What do you do if your strategic communications network needs expanding?

Building professional relationship networks helps you effectively become the greatest asset to be considered. Engaging with all stakeholders with the same dedication, strengthens relationships and establishes a greater impact of communication with your network.

Before expanding your network, assess your current situation. Identify strengths and gaps in your existing network. Consider strategic goals and target audiences. Are there industry influencers or potential partners you're not engaging with? Understanding these needs guides expansion efforts, targeting areas for growth effectively.

Start by creating a living list of "watering holes" (conferences, media, organizations, etc) our target audience values. Plug yourself into those information sources and consume the content they produce so you can learn alongside your audience. From there, get a picture of the relevant key players and their work. That allows you to more fully understand the ecosystem and clarify your role in it. Once you have watering holes and critical players, prioritize them and establish action items to present your organization in them. Use what you've learned to select potential talks to give, content to produce, opportunities to meet people, and so on. With a bird's eye view, you can set timelines and devote resources to ensure smooth execution.

After identifying needs, plan your expansion by setting clear objectives like boosting brand visibility or entering new markets. Outline relationship types and channels for connection establishment. Crafting a detailed plan with specific milestones ensures focused, measurable expansion efforts.

Strategic communication hinges on relationship-building. Reach out to new contacts and nurture connections through regular communication. Attend industry events, join associations, and engage in online forums. Quality relationships surpass quantity; focus on allies who align with your goals.

Leverage technology for networking in today's digital landscape. Utilize social media, professional networking sites, and communication tools to connect with a wider audience efficiently. These platforms enable real-time engagement with stakeholders and offer valuable data for refining communication strategies. Tailor your approach to diverse audiences, leveraging insights gained from digital interactions.

Offer value! Look for opportunities to add value to your network by sharing your expertise, resources, or connections with others. Offer to collaborate on projects, provide feedback, or contribute insights to discussions to demonstrate your value as a strategic communications leader.

You should be deliberate about expanding your network with valued resources (knowledge) that will support and deepen impact. Professionally and personally.