What do you do if your career growth is hindered by a weak professional network within your organization?

If your company has ERGs, affinity groups or employee engagement committees, join them and get involved. Many times these groups will also have executive sponsors steering the effort or interest, so the more you raise your hand, the more people you will meet and visibility and access you’ll potentially gain to leaders inside of your company. Another option is to talk to your manager about a professional development plan that will help you achieve this goal— make sure it’s capture in your company’s talent management system along with your career experiences. The leader of your department and/or manager can raise this as an opportunity in their own leadership meetings and utilize their own connections to help pave the way as well.

Merely waiting for collaborative opportunities will usually lead to nothing interesting. Actively seeking collaborations and utilising the expertise of different departments is th ebest way to expand your reach and relationships internally within your company. If you are a part of a bigger company with multiple cross sections within each department, you are in luck! Smaller start ups usually are well engaged in this situation due to smaller team size, but bigger companies give you a chance to explore and grow more!

A weak professional network within your organisation can be a roadblock to career growth. But, it’s never too late to build one. Start by identifying key individuals in your organisation who can influence your career trajectory. Engage with them, seek their advice, and show genuine interest in their work. Participate actively in team meetings and organizational events. This will not only increase your visibility but also help you understand the dynamics of your organisation better. Networking is a two-way street. Be ready to offer help and share your expertise when needed. Lastly, don’t forget to nurture these relationships regularly. A strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and accelerate your career growth.

Actively seek opportunities to connect with colleagues from different departments or teams. Attend company events, join cross-functional projects, or participate in internal networking groups to broaden your network within the organization.

Identify the influencers in your company. These folks can make things happen, but remember, they’re not just ATMs for favors—you need to bring something to the table too. Got a knack for something useful like data analytics and you know someone is working on a data-heavy project. Offer to lend a hand when you see someone struggling with that stuff.

Don't wait for others to initiate conversations. Take the initiative to engage with coworkers, whether it's through casual conversations in the break room, collaboration on projects, or participating in company-sponsored activities. Building rapport and fostering relationships can lead to valuable connections.

Next time you’re grabbing coffee or at a company function, chat up your colleagues. Not just about work—find common interests. It keeps things light and genuine. Or arrive early for meetings and engage in small talk. It won't create instant meaningful connections. But it will offer you minor details about the other person. Small talk has a reason—you can start the meeting without being rude to the other person. Over time, collect those details, reengage and connect with others.

Look for mentors within your organization who can provide guidance, advice, and support in navigating your career path. Mentors can offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and help you develop new skills.

This might be unpopular, but it will save you some pitfalls: Forget asking someone to be your mentor directly—it's likely to scare them off. Instead, focus on making yourself someone they’d want to mentor. Work on relevant projects, contribute your unique insights, and show your dedication. Engage with potential mentors through volunteering in organizations you respect. This provides a natural setting to build relationships without the heavy implications. Also, check out The Third Door for strategies on effective communication with potential mentors. It's about earning their respect subtly, letting the mentorship grow naturally.

Identify opportunities to contribute your expertise and skills to projects or initiatives that align with your interests and career goals. By demonstrating your value and making meaningful contributions, you can establish yourself as a valuable member of the organization and attract the attention of key stakeholders.

Although technology is great for connecting, try something old-fashioned like meeting in person. A conference isn't the only option for this. If it is, engage with the panelists and moderators. You will create a stronger network in record time when connecting with humans.

Leverage technology platforms like LinkedIn to expand your professional network beyond your organization. Connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups or communities, and participate in online discussions to broaden your reach and visibility within your field.

If for some reason you are an introvert who is reading an article on "Communications" and can't reach out in-person, you can surely utilise LinkedIn and other social media and technologies to connect and utilise expertise within your organization with various mentors and group leaders to understand how they look at a particular situation.

To be recognized and appreciated, it's important to let others know about your positive contributions and accomplishments within the organization. I always advise people to build their personal brand based on their individual achievements, instead of being content with team credits. Sometimes, the team concept can limit your growth opportunities. If you're the expert in creating captivating PowerPoint presentations, make sure others acknowledge you for it. Similarly, if you excel in creating spreadsheets, don't shy away from letting others know about your contribution. The best way to build your personal brand is by offering to train others. As you share your knowledge, your reputation as a skilled professional will grow over time.

Develop and promote your personal brand within the organization by showcasing your skills, expertise, and achievements. Create a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn by regularly updating your profile, sharing relevant content, and engaging with your network.

- Write articles, blog posts, or whitepapers on topics relevant to your expertise. Share these internally through company channels or externally on platforms like LinkedIn. - Offer mentorship or coaching to junior employees to demonstrate leadership and contribute to their professional development. - Set clear goals for your professional development based on feedback and self-assessment. Continuously strive to improve and grow in your role. - Take on leadership roles in projects, committees, or initiatives that showcase your ability to lead and influence others. - Be authentic and consistent in your interactions and communications to build trust and credibility.

To influence oneself and keep the momentum of building your personal brand. It attracts opportunities and allow you to pair up more professional network that you are currently in lack of.

Identify key stakeholders and connect with them Attend company events to meet colleagues and build relationships Join internal groups and committees to expand your network Volunteer for high-visibility projects to showcase your skills Find mentors and sponsors to guide and support you Build strong relationships with your superiors Develop a strong online presence, including LinkedIn Network externally through industry events and associations Request feedback and act on it to improve Consider a lateral move or internal transfer for new opportunities Focus on continuous learning and self-improvement Be proactive and patient in building your professional network Remember building a strong professional network takes time and effort