While most people associate the word networking with a meet and greet or specific event, you can network pretty much anywhere and start networking with almost anyone. A great place to start is with someone you know but would like to get to know better, or with someone who shares something in common with you. You may know them from work, school, a mutual cause, or they may even be a family member. When you meet, you can ask them for recommendations about who else you could talk with to continue expanding your connections.

For suggestions on how to make the initial outreach or places to consider looking for people to connect with, view the Networking Preparation section of our website, which provides some specific ideas to help you build your network.