Here's how you can master networking and build professional relationships in mid-career.

Broadening your network by attending industry events and participating in professional forums is recommended to master networking in mid-career. Establish authentic connections by demonstrating genuine interest in others and offering assistance. Maintain existing relationships and leverage social media like LinkedIn. Stay updated with industry trends to attract others to your network. Networking is a two-way street that requires consistency and genuineness. It takes time to build relationships.

I don't think this necessarily applies to public administration only. This is applicable to any career, really. If you're looking to grow your network, simply start. It is tiring and exhausting to study people, and reach out to them, and learn them. It gets easier though. Give yourself a solid 6-9 months of actually learning about people. You will care about them. Expect nothing, and offer them everything. Reach out to them because they have the same hobby. Reach out to them because they're from Italy and visiting and it's your dream destination or your heritage. You never know who is Taylor Swift's dad's uncle's nephew's sister-in-law. Every single connection you make in your life will be fruitful, even if you don't think it is. Every one.

Large and small business gathering help when you have to change the outlook of your network. Jumping in and going to that uncomfortable zone can help you accomplish more than you thought.

Mastering networking and building professional relationships requires a strategic approach. Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile to reflect current goals and engage with relevant content to build visibility. Participate in virtual panels, webinars, and industry groups to expand your network digitally. Leverage AI tools to identify key connections and personalize outreach, while using data insights to tailor interactions. Foster genuine connections by offering value and staying active in online discussions, strengthening your digital presence.

In our mid-career, we have more avenues of networking as we reach responsible positions in our organisations and interact with a lot of senior executives of different companies. We should strengthen our professional ties with such people by keeping in touch and greeting them on special occasions. We may arrange meetings and dinners with them if in the same town. We may also invite them to grace as esteemed guests during our official events and celebrations. We may also try to discover common interests and pursuits which will make lasting relationships.

Identify and seek out people whom you know are well connected - whether they are in your field or others. When you meet them, let them know about you and your capabilities, but instead of starting by asking for help, instead ask what you can do for them. Attend conferences and trade associations and ask the organizers who are some of the most interesting people you should meet. Join the boards of causes and groups you care about and volunteer. In no time, you will have built your network substantially.

One thing I have found helpful is to keep an open mind on having conversations with people that on the surface might not have obvious value to you. You might be surprised at what you learn from conversations with people outside your usual sphere of contacts. Yes, it is important to be strategic but remain open to learning from others.

Dominar el networking comienza con diversificar tus contactos. Amplía tu red más allá de tus círculos habituales y conéctate con personas de diferentes ámbitos, como medios de comunicación, academia y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Asiste a eventos, únete a foros o participa en seminarios web para explorar nuevas ideas. Construir estos puentes enriquecerá tu red, ampliará tu influencia y te brindará nuevas perspectivas para impulsar tu carrera.