Here's how you can cultivate strong professional relationships in your industry.

I attended a national conference several years ago and didn’t know anyone. Two men who worked close to my university invited me to sit with them at the conference and have dinner later. It was the start of a meaningful relationship professionally and personally. It was great to be able to run ideas past people who were not part of my institution so I knew their perspectives were not biased. Lucky for me when one person was retiring from his position, the networking enabled me to find out about his job being open. I got to work with him for four months before he retired. One connection at a conference changed my whole career trajectory!

1. Decide who you need in your network and why. 2. Select where you will likely find those people, and don't waste time attending events or having coffee with those who don't address step #1. 3. What can you offer these people you meet that is not self-serving and can realistically be done with your available time? (e.g., help them connect with others, share business processes, point them to industry resources you’ve found helpful, etc.) In other words, how do you create a genuine connection before asking for anything? 4. Craft three key talking points that prepare you for when the conversation turns to you so you are clear and concise. 5. Have a follow-up plan that is custom to their WIFFM and addresses step 3, and then DO IT!

If you go to a conference, spend sometime on socials so that you know whose going, who you can connect with and what sessions are of interest. It’s also through social media you can see if there are side events, attached trade shows with companies of interest. The last BETT show I went to, I pretty stood in the same spot all day and colleagues, friends offline and online just came through and before I knew the day had happened, but I’d caught up and talked to so many people. Most of it got arranged on socials.

I have found that everyone else is as shy as you are at a networking function. So if you are friendly and just start a conversation, most people respond positively.

In my experience as an educator, I have worked with a variety of people from principals to teachers to security guards. Their titles didn’t make a difference in our connection or relationship, getting to truly know me did. When we have conversations and you can ask about my children and use their names, or you can inquire about an event or anything that I shared with you, then you establishing a meaningful connection with me that is intentional and lasting. Whatever you need is no longer a favor, it is something I want to do for you to assist and not expect anything in return.

Confidence serves as the fundamental cornerstone for fostering sustainable and powerful teams. It empowers them to reach their full potential and tackle divergent scenarios with ease, seeking powerful solutions effortlessly."soluciones potentes sin esfuerzo.."

An example I have seen is hearing people story and connecting with it brings about trust and foster deeper relationships that will benefit both parties.

Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is a powerful way to build trust and rapport. In your professional interactions, practice active listening by giving your full attention and responding thoughtfully to what others say. Show that you appreciate their challenges and achievements by offering support or congratulations where appropriate. This empathetic approach demonstrates that you value the relationship beyond just its utility, fostering a deeper connection that can stand the test of time and benefit both parties

Often as leaders we forget that those we lead are human. Showing empathy for them can often be a great way to cultivate relationships. Be mindful that exhibiting empathy doesn't mean we lose sight of our mission. It does however, serve as a way to let people know that you care about them as a person, not just as an employee. In my experience, this has been a foundational aspect of building loyalty to the leader and organization.

Some ways to get started: -Frequently offer support and understanding -Authentically foster a culture of compassion -Morally implement policies and practices that prioritize mental health

Be generous with your knowledge, it's a remarkable way to sell your products and never take any one for granted. Building up reasonable conversation, giving tips will further influence the team.

Sharing knowledge is so valuable, including how you got that knowledge. Successes, mistakes and things in between. Also great to introduce people you’ve had positive experiences or support from to others in your network. Finally, be generous with what you have e.g processes, templates, policies - support your colleagues in the same industry.

Offer help, share knowledge, and provide resources without expecting immediate returns. Whether it's sharing an article, offering advice, or connecting someone with a useful contact, providing value strengthens relationships.

One can answer questions by attentively considering the needs and perspectives of those seeking assistance, ensuring responses are clear, concise, and relevant. Empower others by offering actionable steps and resources that facilitate their understanding and growth within the topic or industry.

In my experience I have had many opportunities to establish, build and maintain reciprocal relationships with major players across my industry. This has organically grown purely from my personal brand presence and reputation in the sector. When engage with new connections I always seek to understand how I can contribute positively to the other parties strategy and vision rather than what they are able to do for me. This in turn fosters reciprocity without resorting to hard sell tactics.

Good communication plays an important role in keeping up with the team and foster growth and consistency in the system. It encourages trust and healthy admiration for both parties.

Staying engaged cultivates strong bond in the relationship. I believe that to have a good relationships communication plays a major role that contribute to staying engaged.

Like any form of influence, you must put yourself in the other person's shoes. For example, a common suggestion is, "If you see a relevant article, send it to the person with whom you're nurturing a relationship." However, executive-level professionals already have more to read daily than they have time for, so this could feel more like work than a welcome touchpoint. So engagement must be custom. Think about WHY someone would value hearing form you. Then, honor your relationship level as you determine if a simple personal update would be valued because you are closer or if perhaps an inside tip or coveted intro might be more appealing for a more distant relationship. Always remember the WIFFM for the other: "What's In It For Me?"

We are say it when we move on from a role 'let's stay in touch' but how many do. You know when you've truly made a connection and impression on someone's life when years down the line former colleagues still reach out, for a chat or advice. People remember you as the go to person with a particular skill.

In my experience this is critical. Everyone is ‘busy’ and have benchmarks or goals to meet within their jobs and roles. Making the effort to connect, touch base and keep up to date with the progress of your colleagues and connections can go a long way. Not only does it help you to continue growing and learning, but it shows authenticity, empathy and respect when working alongside other professionals.

Prioritise authenticity is key-showing genuine interest in the work of others and consistently communicating with the intention to build rapport and trust over time is one of the pillars in building strong professional relationship. How authentic are you?

I completely agree, in the human service sector honesty, transparency and authenticity are paramount to the success of the relationships you establish.

In my experience, being willing to admit and share mistakes builds both rapport and trust. It also becomes easier with time. The more I do it, the more colleagues feel comfortable sharing. We can only learn from failure if we admit it. If you want a culture of growth, leading with humility and humor allows others to do the same.

I always tell people to be who they are always. We are have our uniqueness and specialities. Exhibiting your true self makes you authentic.

Be in the right frame of mind when seeking feedback and me mindful who you ask. Be reflective of the feedback and triangulate various perspectives. Don't let one persons feedback be your impetus to change. Seek out those who have demonstrated they have lifted others around them.

Not just accepting but actively seeking feedback models “this is how we do things.” I appreciate the insights my colleagues and students have given me. It’s helped me to prioritize how and in what I’d like to develop next.

Agreed, seeking constructive feedback informs continuous improvement processes, assist’s organisations to remain competitive and allows organisations to adapt and remain top of their game in an ever changing industry or sector.

In the field of social work, integrity is a crucial value. Your beliefs, actions, and advocacy should all be in alignment. The work we do is an extension of ourselves.

In my sector (tuition), there's a saying: colleagues not competitors. Many of us try and uphold this value so that we remain affiliative and supportive while still pushing ourselves forward to be the best version of ourselves. We try to have an abundance mentality- there's enough work for us all. This means that the relationships we form can be truly authentic- we are not afraid of each other but know we can learn from each other and lift each other up.

Inclusive communication. Share everything. If I know it, my team know it. Build a culture where everyone is aligned to the goals. Not a hierarchical structure but a culture where all your team feel like leaders and decision makers. Discuss and debate together. Not a culture where people will start to unravel decisions in the corridor immediately after a meeting. Agree / disagree but committ.

Always align yourself and actively engage with organisations/individuals that share your values, vision and ethics. By effectively utilising the engagement strategies previously mentioned you will have the knowledge and ability to make informed decisions relative to the relationships you should nurture and those you should not.

Some crucial factors we have to consider for a strong professional relationship management: - Policy orientation - Make sure accountability - Need based skill development - Let all the staffs know their own JD - Being empathetic - Make all the staffs time bound - Speak with manner - Respectful to personal privacy - Gender sensibility - Know where to show flexibility and strictness - Not being an exploiter or be exploited - Think logical, not from ego - Make a staff feel secured - Create the working environment free from suffocation. - Don't act or talk like a verbal abuser - Make staffs clear about both side expectations - Be a mentor,not just a BOSS - Engage in overtime with politeness - Timely recognition for staff contribution