How to Build a Network in Tech
Creating a network of supportive friends takes time and patience, but it will be worth it in the end.
Have you ever helped a former coworker find a new job? Attended a mixer at an industry conference? Posted on social media to get answers to a thorny career question? If so, you’ve networked. Building a professional network formalizes a process you’ve most likely engaged in naturally; it’s assembling a group of people who can help you navigate your career.
Networking is more than just collecting contacts. A good network is full of people who can help you with your career, and whom you can trust. Quality is more important than quantity. When you network, be ready to help others as much as they help you; that’s what makes a network strong and effective.
It takes time to build a strong network, but it's worth the investment. These 13 tips will help you get started.
WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING?
A strong professional network will help you advance in your career. Use your professional network to find career paths you might have otherwise overlooked; and again, be sure you’re available to assist and provide feedback to those who need it. You never know when you might need a favour in return!
DEDICATE TIME TO NETWORKING
According to Devin Schumacher, founder of Serp, a digital marketing agency, setting time each day to network will create new opportunities for your career path. If you set time aside to network every day, you'll open up new doors for your career.
LEAD WITH VALUE
Networking is all about giving and receiving. When you focus on providing value to others, you create relationships that are beneficial for everyone.
BE AUTHENTIC
“When you are authentic, you show that you care and are interested in others, and this allows you to build trust and rapport. When you ask deep questions, you demonstrate that you want to understand the other person and their goals. Asking about someone’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify areas where you can help them grow. Showing vulnerability is a sign of strength because it takes courage to be open and honest about your challenges and motivations.”
YOUR PEERS ARE YOUR BEST STARTING POINT
"If you want to be successful in the tech industry, it's important to focus on building relationships with your immediate peers," Nick Drewe, founder of Wethrift, said. "These are the people who will help you grow in your career, provide opportunities, and with whom you can swap ideas about all things tech." Drewe also advises networking with people you like and with whom you have a natural rapport. "People want to work with their friends," he said.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
"If you want to grow your LinkedIn network with people you actually know and trust, don't be afraid to ask for introductions from colleagues," said Ryan Pitylak, CMO at ZenBusiness. Making mutually beneficial introductions is a great way for other people to introduce you or be introduced to others.
You never know when you might need help, so it's good to keep in touch with people from your past.
GET SOCIAL
If you want people to take notice of you and your business, you have to make yourself visible,” said Fred McGill Jr., CEO and founder of the real-estate tech startup SimpleShowing. According to McGill, the best places to do this are LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. “Connecting with people and sharing what you do and what you know about your industry is key,” he said. He also believes in Bolig’s philosophy of sharing ideas, knowledge, and expertise with those who need help. “It might not seem like it at first, but eventually people will take notice of what you’re doing,” he said.
PRODUCE CONTENT REGULARLY
Keep your social media content fresh and engaging to connect with more people and grow your network, said Mark Hayes, head of marketing at Kintell. Given the high traffic on social media, it may take time for your content to gain traction, but being consistent will eventually put your content in front of the right people, he said.
If you're only responding, your comments can get lost in the stream. "Cultivate opportunities for important discussions to take place between insightful individuals to build your professional network effectively," Hayes said.
JOIN YOUR COLLEGE CLUB
"It's easy to start conversations within your group because you have common ground - your school." said Max Harland, CEO of Dentaly, a global digital network that connects dentists with prospective patients. "This offers ease of communication and is an excellent way to build your professional network." Harland recommends organizing regular events and meetings to keep the group close.
ONE TO ONE RELATIONSHIPS ARE BEST
Networking is more effective when you do your research beforehand. Look into who is active in your industry and what kind of networking they prefer. You should also research companies that you want to talk to ahead of time. If possible, try out their products or services so that you can have a conversation starter.
MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
Keep up with the latest trends in your field by updating your social media profiles regularly, suggests Arthur Iinuma, co-founder and president of software development firm ISBX.
PATIENCE IS KEY
"Building a professional network takes time and effort," said Kristaps Brencans, CMO at On The Map. "If you're too aggressive or try to connect with too many people too quickly, it comes across as desperate, annoying, and unprofessional. That'll keep you from developing strong business relationships."
"Surround yourself with people who will give you honest feedback and advice," said Casey Renner, a partner at OpenView, a venture capital firm focused on business software. "Having a network of people you can rely on for honest feedback about your career is invaluable," Renner said.
