How can you expand your professional network as a peer supporter?

As a peer supporter, you have a unique and valuable perspective to share with others who are on their recovery journey. But how can you connect with more people who can benefit from your skills, knowledge, and experience? How can you find opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate with other peer supporters and professionals in the field? In this article, we will explore some ways to expand your professional network as a peer supporter and why it matters for your personal and career development.

1 Define your goals

Before you start reaching out to potential contacts, it helps to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve by expanding your network. Do you want to find more clients, mentors, or collaborators? Do you want to learn new skills, gain insights, or access resources? Do you want to raise awareness, advocate, or influence change? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your efforts and communicate your value proposition to others.

Add your perspective

Rose Davidson

Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives | Podcast Host & Producer | Co-Founder of Healing Through Love | Advocate for Domestic & Family Violence Awareness
Report contribution
When I started my podcast in July 2020, I never thought that it could ever reach the popularity that it has. My original thought was, "how can I help business owners from closing their doors during this trying time?" Answer: Start a podcast, speak to other business owners who could offer advice and insights so those contemplating closure could remain open. I did the usual research and found that there was so much on the internet. It was overwhelming!! Doing the usual 'Rose thing', I did it my way and learned as I went along. I now have podcast booking agencies contacting me to book in their speakers and I am regularly booked out. You can do it too!! Reach out to find out more.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Identify your target audience

Once you have defined your goal, you need to identify who are the people that can help you achieve it. Who are the leaders, experts, or influencers in your field of interest? Who are the peers, colleagues, or organizations that share your vision and values? Who are the potential clients, partners, or employers that need your services or support? You can use online platforms, directories, databases, or publications to research and find relevant contacts in your area of expertise.

Add your perspective

3 Build your online presence

One of the most effective ways to expand your network as a peer supporter is to build your online presence. This means creating and maintaining a professional profile on social media, websites, blogs, or forums that showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. You can also use these platforms to share your insights, opinions, or stories related to peer support and recovery. By doing so, you can attract attention, establish credibility, and demonstrate your value to your target audience.

Add your perspective

Tabitha Mwai, MA

Conference Communications Officer at Good Deeds Day | Chevening Alumna 22/23 | Media and Development Consultant | Journalist | Author |
Report contribution
Having an online presence helped me grow as a trusted source of information on matters of mental health and other social issues affecting women and youth. I used to participate in Twitter discussions, work on my blog regularly and later I started a podcast. In an year my initiative became an organisation and I had volunteers working with me. With the growth, we started doing monthly forums which we would mobilise participants via social media. This is how I started getting invitations to speak in institutions and webinars and later I got an offer to host a show. I have shifted my focus to something else but I will always appreciate the power of social media.

Like

Unhelpful

4 Engage in online communities

Another way to expand your network as a peer supporter is to engage in online communities that are relevant to your field of interest. You can join groups, forums, or chats that discuss topics, issues, or trends related to peer support and recovery. You can also participate in webinars, podcasts, or online events that feature speakers, experts, or peers in your field. By doing so, you can learn from others, contribute to the conversation, and make connections with like-minded people.

Add your perspective

Ko Im

Content Magician
Report contribution
Community is everything. Whether you build your own or join one, it can be super helpful in being a safe space for support, feedback and questions. I also like to shoutout people on social media or make sure they're being seen—as much as I want to be. It's not expected, but I believe in social karma.

Like

Unhelpful

5 Attend in-person events

While online networking is convenient and accessible, nothing beats the personal touch of meeting face-to-face. You can attend in-person events such as conferences, workshops, trainings, or meetups that are related to peer support and recovery. You can also volunteer, speak, or present at these events to showcase your skills and experience. By doing so, you can expand your visibility, build rapport, and exchange ideas with other peer supporters and professionals.

Add your perspective

6 Follow up and nurture relationships

The last step to expand your network as a peer supporter is to follow up and nurture the relationships you have established. You can send a thank-you note, an invitation, or a resource to the people you have met online or in-person. You can also keep in touch, offer help, ask for feedback, or share updates on your progress. By doing so, you can show your appreciation, interest, and value to your contacts and strengthen your bonds with them.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you expand your professional network as a peer supporter?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your goals

2 Identify your target audience

3 Build your online presence

4 Engage in online communities

5 Attend in-person events

6 Follow up and nurture relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Peer Support

More relevant reading

How can you expand your professional network as a peer supporter?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your goals

2 Identify your target audience

3 Build your online presence

4 Engage in online communities

5 Attend in-person events

6 Follow up and nurture relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills