Building a network intentionally and organically. Sounds paradoxical?

I was in a DEI session a couple of months ago organized by my colleague @Vrushali Kulkarni and the session was on a very targeted topic “Mastering the art of Strategic Networking” which sounded very interesting to me. The DEI panel had two leaders, one had more of an introvert personality-based leadership style and the other was the exact opposite, a complete extrovert personality-based leadership style. The panel moderation by Vrushali brought out the unique flavors of how they navigated to the top while still retaining their unique personalities. The session clearly showcased that a broad range of personality spectrum is required to make a program successful.

This got me to thinking, I should write about how I built my network based on my personality which is Ambivert and how that has helped me in building a network intentionally and organically.

Here it goes:

1. There are two strategies that I use for networking “Cold calling” v/s “Organic”.Cold calling is like a salesperson calling for selling insurance, real estate etc. it’s a hit or miss method. When using this in a professional context, I setup a call with the leader, talk about my experience and skills that would be beneficial to the leader. Sometimes the conversation flows naturally, and an initial connection is built but many times it does not hit the right notes and the conversations ends. The similar idea can be experimented in an in-person networking forum. (P.S. cold calling is a typical extrovert trait)In the organic method, I leverage the project, initiative or pursuit I am working on to build relationship with leaders & peers beyond my offering (department). Since we are working on the same thread, the conversation starters are easier and then I try to figure out common ground from a professional or personal perspective. Follow-up conversations at regular intervals are the key to keep the relationship going. It’s very important to maintain a network map to be aware of your current network and where/how you want to expand your network or explore new connections
2. I have made a lot of acquaintances throughout my career, however only a few of my connections have become personally close over time. However, I ensured to build an expansive and resilient web of connections, by-- Reaching out to people first rather than waiting for the other person-- I go out of my way to connect people with one another, even people they don’t particularly know each other by icebreaking the first introduction using a common ground-- I maintain connect with my acquaintances periodically through any mode of communication email/text/call-- I maintain a business network file which I refresh every six months to keep it current as well to figure out new connectionsThough these connections are not personal, in most cases they are very rewarding career wise.
3. Preparing for the future, I setup meetings with next level leaders yearly to hear about their journey of how they go to where they are today. I make notes and chalk out what are the areas I am currently good at and what I need to work on. These discussions give me perspectives and then I design a path that resonates with me.

?If you want to hear my personal stories on networking or have specific questions on how to build your network, reach out to me in the comments or DM.

P.S. An Ambivert is a person who in the middle of the spectrum of an introvert & extrovert i.e. someone who prefers to spend time alone in rejuvenation as well as someone who needs to be with other people in social settings. Adjusting behavior to fit the person or situation comes naturally to ambiverts.