Here's how you can shape your professional network through decision making.

1 Identify Goals

Before diving into networking events or LinkedIn requests, take a moment to reflect on your professional objectives. Understanding what you aim to achieve in your career helps in making informed decisions about who to connect with. If your goal is to break into a new industry, seek out professionals already established in that field. For those looking to climb the corporate ladder, connecting with higher-level executives can provide mentorship and insight. Your goals should guide your networking strategy, ensuring each connection brings value to your professional journey.

2 Seek Diversity

In shaping your network, it's vital to seek diversity in the people you connect with. This doesn't just mean different industries or job titles, but also varying perspectives, backgrounds, and skill sets. A diverse network can offer a broader range of insights and opportunities and can be a rich resource for innovative ideas and solutions. When making decisions about whom to add to your network, consider how their unique experiences and viewpoints could enrich your professional life and contribute to your growth.

3 Quality Over Quantity

While it might be tempting to amass a large number of connections quickly, focus instead on the quality of those relationships. It's more beneficial to have a smaller circle of contacts with whom you engage regularly and meaningfully than a vast network of acquaintances you barely know. When deciding whom to connect with, prioritize individuals with whom you can see potential for a strong, ongoing professional relationship. Remember, a few solid connections can be more influential than dozens of superficial ones.

4 Mutual Benefit

Networking is a two-way street. As you make decisions about building your network, consider not only how others can help you but also how you can add value to their professional lives. This could be through sharing knowledge, offering support, or connecting them with others in your network. When both parties benefit from the relationship, it's more likely to be sustainable and rewarding. Always approach networking with a mindset of mutual benefit to foster strong and lasting connections.

5 Engage Regularly

Once you've made a connection, it's important to keep the relationship alive through regular engagement. This could be as simple as commenting on their LinkedIn posts, catching up over coffee, or collaborating on a project. Your decision to stay in touch should be deliberate and consistent. By actively engaging with your contacts, you demonstrate your interest in their work and your commitment to the relationship, which can lead to more profound and beneficial interactions over time.

6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, as you build your network, regularly reflect on the effectiveness of your approach. Are your connections helping you move toward your professional goals? Are there gaps in your network that need filling? Your decision-making process should be fluid, allowing you to adjust your strategy as needed. This might mean seeking out new types of contacts, deepening existing relationships, or even letting some go if they're no longer beneficial. Regular reflection ensures that your network remains aligned with your professional aspirations and continues to serve you well.