How to Build a Network From Scratch -The Muse

How to Build a Network From Scratch -The MuseHow to Build a Network From ScratchFor the most part, Im a card-carrying introvert. Big conferences and events exhaust me Id rather have a glass of wine with my husband or a few close friends than meet new people in a crowded bar. Im truly of the mindset that staying in is the new going out.And for the most part, that works. I have close friends I see often and a strong network I maintain via introvert-friendly activities one-on-one drinks meetings, intimate dinners with close contacts, swapping advice and connections over email. But there are also times that it doesnt. In the last decade or so, Ive moved to four new cities and changed careers twice. In short, a few times over Ive found myself needing to build a professional network (and friend group) from scratch, and quickly.Which doesnt really happen when Im at home, sitting on my couch. So, during these transitions, I up my networking game. I reach out to my current connections asking for introductions in my new industry or city. I send cold emails to people who Id like to meet. I browse meetups and conferences and events. But the single most effective thing I do to build my network is this I say yes to everything.OK, not to anything illegal, or to anything Id regret seeing posted on social media. But for a certain period of time (typically one to two months), I make a point to say yes to every invitation, every event, and every networking request that comes my way.If I hear about a conference that seems only mildly related to what I do, yes. If someone asks me to lunch, yes. If Im invited to an alumni event 10 miles a way- Id never normally commute that far on a weeknight, but yes From early morning coffee meetings to outdoor Frisbee games, Im truly game for anything and everything.To tell you the truth, many of these activities lead to nothing. But many of them lead to meeting people who become friends or important professional connections. Many of them lead to other invitations (which, of course, I accept)- that then lead to friends or important professional connections.And it keeps going. In fact, I cant count the number of amazing relationships Ive built and the number of opportunities thatve come my way because I said yes to something I normally wouldve skipped- going to events far out of town, eating pizza on a Saturday night with a group of women I had never met before, watching or even playing sports.Yes, its uncomfortable. Yes, it takes time. And yes, every time I do it, I really have to pump myself up. But I remind myself that its just for a month or two, and then I can return to my old ways- but with a much stronger community in place. So, give it a try. Whether youre making a major career or life change, youre looking to bolster your network, or youre just trying to make some new friends, have a yes period. I have a feeling youll be pleasantly surprised.Tried it out? Let me know on Twitter.