how an instruction manual on how to pick up women can help you expand your network

When looking for your dream job or opportunity, there are always those people who say: ‘It’s all about knowing the right people.’. Annoying? Maybe, but the most shitty thing is: they’re right. So how do you get to know ‘the right people’? Of course, there’s no real guidelines, but here’s a start. 6 ways to expand your network!

1 // volunteer
No, we don’t mean you should start handing out business cards to everyone while pouring soup for the homeless. But there are tons of other good causes where you’ll meet like-minded people who care about similar things, and most likely work in different industries. Consider volunteering as an opportunity to cross-pollinate in an environment where you can do good at the same time.

2 // host your own event
What is the benefit of hosting an event? Right, expanding your network! At your own event you take charge of meeting new people and people know exactly what you are up for. You establish yourself as a connector, creating a reason for people to get in contact with you. You will strengthen your relationships of your current network as you can invite them and give them an opportunity to meet each other.

3 // find a networking buddy
Being in a room full of strangers is fun for… well, almost no one. Find out who else will be going to an event and ensure there will be some people who you can do business with, or who can connect you with possible business prospects. This is one of the reasons why Facebook created the option to see which friends will be attending an event. Reach out!

4 // go to ‘the right places’
Think about the places and events that the people you want to meet, might be at! If you want to find a job in online marketing, maybe visit a lecture on the rise of growth hacking. Looking for a job at a startup? Might be wise to snoop around B. Amsterdam for a bit…

5 // read The Game
Meeting new people and making connections is in a way comparable to seducing someone in a bar. First, you don’t know him/her. Second, you’re showing your best self and third, you are after something. That’s why in networking, we can learn an important lesson from Neill Strauss, journalist and author of worldwide bestseller The Game. The book is about his transformation into a successful Pickup Artist. The moral of his second book, Rules of The Game, more of an instruction manual, is to tell people to go out and meet new people. Random. Get out of your comfort zone, practice and get used to talk to different people. Same rules apply to expanding your network as well. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

6 // be active on social media
Don’t hesitate to share your knowledge and interests on social media. That way others can see what you are up to. Even if you don’t get the likes or engagement you’re aiming for, people will see it and most likely respect the effort you take for creating your own content. Of course electronic connections are not nearly as strong as personal connections, that shouldn’t stop you from at least trying this technique. The next time they need someone with expertise in your ‘discipline’ they might just think of you!

// blog by growth hacking trainee Bram Wulp

Originally published at www.b.amsterdam on April 21, 2016.