Your Professional Network

A professional network only works when you take an active part in it. Being a valuable member means contributing to your groups while building your personal brand.

What this course covers:

• Finding the right groups to join
• Adding value to the groups you belong to
• Being an active virtual member
• Knowing what your intentions should be

Finish ready to cultivate memberships that advance your career.

Who you know can matter as much as what you know. This course explains why building and maintaining a professional network is so valuable throughout your career.

What this course covers:

• Why a professional network is critical in business
• Finding job opportunities through your connections
• Discovering strong candidates for openings
• Gaining information, advice, and new ideas

You will leave ready to grow a network that supports your goals.

Building your professional network should be a well-thought-out process. You want to include people who can help you further your professional goals. Connecting widely is okay, but you need to use discretion so you're growing your circles in the right way. That's what this course is all about. We'll go over how to properly use technology to grow your network. We'll also discuss the importance of "connectors" and "influencers." Other topics we'll cover include how to make a good introduction, looking for mutual connections, and creating personal messages.

Perhaps the most important rule in networking is to be a giver, not a taker. A large part of creating a group is giving back to the community. Whether it's through the professional network you've created, an industry group, or the community you live in, hopefully you will feel compelled to help others in your journey. In this course, we'll go over the many different ways to do that.

Personal branding is the idea of developing a look and feel around your name or your career. You use this to express and communicate your skills, personality, and values. We all can be a brand and cultivate our power to stand out and be unique. This uniqueness draws people to your product, your services, or even just your message. Your personal brand should be about who you are and what you have to offer. In this program, we'll go over how to develop your brand, which includes defining your target, being a good storyteller, and knowing ways to highlight your uniqueness. We'll also cover creating an elevator pitch, developing your personal brand online, and speaking in public.