Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It is a strategic skill that can help you advance your career, learn from others, and create value for your organization. In this article, you will discover how to use your network to get ahead in leadership development.
Before you start reaching out to your network, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to find a mentor, a sponsor, a partner, or a client? Do you want to explore new opportunities, gain new insights, or solve a specific problem? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you identify who can help you and how to approach them.
Two things that help with this, they may seem competing but I think they are actually complimentary 1) Be intentional - Building relationships to check a box or for the sake of it isn't nearly as helpful as having a specific reason for spending time to build relationships. Making sure you have a clear reason or why can help you also focus your efforts 2) Be curious - Even though you'll want to be intentional, following your curiosity will also A) make it more enjoyable, and B) make your interactions genuine
Networking is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term investment. You need to build trust, rapport, and mutual benefit with your network. This means being genuine, respectful, and supportive. Show interest in their work, challenges, and goals. Share your expertise, insights, and resources. Offer your help, feedback, and referrals. Follow up, keep in touch, and acknowledge their contributions.
Any friendship or personal relationship we have in our life takes time, investment and care. The same is true for a professional relationship. Making sure you spend the time and effort to cultivate and build relationships is not a one shot deal, but rather a continuous effort. One way to do this is to find "micromoments" to further the relationship after the interaction, or small ways to reach out, engage others, and show your commitment to the relationship
Your network is not limited to your immediate circle of colleagues, friends, and family. You can expand your reach by connecting with people from different backgrounds, industries, and roles. You can also leverage online platforms, events, and communities to find and join relevant groups, forums, and conversations. By expanding your reach, you can access new perspectives, opportunities, and resources that can enhance your leadership development.
It is critically important for leaders to not only reach out, but to create opportunities for others to do the same. In my experience, solutions are often waiting for an opportunity to be advanced. By using modern technology and social networks, these opportunities may lead to transformative change, beneficial to the iideator and a broader audience.
Your network can help you get ahead, but you also need to show them why they should help you. You need to showcase your value by demonstrating your skills, achievements, and potential. You can do this by creating and sharing valuable content, such as articles, podcasts, or videos. You can also showcase your value by participating in projects, initiatives, or challenges that align with your goals and interests. By showcasing your value, you can build your reputation, credibility, and influence.
Approaching a relationship that you're trying to build with a sense of generosity, abundance, and care often yields other people showing you generosity, abundance and care. It's important and a good idea to know what you want to get out of a relationship but it's equally as important of figuring out how you can help others. Finally, a counterintuitive thing I have found in my relationships is that the more I focus on helping others, the more help I receive in return
One of the most important aspects of networking is asking for help. Many people hesitate to do this because they fear rejection, imposition, or awkwardness. However, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It shows that you are proactive, curious, and willing to learn. To ask for help effectively, you need to be specific, respectful, and grateful. You need to explain what you need, why you need it, and how it can benefit both parties. You also need to thank them for their time, attention, and assistance.
I have yet to speak to anyone in a networking call who doesn’t need something. When you ask “How can I help you?” You are turning the tables. “This conversation isn’t about me, it’s about helping you.” When they ask “How can I help you?” Express your gratitude and tell them what you’re looking for, who you want to meet and why that introduction makes sense.
Networking is a two-way street. You cannot expect to receive help from your network without giving back. Giving back is not only a way of showing appreciation, but also a way of building trust, loyalty, and reciprocity. You can give back by sharing your knowledge, skills, and resources with your network. You can also give back by introducing them to other people who can help them, endorsing them for their work, or recommending them for opportunities. By giving back, you can strengthen your network and create a positive cycle of value.
It can be difficult to quantify a return on all the investment you make in building and nurturing your network. I have come to the conclusion that for every one person who actively responds to my messages or posts I think will be helpful, there are several more who find them valuable but do not respond directly. Maybe they are busy or just shy. Don't be discouraged if your outreach seems to go into a vacuum. You are connecting more than you think.