How can you build your network in performance management?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn new skills, find a mentor, get feedback, or explore new opportunities? Having a specific goal will help you focus your efforts and target the right people to network with. It will also help you craft your personal brand and your elevator pitch, which are essential tools for effective networking.

2 Research your network

Once you have your goal in mind, you need to research your existing and potential network. Who are the people who can help you with your goal, or who share your interests and values? You can start with your current and former colleagues, managers, and clients, and then expand to your alumni, professional associations, online communities, and events. You can use tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Google to find out more about their backgrounds, roles, projects, and achievements.

3 Reach out and engage

After you have identified your network, you need to reach out and engage with them. You can use various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or video calls, to initiate contact and request a conversation. Be polite, respectful, and concise, and explain why you want to connect and what value you can offer. For example, you can share your insights, offer your help, or ask for advice. You can also use common interests, mutual connections, or recent events to break the ice and build rapport.

4 Follow up and maintain

Networking is not a one-time activity, but a long-term process. You need to follow up and maintain your relationships with your network. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, providing feedback, sharing useful resources, or inviting them to join your network on social media. You can also schedule regular check-ins, ask for updates, or offer your support. The key is to be genuine, consistent, and respectful, and to show interest and appreciation.

5 Showcase your skills

Networking is also an opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your value in performance management. You can do this by creating and sharing your portfolio, blog, podcast, or newsletter, where you showcase your projects, achievements, challenges, and learnings. You can also participate in online forums, webinars, or podcasts, where you share your opinions, insights, or best practices. You can also volunteer for projects, events, or committees, where you apply your skills and contribute to your network.

6 Learn and grow

Networking is not only about building connections, but also about learning and growing. You can use your network to access new information, opportunities, and perspectives that can help you improve your performance management skills and advance your career. You can ask for feedback, recommendations, referrals, or introductions from your network. You can also seek mentorship, coaching, or training from your network. You can also learn from their successes, failures, and challenges, and apply their lessons to your own situation.

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?