having no agenda other than chatting. Learn to be open to new people. - Maresa Friedman, Executive Cat Herder

12. Join A Mastermind Group

One of the best tools to expand your professional network is to join a mastermind group. A mastermind group is a small group of professionals from different industries that come together to brainstorm ideas and discuss issues from various points of view. These groups can be a great on-ramp to expanding a robust professional network and developing long-lasting friendships. - Ken Gosnell, CEO Experience

13. Know Your "Why" And Seek Others Who Share It

Knowing your "why" (e.g. the beliefs and values that drive what you do and how you do it) unlocks the pathway to exponentially growing your network. Most of us connect through our "what" (e. g. I am an attorney.) and our "how" (e.g. I navigate tough problems with ease.) but when you leverage your "why" (e.g. I believe in redemption for all.) you can connect many others who share your belief. - Stacey Staaterman, Stacey Staaterman Coaching & Consulting

14. Volunteer To Expand Your Network

I have multiple clients who have landed their dream job by connecting with people they met while volunteering. If you want to broaden your network, volunteer at an event or for an organization that is outside of your industry. If you want to make a career shift and need additional expertise, volunteer to gain experience. You never know who you will meet and connect with to expand your network. - Erin Urban, UPPSolutions, LLC

15. Start With Defining Your Target

Whenever building your professional network, you should start with the end in mind and define your goal. Who is your target audience? Once you have defined that target, you can leverage LinkedIn to see what clubs and groups those people belong to. From here you can either get in touch with them online or attend physical meet-ups that they might attend. - Tim Windhof, Windhof Career Services

