Each year, I say one of my goals is to run a marathon. And then I say something like “I’ll run 26.2 miles spread out over the course of 365 days.” 

It’s a horrible dad joke and I have many more of them. 

Truth is, if I had to run more than a 5k, I’d struggle mightily. Outside of a day or two here or there when I decide “I’m going to start running regularly,” I’ve done little to prepare (although I am great at carb loading).

This is a lot like those who decide they want to improve their job situation, but have done little to try and prepare the path. And I’m not even talking about the harder stuff of getting secondary degrees or new certifications. It really starts as easily as taking an active role in building your professional network.

Every field has their own professional groups. For me, as a nonprofit fundraiser, there are many and the one I am most active with is the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). There are webinars and lunches and those are great to attend, but showing up is only part of the battle. Quietly sitting in the back of the proverbial room may provide you valuable lessons on the topic being discussed, but may not give you the best ROI.

Who is the person sitting next to you? Starting a conversation will never be easier. You already have things in common. You’re at the same meeting. You likely work in the same industry. Do they work for an organization you admire? Nametags are your friends.

These same professional groups are always screaming for volunteers and, while you have to decide how much time you have to devote, volunteering is a great way to get to know your peers and future potential supervisors. Whether you volunteer on the board or just on an event committee, you’ll get to know others and, perhaps, more importantly, they’ll get to know you. 

But, I don’t have the money to join these professional groups.

Well, the great thing about professional networking is that it comes with some great free options as well.

Earlier in my career, I decided to set up meetings with people doing the jobs I dreamt of doing. For me, that meant those working in university advancement, community foundations and a few nonprofit CEOs. My primary goal was to learn more about their work and what one does to best prepare themselves for such roles. My secondary goal was to get myself in front of decision makers who might be making hiring decisions in the future. Those thirty minutes provided me with some great facetime and advice, while, perhaps, flattering professionals who would like to be looked to as mentors (as they are). 

With these new relationships, don’t be afraid to help them stick a little with the help of a LinkedIn connection. Let them continue to see the work you’re doing (share your victories!) and the articles you’re reading. Meanwhile, if they have an opening at their organization, you’re likely to see them mention it here. 

These, by no means, aren’t the only ways to network, but this is only a blog post and not a self-help book. What are some ways you’ve networked with decision makers?