Intentional vs. Accidental Networking: Supercharge Your Career Growth with a Purposeful Approach

Networking has played a pivotal role in my career. I started my career as a mathematics teacher, but took a 5-year break to care for my family. When I returned to the workforce, I had to completely restart my career in IT. I used networking to learn new skills, make connections, and find new opportunities.

In the midst of my IT career, I started Lean2Lead, a pro bono professional women's network in Pune, with the goal of creating a platform for women to continuously engage in career conversations with each other. I believe that I have developed a method for networking that has helped me achieve my career goals. I also believe that networking is not about quantity, but about quality. It is important to build relationships with people who can help you grow and succeed in your career.

I focus on building relationships with five key people:

• A mentor: Someone who has more experience in my field and can offer guidance and advice.
• A coach: Someone who can help me improve my skills and performance.
• A sponsor: Someone who can advocate for me and my career.
• A role model: Someone who I admire and aspire to be like.
• A connection: Someone who can open up new opportunities for me.

I keep my network fresh by rotating the five key people I focus on every two to three years. This ensures that I am always connected with people who can help me in my current stage of my career. While I maintain my connections with the people I started networking with, it has been essential to me to build long-term relationships and trust with those who contribute to my career.

I believe that networking is an essential skill for anyone who wants to succeed in their career. It is important to be intentional about networking and to build relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals.

Now, let's delve into the explanation of these five individuals who significantly impact our careers.

• Manager:?A manager is responsible for the overall performance of their team. They set goals, delegate tasks, and provide feedback. They also play a role in hiring and firing employees.
• Mentor:?A mentor is someone who has more experience in your field and can offer guidance and advice. They can help you navigate your career, make connections, and learn new things. Mentors typically have a one-on-one relationship with their mentees.
• Coach:?A coach is someone who can help you improve your skills and performance. They can provide you with personalized feedback and help you set and achieve goals. Coaches typically work with their clients for a set period of time, such as 6 months or a year.
• Sponsor:?A sponsor is someone who can advocate for you and your career. They can help you get noticed by decision-makers and open up opportunities for you. Sponsors typically have a strong network of contacts and can use their influence to help their sponsored employees advance their careers.
• Role model:?A role model is someone who you admire and aspire to be like. They can show you what is possible and inspire you to achieve your goals. Role models can be found in your personal life, your professional life, or even in the media.

It is important to have a variety of people in your career network who can play different roles in your success. By building relationships with these people, you can learn and grow, get the support you need, and achieve your career goals.

How to leverage networking to discover these key individuals:

1. Begin by defining your career goals. What are your aspirations? Once you have clarity on your objectives, you can pinpoint individuals who can aid your journey. It's vital to recognize your strengths, areas for growth, and weaknesses.
2. Approach networking with purpose. Don't merely attend events in hopes of a chance encounter. Deliberately engage in conversations, ensuring meaningful connections with those who can enhance your professional path.
3. Embrace Pertinent Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, webinars, and industry gatherings aligned with your field. These occasions offer opportunities to connect with peers, as well as potential mentors, coaches, and sponsors.
4. Deliver Value: Networking is reciprocal. Offer your insights, skills, or assistance to potential mentors, coaches, or sponsors. This fosters a mutually beneficial relationship that underscores your commitment.
5. Foster Generosity: Embrace the concept of "sending the elevator down" in networking – paying it forward multiplies your influence, igniting a cycle of mentorship. Authentic networking encompasses personal growth and guiding those at an earlier career stage.

Ultimately, prioritize authenticity in your approach, endeavoring to cultivate a robust circle of trust. Networking extends beyond immediate gains, functioning as a long-term trust fund that yields substantial dividends across your entire career journey.