How can Network Administrators build lasting relationships with other organizations?

1 Know your goals and values

Before you reach out to other organizations, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. Do you want to learn from their best practices, share your expertise, find new opportunities, or create mutual benefits? How do your goals and values align with theirs? Knowing your goals and values will help you identify potential contacts, craft your messages, and establish trust and rapport.

2 Research and customize your approach

Once you have a list of organizations that you want to connect with, you should do some research on their background, needs, challenges, and achievements. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you are genuinely interested and respectful. For example, you can mention a specific project, problem, or achievement that they have worked on or faced, and how you can relate to it or help with it. You can also use their preferred communication channels, such as email, phone, social media, or forums, and follow their etiquette and tone.

3 Provide value and feedback

One of the best ways to build lasting relationships with other organizations is to provide value and feedback. Value can be anything that helps them improve their network performance, security, efficiency, or innovation. For example, you can share useful resources, tools, tips, or insights that you have learned or discovered. Feedback can be constructive, positive, or supportive, depending on the situation and the relationship. For example, you can give feedback on their network design, configuration, or troubleshooting, or praise their achievements or efforts.

4 Follow up and stay in touch

After you have made an initial contact, you should follow up and stay in touch with the organization. This will show that you are reliable, professional, and interested in maintaining the relationship. You can follow up by thanking them for their time, response, or assistance, and asking them if they have any questions, concerns, or feedback. You can also suggest a next step, such as a meeting, a call, or a collaboration. You can stay in touch by sending regular updates, invitations, or greetings, depending on the level and nature of the relationship.

5 Expand your network and leverage your connections

Finally, you can expand your network and leverage your connections by reaching out to other organizations that are related to or recommended by your existing contacts. This will help you broaden your perspective, learn from diverse experiences, and access new opportunities. You can also leverage your connections by asking for referrals, introductions, endorsements, or testimonials, if appropriate and relevant. However, you should always be respectful, courteous, and grateful when asking for favors, and reciprocate when possible.

6 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?