In this article, we talk about getting valuable job contacts and networking as a digital nomad. In an earlier section, we talked about how to find jobs, but since competition is high, especially on global online job platforms, many people get their assignments primarily through contacts.
Your own network is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market, but how do you do if you do not have a contact network in the area you want to work in?
We have put together a guide on how to network for work with five tips.
Contents
Tip 1. Help others succeed
Successful networking starts with always being prepared to lift and recommend others in their network.
Therefore, as a motto, always help others. Ask what you can do for them, not what they can do for you. By being prepared to give and share your own contact network, others in your area will be more likely to recommend you next time as well. “What goes around, comes around”. Test it yourself! The next time you meet or email someone, ask if you can help them with something. You will be surprised how much you can get back in the long run.
Tip 2. Build your personal brand
What is your area of expertise? There is a lot to be gained from building your personal brand, especially as an expert in the field you want to work in. Write blog posts, share interesting thoughts on LinkedIn, guest other people’s podcasts or why not start your own vlog where you discuss your area of expertise and share your knowledge with others.
Offer to talk at a conference or meetups. If you position yourself as an expert in your field, chances are that others will remember you and find you when they seek someone with your skills.
Tip 3. Think strategically and be read
Think about why it is important for you to network and what the goal is to get in touch with different people. Write lists of people you want to get to know or get in touch with. It may be someone you read about in the newspaper, listened to via podcast or maybe seen at a conference.
Dare to contact people whom you see as strategically important in order for you to succeed where you want. And remember, in the first place, think about what you can do for them when you hear from you – not the other way around!
Tip 4. Out and network
Decide to meet a new person a week over a coffee or lunch. Also, go to two networking events a month, such as can be found through Meetup.com. All networking does not have to be physical, but it is possible to network with new people online.
Tip 5. Follow up!
Follow up with everyone you meet – for real! There are so many who do not hear from each other after being seen and then the relationship can quickly run out in the sand.
If you have said that you should be heard after the meeting, then also ensure that you actually hear from you.
Email and thank you for the conversation, send a link to an interesting article about something you talked about during the meeting, tip about something relevant or connect the person with someone you think would benefit.
You always profit by being nice, following up and showing that you are grateful that someone took the time to meet / talk to one.
All of these tips can help you meet new people, get more contacts and thus increase your chances of finding new jobs or assignments. Remember, it is always wise to start building your network before you need it.
Even if you have a lot of assignments or jobs right now, you never know what will happen in the future. Then it is better to be proactive and broaden the network already with people you look up to, can learn from, have a career exchange with or simply those that make you feel good and give energy.
