How can you build a strong network to help you adapt to changes in your career?

Building a network involves prioritizing genuine connections, reciprocity, and continuous learning. Active engagement in events, leveraging social media, seeking mentorship, collaborating on projects, nurturing relationships, diversifying connections, adding value, attending educational sessions, and staying updated fosters a network supporting career transitions and growth in marketing. I find engaging in collaborative projects and volunteering helps in showcasing my skills and connecting with new people. Nurturing relationships is key; maintaining connections by offering support, sharing updates, and demonstrating genuine interest... You can broaden your network by engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and other industries.

For me, the objective of networking is multifaceted. Firstly, I aim to build strong and meaningful professional relationships within my industry or field of interest. By connecting with like-minded individuals, I can seek out mentorship opportunities, gain insights from their experiences, and even collaborate on potential projects. In addition, networking offers me a platform to expand my knowledge and learn new skills. Engaging with professionals who possess expertise in areas I wish to develop allows me to explore different perspectives, acquire valuable knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in my field.

Networks are a funny thing, we all tend to think we only network when we need or want something from our network, but what I have found is the most effective network in a time of change is to build one that you give to more than you take from. What I mean by this is build your network and do your best to help them find that next role or opportunity. I have found your network takes care of you and brings up your name when an opportunity arises. However, it may not be immediate, but continue to build up a strong healthy network and in time it will be fruitful for all.

I believe you are the only one who is the 100% custodian of your career. Networking is always important to get insights and understand your goal meticulously, but I believe in today's scenario you will find almost negligible number of connections with right advice, better you should analyaze youself, get the guidance if you have some corporate guru and evaluate the advice from your genuine connections then take the right decision that will land you to your desired goal.

The best networks belong to those with lives best lived. Relationships are everywhere just waiting to be nurtured. Yes, in business we pursue strategic relationships through volunteering, memberships, causes, etc. But there's something to be said for simply approaching every introduction or interaction with an open heart and mind. Every person has the potential to enrich and grow your life, and vice versa. The person we become is largely due to what we are able to achieve, create or offer to/for others in life. The key is get out there. Learn to be at home in comfortable and uncomfortable places. Extend your boundaries. Reinvent your perceptions and expectations. Prepare to be surprised!

Identify relevant people by attending industry conferences, joining online forums or groups, and participating in professional associations. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. Engage in conversations, share insights, and seek out mentors or colleagues with similar career interests.

To attain your goal, seek assistance from individuals who can contribute to your success. Begin by leveraging existing connections like colleagues, clients, mentors, or alumni. Extend your network by participating in events, joining online communities, or seeking introductions. When identifying new contacts, prioritize relevance, credibility, and diversity. Connect with individuals possessing pertinent expertise, experience, and credibility, fostering trust and respect in their fields. Seek those who provide diverse perspectives, backgrounds, or opportunities to enhance your network.

Focus on building real relationships, not just transactional ones. Take the time to get to know each other both professionally and personally. Each person you meet during your career has a distinct story- make the time to hear that story and you might be surprised at what you learn.

“Networking” scared the bejezus out of me, until I realized I was doing it without realising. And it was one on one casual, unforced conversations where the other person gave willingly and kindly, and I asked questions hungrily. It doesn’t take much more than that to build connections with people who are open to helping you, who then spark for you to help others.

My 3 takes: - Be curious and truly interested to get to know the other person. - Be open to listen and learn. - Be patient - healthy relationships need time to establish.

Effective networking extends beyond business cards and LinkedIn requests; it's rooted in genuine relationships. Be proactive by reaching out with personalized messages expressing interest and offering support. For instance, after a networking event, follow up with a message like, "It was great connecting at the event. I appreciate your insights. If there's any way I can assist you, please let me know." Regular follow-ups, sharing valuable information, and genuine interactions strengthen connections. Respect their time and boundaries, ensuring authenticity in your interactions for a robust professional network.

Being authentic and dedicated in any position you work, creating impact but also being human in work relations is an open road to making meaningful relationships that will last. Network is just consequence of the above.

I will suggest you all to join various business networking platforms like bni and various industry associations to enhance the network by leveraging these platforms

‘Network = Networth’, Building, Maintaining and then leveraging network -be it internally or externally! My network internally helped me pivot into a new role that I was interested in!

Leverage your network by staying in touch regularly, sharing relevant updates, and seeking advice when needed. Don't hesitate to ask for introductions or insights related to your career goals. Reciprocity is key, so be willing to assist others in your network as well.

A few years ago I posted that I had a very large network that I use ineffectively. Someone corrected me stating that while I do not consciously monetize the network, I do feed it with content rich in successes, brand building steps and marketing expertise. He mentioned that while I ask for nothing in return, I expand it by adding value and sprinkling it with insight allows for free flow conversations with devision makers in need of service.

Avec une base de plus de 10k contacts sur LinkedIn, je dispose désormais d'un répertoire diversifié englobant tous les secteurs d'activité, tous les niveaux hiérarchiques, toutes les tranches d'age, et toutes les strates sociales, culturelles et géographiques. Ce réseau s'est construit au fil des rencontres au cours des dix dernières années, et je l'exploite au quotidien. La satisfaction de pouvoir connecter une jeune étudiante déterminée, résidant en banlieue, avec un décideur au sein d'une entreprise, capable de lui offrir une opportunité de stage, est incommensurable. Cela apporte une véritable transformation aux destinées individuelles.

There is no end to learning. Embrace learning, unlearning and relearning to grow and develop in person. Be.flexiblr and adaptable. Attend workshops, conferences and trainings both online and offline to gain relevant skills and competencies for efficiency.

Picture a situation where you're part of a cross-functional project team. Your team faces a critical decision, and opinions vary among members. Instead of sticking to your own expertise, seize the opportunity to learn from the diverse perspectives within the team. Initiate a collaborative discussion where each member shares their insights and experiences. By embracing a collective learning mindset, you not only contribute valuable ideas but also foster an inclusive environment. The exchange of knowledge among team members leads to a richer understanding of the challenge at hand.

Learning is certainly a never ending process. New relevant skills in the dynamic global economy are crucial for growth. Continuously work on building connections of people within and outside your field. Leverage on forums that are critical for not just learning about current and emerging trends but also meeting relevant minds and industry leaders.

I agree that learning cannot be limited to few weeks, months or years. But aim is to gather as much wisdom about a topic such that you contribute constructively. Through dialogue, mentoring or even raising queries when relevant. Since most learning and growth goals are seen as short term goals, we always end up coming up short in achieve one them.

Keep learning each day and networking with people of the same energy. This will make you adapt to current trends happening in the world hence your career will progress and not be able to be replaced by the likes of AI.

Imagine you're attending a professional networking event, and you encounter someone who is probably not there yet. Instead of focusing solely on your agenda, take a moment to listen actively to their experience. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective, challenges, and aspirations. Share your own insights, not just to showcase your expertise, but with the genuine intention to assist. By demonstrating genuine care and providing support, you contribute to a collaborative and compassionate professional network. This not only enhances your personal brand but also establishes you as a trusted and empathetic figure within your professional community.

When successful on one project - building a large brand, it’s easy to craft analogs to other potential builds calling on “success” already achieved. LinkedIn is an ideal platform for story telling.

Il est important de prendre en compte les besoins de nos interlocuteurs et d'y répondre généreusement. Partager ses connaissances, ses idées, ses repas, avant d'en recevoir et sans attendre d'en recevoir en retour par les mêmes personnes à qui l'ont a ouvert son coeur.

Find your tribe. Look for people who match your level of intellect. Meet them often. Build meaningful conversations. Provide feedback. Take initiative.