I believe we can start by understanding what we are truly interested in and what content we would be more proactive in participating in. On social media platforms, we can find related topics and active users by searching for keywords, follow these users, and thus find related groups or organizations. Meanwhile, as we regularly participate in topic activities, such as commenting and replying to some posts, liking, sharing, posting dynamics, etc., we will continuously find new companions, experts and peers in the field. In this way, we are starting a PLN prior. Then, we need to build a healthy and growing PLN, and we will discuss it from the following two aspects.

Building a reputation and trust in a connected culture can be difficult, so how can we build a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable, and participatory?

Firstly, we need to start from ourselves and ensure that we can honestly share our views and goals. For example, if the content we post is inconsistent, it is easy for others to think that we are fake or an official account maintained by multiple people. Naturally, our PLN will not be reliable. Secondly, we need to look at high-quality content and try to post high-quality and high-level content. It is not easy to maintain a good reputation. Only by paying attention to the reliability and quality of our content every time we post something can we attract peers with the same capabilities and effectively expand our PLN. Thirdly, it would be best if we could support and encourage peers in the network. When we first start learning a skill, we are all seeking guidance and help. Therefore, we should give positive feedback to the network so that fresh blood can be integrated into our network. Finally, respect the results within the network. When we participate in network activities, we need positive feedback to gain passion for continuous creation, and others also need it. We should respect other people’s labor results and encourage each other to grow during the interaction process.

How can we leverage healthy relationships from our PLN for growth?

Firstly, when cooperating with like-minded people in the network, it can greatly improve ourselves. For example, we can invite some experts or peers to participate in projects or campaigns under a certain topic together. While sharing resources and technologies, we will also gain knowledge from others. I think this is the fastest way to improve ourselves. Secondly, we also need to consciously evaluate the PLN continuously. For example, you can use some analysis tools to record results and feedbacks from the PLN to evaluate its value. After a certain period of time, summarizing results and feedbacks can gain more creative confidence, and truly like the topic so that you can continue to grow from it.