How to Build Your Network (from Scratch)

Last week I gave a presentation to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in the Twin Cities (with a strong showing from the Public Allies cohort) about how to build a professional network. It was estimated that we had 70 people crammed into the conference room at the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits, so it feels like young professionals are hungry to learn more about this topic. I promised them the top 9 ways to build your network, so here it is: 1) Prioritize networking

2) Take advantage of the network that you already have

3) Exploit your social networks

4) Get business cards

5) Join professional associations

6) Go to nonprofit conferences

7) Go talk to people

8 ) Build your own frankenmentor

9) Start your own network

If you would like for me to talk to your affinity group or professional association about this topic, send me an email at tristaharris (at) gmail (dot) com.