Building an inclusive network that reflects your values is not only beneficial for your personal and professional growth, but also for creating a more diverse and equitable society. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to expand your connections, foster meaningful relationships, and promote inclusion and belonging in your network.
Before you start reaching out to potential contacts, you need to have a clear idea of what values you want to uphold and share with your network. Your values are the core principles that guide your actions and decisions, and they can be related to your passions, beliefs, goals, or causes. You can use a values exercise, such as the one from MindTools, to help you identify and prioritize your values.
Getting clarity is the first step in almost all projects. What is the goal you are trying to accomplish? Are you trying to be a leader in your field, increase revenue, or build a contact. Once you get clear on your objectives, you can make clear decisions on where to spend your time. Should you be attending networking events or making cold calls? Should you be speaking at events for free or charging for your time? Once you’ve taken the time to clarify your objectives, everything becomes clear.
Expand your horizons, Seek out people with diverse identities, experiences, and expertise by attending events, joining online communities, volunteering, or taking courses that expose you to new fields and cultures Be authentic and inclusive, Approach your professional network with genuine curiosity and respect, avoiding pretense or fitting in with groups that don't align with your values or goals Ask questions and listen actively, Show genuine interest in others' experiences and perspectives by asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively
Once you have defined your values, you can look for people who share them or support them. You can use various platforms and channels to find your network, such as online communities, social media groups, events, podcasts, newsletters, or blogs. You can also leverage your existing contacts, such as colleagues, friends, mentors, or alumni, and ask them for introductions or referrals. The key is to be proactive, curious, and open-minded.
After you have identified some potential contacts, you need to engage them in a genuine and respectful way. You can start by introducing yourself, expressing your interest in their work or perspective, and asking them for advice or feedback. You can also offer your help, insights, or resources, and show appreciation and recognition. The goal is to build trust, rapport, and mutual value with your network.
While it is important to have a network that reflects your values, it is also essential to have a network that reflects diversity. Diversity means having people from different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives in your network. Diversity can help you learn new things, challenge your assumptions, broaden your horizons, and improve your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can diversify your network by seeking out people who are different from you, listening to their stories, and being respectful and empathetic.
Having a diverse network is not enough if you do not include your network. Inclusion means making your network feel valued, respected, and supported. Inclusion can help you foster a sense of belonging, loyalty, and collaboration in your network. You can include your network by creating a safe and welcoming space for dialogue, feedback, and learning, by celebrating and highlighting their achievements and contributions, and by advocating and amplifying their voices.
Finally, you need to maintain your network by keeping in touch, following up, and providing value. You can use various tools and strategies to stay connected with your network, such as sending personalized messages, sharing relevant content, inviting them to events or opportunities, or asking for updates or referrals. You can also use a CRM system, such as HubSpot or Zoho, to organize and manage your contacts and interactions. The key is to be consistent, authentic, and helpful.