What are some tips for building relationships with IT professionals outside your department?

1 Identify your network goals

Before you reach out to other IT professionals, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to learn new skills, get feedback, find mentors, or explore opportunities? Having specific and realistic goals will help you target the right people, craft your messages, and measure your progress. You can also use your goals to align your networking activities with your career development plan and your department's objectives.

2 Research your network contacts

Once you have your network goals, you can start looking for potential contacts within your organization. You can use various sources to find out who are the IT professionals that have the skills, experience, or roles that interest you. For example, you can browse the company directory, intranet, or social media platforms, ask for referrals from your colleagues or managers, or attend online events or webinars. When you identify your network contacts, you should research their background, projects, and achievements, so that you can tailor your approach and show genuine interest.

3 Reach out and introduce yourself

After you have done your research, you can initiate contact with your network contacts. You can use email, phone, or instant messaging to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect with them. You should be polite, concise, and respectful, and avoid spamming or cold-calling. You should also highlight what you have in common, such as working for the same organization, having similar skills, or facing similar challenges. You can also mention a mutual connection, a recent accomplishment, or a shared interest to break the ice and build rapport.

4 Follow up and maintain contact

Once you have established contact with your network contacts, you should follow up and maintain regular communication with them. You can use different channels and formats to keep in touch, such as sending thank-you notes, sharing relevant articles, commenting on their posts, or inviting them to online meetings or events. You should also provide value to your network contacts, such as offering help, advice, or feedback, or introducing them to other IT professionals. You should also be responsive, respectful, and professional in your interactions, and avoid being pushy or needy.

5 Build trust and credibility

The key to building successful relationships with IT professionals outside your department is to build trust and credibility. You can do this by being consistent, honest, and reliable in your communication and actions. You should also show appreciation, recognition, and respect for your network contacts, and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. You should also demonstrate your expertise, skills, and accomplishments, and showcase your projects, results, or challenges. You should also seek feedback, learn from your mistakes, and improve your performance.

6 Seek opportunities to collaborate

The ultimate goal of networking with IT professionals outside your department is to seek opportunities to collaborate and create value for your organization. You can do this by identifying common problems, goals, or interests, and proposing solutions, ideas, or initiatives that involve your network contacts. You can also join or create cross-functional teams, projects, or communities that leverage the diverse skills, perspectives, and resources of your network contacts. You can also participate in or organize online events, workshops, or trainings that showcase your expertise and learn from others.

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?