How can you use your staff development network to find new opportunities?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What are your interests, passions, and values? What are the gaps or challenges in your current role or field? How can your staff development network help you address them? By identifying your goals, you can focus your networking efforts on the people and activities that are relevant and beneficial for you.

2 Be proactive and curious

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. To use your staff development network effectively, you need to be proactive and curious. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, but seek them out. Reach out to people you admire, respect, or want to learn from. Ask them questions, share your insights, or offer your help. Join online groups, forums, or platforms related to your staff development topics. Participate in discussions, comment on posts, or create your own content. Attend events, webinars, or conferences that interest you. Introduce yourself, exchange contacts, or follow up with the speakers or attendees.

3 Be genuine and generous

Networking is not about collecting contacts or asking for favors, but about building trust and rapport. To use your staff development network authentically, you need to be genuine and generous. Don't pretend to be someone you are not, or hide your intentions or expectations. Be honest, respectful, and polite. Don't spam, stalk, or harass people. Don't ask for too much, too soon, or too often. Be generous with your time, knowledge, and resources. Share your expertise, experience, or feedback. Offer your support, advice, or referrals. Recognize, appreciate, or celebrate the achievements of others.

4 Be diverse and inclusive

Networking is not about sticking to your comfort zone or echo chamber, but about expanding your horizons and perspectives. To use your staff development network inclusively, you need to be diverse and inclusive. Don't limit yourself to people who are similar to you, or who work in your field or organization. Seek out people who are different from you, or who work in other sectors or industries. Learn from their backgrounds, cultures, or viewpoints. Respect their differences, values, or opinions. Embrace their diversity, creativity, or innovation.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

Networking is not about following a fixed plan or script, but about responding to changing situations and opportunities. To use your staff development network effectively, you need to be flexible and adaptable. Don't be rigid, stubborn, or narrow-minded. Be open, curious, and willing to learn. Don't be afraid, shy, or reluctant. Be confident, assertive, and proactive. Don't be passive, complacent, or satisfied. Be ambitious, motivated, and persistent.

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?