Learn from My Biggest Career Mistake

As professionals, we often set ambitious career goals. One crucial area that should never be overlooked is the power of networking. Did you cringe when you read the word networking just now? Same. The term “networking” has a bad rap and can feel like a chore, therefore something to avoid. To make us all feel better, let’s reframe networking to what is really is, or what it should be when it grows up: professional relationship-building. Reflecting on my own journey, the biggest career mistake I made was not proactively building my professional network along the way. For most of my career I worked for an enormous company, the largest humanitarian organization in the world. This rockstar organization was largely self-sufficient, meaning they ran most operations in-house, insulated. Very efficient and highly effective, but this meant my opportunities for relationship-building were relegated almost exclusively to and with my coworkers - incredibly cool people to be sure, but they did not represent a diversified network and many stayed or will stay with the organization for their entire careers. If I could turn back time, I would have made relationship-building a priority from day one. Here, I share my experience and valuable insights on how you can avoid my mistake and harness the full potential of authentic professional relationship-building.

The Wake-Up Call: Realizing the Impact of Professional Relationship-Building It wasn't until I navigated a career change that I realized the true value of professional relationship-building: I had left my job with a network consisting mainly of my high school friends [shout out to Monta Vista in Cupertino, CA] and a LinkedIn profile practically on life support. The importance of having a strong professional network hit me hard when I found myself in need of support, advice, new opportunities and connections.

According to LinkedIn, 85% of job positions are filled through networking, underscoring the critical role it plays in career advancement.*

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Proactive Professional Relationship-Building Proactive relationship-building means making a conscious effort to build and maintain connections, in particularly and especially when you don't have an immediate need for them. Here are some key lessons I learned the hard way:

1. Start Early: Don't wait until you're job hunting or facing challenges to start building your network. This is referred to as “just-in-time” relationship-building and is largely unhelpful in the immediate. Begin building connections early in your career, even better while you are still a student. For those of us further along the career path, and with the looming threat of layoffs in so many industries, it is never more apparent that professional relationship-building is a lifelong endeavor.
2. Quality Over Quantity: It's not about the number of contacts but the quality of relationships. Focus on building genuine, meaningful connections with people who share your professional interests and values.
3. Stay Engaged: Consistently engage with your network. Be generous: share valuable content, congratulate others on their achievements, and offer support when you can. Staying active helps you stay on others' radars.
4. Diversify Your Network: Don't limit yourself to people in your immediate field. A diverse network can provide fresh perspectives and open doors to unexpected opportunities.

The Statistics Speak: Professional Relationship-Building Pays Off Here are some compelling statistics that highlight the importance of relationship-building:

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of jobs are found through relationship-building.
• The same LinkedIn study mentioned earlier found that 80% of professionals consider relationship-building to be essential for career success.
• Another study by Oxford Economics revealed that well-networked employees are 25% more productive.

Strategies for Effective Professional Relationship-Building As you embark on a new year, here are some strategies to help you build and maintain a strong professional network:

• Leverage Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for relationship-building. Keep your profile updated, join relevant groups, and actively participate in discussions. Graduate to writing and posting your own articles in your area of expertise establishing yourself as “the expert”. The key here is to ADD VALUE.
• Attend Events: Take advantage of industry conferences, seminars, and meetups. These events are excellent opportunities to meet new people and expand your network.?

DON’T: Show up to an event with the intention of collecting as many business cards as you can - Spoiler: there is no prize!?

DO: Be strategic about making connections with one or two individuals and LISTEN for what is important to them. People are naturally drawn to those that can help them solve their problems.

• Follow Up: After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message or email. Be intentional: express your interest in staying connected and find ways to add value to their network.
• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Be yourself, show genuine interest in others, and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.?

Conclusion: Embrace Lifelong Professional Relationship-Building As we step into a new year, let my professional mistake serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive relationship building. By starting early, staying engaged, and leveraging the power of social connections, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career. Remember, professional relationship-building is not a one-time task but a lifelong journey. Embrace it with enthusiasm, and watch your professional world expand in ways you never imagined.

I hope this article inspires you to make professional relationship-building a top priority in the coming year. Please repost or share it with anyone you think might benefit from my hard-earned lessons.

* The use of the word networking was kept intact as it was part of a quote. LinkedIn doesn't know about our about our little reframe.

#networking #buildyournetwork #executivecoach