When we came to Canada six years ago we
didn't know many people here. In fact we knew only one family who
lived here already and whom were kind enough to meet us at the
airport after landing along with our friend from New York who came to
Toronto to meet us and our realtor who was helping us to find a
place to live. The family we knew introduced us to another family and
we became a good friends but that was it. That was the only network
we had in Toronto at that time.
We can describe ourself as very friendly
people so with no plan and I would say subconsciously we've started to build our network here. After a year or so we already knew quite a
few people by then we were starting slowly realize how important the
connections and the network are, here in Canada. No matter what your
business or occupation is it would help you to succeed.
So here are the 6 steps how to grow your
network.
1. Be friendly with people. Don't be
shy to do small talks with people everywhere. With your neighbors,
your bank, welcome centres, at activities, organizations and
institutions.
2. Promote yourself. Always (if
appropriate) talk about what do you do for living and how good you
are. If you do a web-design for example let people know and there is
the chance that they will remember you when them or their friends
would need a website.
3. Your kids could be a great source
for networking. Attend events and birthdays on which your kids would
be invited. Make birthday parties for your kids and invite their
school's friends. Talk to parents at kids' activities: hokey,
skating, skiing, dancing and so on.
4. Create database. Set up and organize
the database with all people you know in Canada with their names,
phones, emails and birthdays if you have all that information of
course.
5. Be in touch with people in your
network. Don't let them forget about you and once in a while
reminding campaign. Congratulate them with their birthdays, invite
them (if you know them well enough) to your home for coffee or BBQ
and so on.
6. Use social media. Social media is
one of the best ways to be connected with people in our network. Do
don't have to be a close friend to be connected on Facebook,
Instagram or LinkedIn. Be active (but not annoying) in their social
media activity. Like and comment their social media activity. Make
sure that your social media profile filled with important
informations like your job position or occupation, your education.
Make sure to post something related to field in which your work
frequently.
Do not underestimate the importance of
networking in Canada. It would help you not only with job searching
or growing your business but also might help to find a new friends in
new country.
Please let me know your thoughts on the
subject and if you have any questions let me know in comment.
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