How to Network Better This Year

It is important to continue to build your network for several different reasons: individuals in your network can help you gain new skills through informal training or mentoring, important members of your network can recommend you for that promotion, and, if you are looking for new work, your network can provide you with job leads.

So, what steps can you take to build your network this year? Take these three steps to start.

1. Never Eat Alone. This is the title of a fantastic book by Keith Ferrazzi and advice to follow. Make sure to eat your lunch in the work cafeteria so you can get to know others in your workplace. Or invite someone new out to lunch on a regular basis. This is a great way to begin to expand your network and be inspired by what others know and are working on.

2. Attend a Conference. Take some time out in the first few months of the year to attend a conference relevant to your career aspirations. Conferences provide a great opportunity to develop new relationships and connections and are also a great place to recharge those batteries and get motivated.

3. Connect on LinkedIn. Set a goal to add several new contacts on LinkedIn every week. Ask those you know to make some introductions, if necessary.

And check out these 10 Networking Tips.