MODULE 2: Identifying and analysing the stakeholders and ...

How to build a networkList your personal and professional goals. Write downyour goals. Practice saying them aloud so that you arecomfortable talking about them with others.List key contacts. Make a list of (1) people who can helpintroduce you to people who could assist you in meetingyour personal or professional goals, (2) people who are doingthe type of work you want to do, and (3) people who couldpossibly offer you work in your professional area.Identify professional organizations. Find out what groupsor organizations are already formed that are linked to yourprofessional goals. Find out when meetings occur and checkit out for interest. Consider how the goals of the organizationor the membership could support you and help you to grow.Demonstrate your expertise. Show people what you arecapable of doing. Be willing to volunteer for projects thatallow you to demonstrate your knowledge, experience orskill. Demonstrate how you can contribute.Keep business cards current. Keep business cards in aneasily accessible place and check periodically for accuracyof information.Set goals to meet and contact new people. Set monthlygoals for yourself to meet new people who can expand yournetwork.How to maintain your networkKeep in contact often. Let your network know that you arethere. Contract with individuals to contact with them monthly,bi-monthly, etc.Give as well as receive. Find out how you can help themembers of your network. Networking should involve bothgiving as well as receiving.Follow up when activity takes place. Be sure to keep yournetwork informed when events of interest take place. Alsomake sure that you let people know that you are aware ofactions they may have taken on your behalf.Show appreciation. Send thank you notes or show yourappreciation in other ways when your network doessomething to help you reach your goals.19MODULE 2: Identifying and analysing the stakeholders and establishing networks