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Building and working your network means taking time to ensure there is regular, frequent contact. And it is key that you keep up networking contacts regularly, not just when you need something!

Keeping detailed information about your contacts can help where there is face-face interaction. Note down your contacts’ interests and personal details. Information like their hobbies, the names and ages of their children, where they last went on holiday can all help to show you care about your contact and can act as conversation ice-breakers.

Where you don’t yet have a strong relationship with a potential contact, look for opportunities to engage with them. You could retweet their post or like their LinkedIn status, or go one step further and comment or reply to take the conversation forward.

A network can provide mentors to bounce ideas off, or to give advice and feedback. Contacts can add insight to a decision-making process or could even help by inputting specific resources. There are many areas where your contacts may be able to share information and support, and for maximum benefit a strong and diverse network is key.

This input can bring workplace and competitive advantage with potential new business opportunities, referrals or business investment. There can also be personal development opportunities, helping a business head to improve in areas where they are weak.

Maintaining a successful network means you need to ensure you give as well as take! Be generous with your advice and your time, you will be rewarded

How will you use your networks to add value to you and your company?

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