Whether you are looking for a mentor, seeking a co-founder or looking to open doors within your industry, building a strong network is essential. Business success often comes down to who you know, and creating the right connections can offer a shortcut to knowledge, resources, and opportunities. 

But many aspiring entrepreneurs don’t have these contacts at their fingertips. They have to actively hunt for the right people. This might seem intimidating to many people, especially if they are not inclined to networking.

But don’t worry. Networking skills can be learned. Even if you have no networking skills, you can learn to build meaningful relationships that provide support, advice, and opportunities you never would have discovered otherwise.

In this article, we’ll explore six effective ways to build contacts in your industry.

1. Attend Networking Events (With a Specific Plan)

The importance of in-person networking events to build contacts cannot be overstated. A lot of successful people attribute their long-term business success to someone they met at a networking event—a business partner, short-term advisor, or someone who simply opened doors. 

But you have to do more than just show up. To maximize the potential of networking, you need to be thoughtful about your approach.

Start by identifying relevant events. You can find free industry networking events on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup. You can also learn about larger events from social media and newsletters. Large, paid conferences often bring more senior-level professionals and thought leaders. However, the cost might not be worth the investment.

Before attending any event, set clear intentions and goals. Ask yourself: What would make this event a success for me? For example:

• Meet specific individuals: Perhaps you want to connect with three new people who can offer valuable industry insights.
• Get contact information: Maybe you want to get the email address of at least one panellist or speaker you admire.

Being proactive is essential. Don’t just attend to listen—approach people, ask questions, and introduce yourself. Break the ice with simple but thoughtful questions. Simple questions can lead to deeper conversations and potentially meaningful connections.

Moreover, follow up. Send them a quick thank-you email. You can also add them to your LinkedIn profile with a personalized note about your conversation. This is an excellent way to keep the connection alive.

Many people attend networking events but fail to leverage their full potential due to a lack of preparation or shyness. By setting goals and being purposeful in your interactions, you will stand out and find it easier to build contacts. 

2. Attend Digital Workshops and Events

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of remote work. It has also revolutionized how we network. The number of online events like webinars, digital conferences, and live-streamed panels has skyrocketed. They allow entrepreneurs to connect with industry leaders without geographic constraints.

The beauty of virtual events is that they often come with lower barriers to entry. There are many free or low-cost online events where industry leaders share insights and where you can chat with both the speakers and other attendees.

You can also follow live streams on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram. Many prominent entrepreneurs or influencers often host Q&A sessions or give industry talks on stream. These platforms allow real-time engagement, letting you ask questions or even connect with other participants. You can share what you are building and your email address.

Online events aren’t just convenient; they offer access to experts and peers that you might not otherwise reach in person. And the best part? It’s great for those who are a bit uncomfortable with the forced introductions and pressure of an in-person event.

3. Do Some Cold Outreach

While cold outreach can feel intimidating, it’s one of the most powerful ways to build contacts in any industry. Whether via email, LinkedIn, or DMs on social media platforms, reaching out to industry professionals—especially those just a few steps ahead of you—can yield valuable connections.

So here’s what to do: make a long list (75-100 people) of founders and senior executives in your industry that you want to reach out to. You can find those senior execs by using LinkedIn. 

When you build your list, don’t aim too high. Rather than targeting CEOs of massive companies (who likely won’t have time to respond), consider reaching out to people in mid-level roles like managers, directors, or department heads. These individuals are often more accessible and can provide equally valuable insights. 

After finding these contacts on LinkedIn, search for their Instagram handles or Twitter profiles and craft a short but effective message that puts them in the driver’s seat. Ask if they’d be available for a 15 minute call whenever is most convenient, or if they’d prefer that you send a list of three questions via e-mail.

Be sure to double and triple-check their information before you hit send: Did they leave that role recently? Does their profile explicitly say “no outreach please?” Much like IRL networking, cold outreach requires that you be bold. It also requires that you be gracious, thoughtful, patient, and attentive. Don’t send a barrage of questions up front or make your message too long and unwieldy. Know what you want to learn from this person, keep your communication tight, and respect both their time and their boundaries.

If they decline or don’t respond, don’t take it personally. Executives and industry leaders often have busy schedules, and a lack of reply doesn’t reflect on your message’s worth.

4. Leverage Social Media Comments Section

Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are not just for politics or pretty pictures. They are networking goldmine. If you’re not a fan of digital or IRL programming as a form of networking, or you don’t feel comfortable cold e-mailing already established founders or senior execs, you can find other entrepreneurs at your level all over social media.

The comments section of industry leaders’ posts often serves as a meeting place for entrepreneurs, founders, and enthusiasts.

If you’re following well-known figures in your industry, pay attention to the conversations happening under their posts. People often talk about their own ventures there. Engaging with them.

This is a great way to meet and connect with other business owners or aspiring founders who are just starting out, whether you’re looking to build a small community of peers so you can help each other stay accountable, or want advice from folks who appear a few paces ahead of you.

Networking isn’t just about reaching up—it’s also about creating a strong base of peers who can grow with you.

You can also engage with influencers by leaving thoughtful comments on their posts, asking questions, or sharing your perspective. Sometimes, influencers will reply or at least acknowledge your input, which can help you gain visibility within their community.

5. Tap Your Alumni Network

Your educational background, whether it’s high school, college, or even a specialized training program, can be a rich resource for building contacts in your industry. Alumni networks are often underutilized. Yet they hold a wealth of potential contacts who are more likely to engage with you based on shared experiences.

Most colleges and even many high schools have dedicated alumni groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or private databases. To get started, search for your school’s alumni groups or ask the alumni office for access to a contact directory.

When reaching out, introduce yourself as a fellow alumnus and mention any shared experiences (like a favourite professor or a significant campus event). Alumni often feel a sense of kinship and are more willing to offer advice, guidance, or even introduce you to people in their own network.

Alumni networking doesn’t stop with digital outreach. Attending reunions or alumni networking events can help you meet contacts in person who share similar educational backgrounds. While these events can sometimes seem like a blast from the past, they’re also prime networking opportunities. Even if you feel hesitant, push yourself to attend. You never know which former classmate might be in a position to help your business.

6. Join Industry Slack Groups

Many know Slack as an internal communications tool for companies. But Slack groups have become a vibrant hub for networking, problem-solving, and collaboration. They are used by founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs everywhere. You need not be working for a company using Slack to use Slack yourself.

There are Slack groups for just about everything—design, marketing, tech startups, e-commerce, writing, and more. Some are open to the public, while others require an application process or charge a small membership fee. Start by googling Slack groups related to your niche. You can also use a site like Slofile, which helps you find public Slack groups.

Building contacts in your industry doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a well-rounded strategy. By thoughtfully attending networking events (both physical and digital), reaching out to people through cold emails or social platforms, and leveraging communities like Slack or your alumni network, you can create a strong foundation of contacts who can help you achieve your business goals. Start small, stay authentic, and be persistent—the right contacts will open doors you never thought possible.