3 Ways to Build Connections that are Beneficial to your Career

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.? - African Proverb

I don’t think I ever read a celebratory social media post nor heard a victory speech where the person said, “I did it all by myself!”?

Have you?

Typically, there would be a long list of people to thank who have directly or indirectly contributed to one’s success.

The truth is, I enjoy my alone time. I look forward to listening to audiobooks and being in a coffee shop by myself. Working alone without distractions allows me to do deep and meaningful work.?

But, I also find joy in deeply connecting with others. Building connections enriches not only my learning, but also fills my heart and as a bonus, helps me in my career.?

In this edition of the newsletter, I share with you some of my tried and tested ways to build connections that are beneficial to your career.?

Volunteer for projects outside your current job

Volunteer work is usually seen by some as extra or unnecessary work, only suitable for those who have extra time (such as retirees), have no young kids to look after, or those who do not need to hustle to pay the bills.?

As for me, I do volunteer work primarily for causes I support or projects I am personally interested in. The bonus? While it definitely does take time and commitment, the experience you’ll gain and the people you’ll meet can be beneficial for your short or long-term career plan.?

When I was in corporate, I frequently volunteered - whether it’s arranging a team building event, Christmas party or joining an inter-unit initiative to review taxi reimbursement costs. These experiences not only helped me sharpen my project management skills, but also paved the way to getting to know other leaders in the organization who were instrumental in future career moves.

As a coach, I have also volunteered for pro bono coaching and am currently in my second term as an officer of the ICF Philippines Charter Chapter . Through these experiences, I am not only able to help clients and the profession, but I also get to meet other coaches who become mentors, good friends, project collaborators and even clients.?

Join a community of like-minded individuals

Back in school, you probably were a member of the math club, drama club or even the debate or basketball team. But somewhere along the way to adulthood, you probably lost touch with all these so-called “extra curricular” activities.?

Well, it’s time to make room for those again.?

Being with a group of like-minded individuals who either share the same interest or are in the same journey as you are, is an important source of social connection. It means having a safe space where all of you speak the same “language” and share relatable stories of success and struggles.?

When I was starting my career as a coach, I longed to have people to exchange notes with and get feedback from. Years later, I took it upon myself to start building a community of coaches who are starting their coaching careers. For a year now, I’ve been hosting monthly mastermind sessions for a small group of coaches starting up their careers. The group doubled in size just recently as I ran the “Build Your Coaching Career” mentoring program . Many of the participants said, “It’s good to know that I am not alone.”

Connect with professionals around the world

Thanks to LinkedIn , connecting has been made easier and less intimidating especially for introverts like me. This month, I had the privilege to have virtual meetings with at least 5 other amazing professionals around the world.

Our agenda?

Simply to get to know and learn from each other. Through these kinds of conversations, I’ve received book recommendations, validation on the work that I do and the possibility of future partnerships. I’ve also shared my story and some tips that can help them on Linkedin, getting their ICF credential, and courses to take.?

You’ll be surprised with how much you’ll learn from others and how enjoyable this experience can be.?

A word of caution

As you think about investing your time on building connections, make sure that you are coming from a place of genuine curiosity and desire to build relationships.?

Early in my coaching career, I made a mistake of joining a whole day conference with the primary intent to meet new people and get potential clients. It wasn’t a good experience for me as I was pressured the whole day thinking of who I can talk to and how to talk to them. Since then I have never joined an in-person or virtual event again with that same mindset or intent.

Ready to connect??

Start by thinking of an upcoming event or community gathering where you can meet new people who share similar interests as you.?

P.S.

Remember the monthly mastermind for coaches I mentioned above? It’s usually an exclusive session for members, but this November, we’re planning one that will be open to all! Make sure to hit the ?? bell on my profile to be notified of updates.?