Network Like a Boss: How to Make the Right Connections for Success

When we think of networking, it often conjures thoughts of after-hour schmooze fests filled with card swapping and unmemorable conversation. Truthfully, networking can be a purposeful, strategic activity that occurs in our daily interactions with peers and colleagues.

What is the purpose of a network? The connections we make can provide support and mentorship which help us to grow personally and professionally. Additionally, our new connections will often introduce us to others within their professional circle, increasing opportunities for us to extend beyond our own peer groups. Perhaps one of the most profound benefits is best explained by Carla Harris in her TED Talk.

Building strong relationships with those within your organization opens up the possibility for identifying a sponsor to enhance your professional success.

3 Tips for Successful Networking

Establish Your Brand

Before embarking on any networking journeys, it is imperative to establish your personal brand. Who are you? What do you do well? How are you unique? These questions should be explored to uncover and refine how you describe yourself when introduced to someone new. With imposter syndrome running rampant, it is far too easy to question ourselves, eroding our confidence in social situations with other successful professionals. Building a brand statement from strengths you already possess enhances confidence, making it easier to express yourself authentically to others.

It helps to consider your brand statement as your personal elevator pitch for networking. Equipped with key strengths and valuable differentiating qualities, it becomes far easier to answer the question: "Tell me about yourself?". Remember, this initial conversation is the ice breaker and could lead to meaningful professional connections.

Engage Your Peers

At work, we tend to become siloed which can limit our ability to engage others outside of our respective department. Once you have a crystallized view of who you are and the value you bring, it's time to branch out and engage with your peers. Solely focusing on your department colleagues narrows the scope of your relationships and influence, limiting your ability to achieve your full potential.

If you are genuinely interested in expanding your professional horizons and perhaps growing within the organization, there is tremendous potential in the connections you make beyond the four walls of your department. Building bridges to those working in other areas of the business not only provides you with a broader perspective, but also creates opportunities for cross-pollination and collaboration.

Bringing your capabilities and unique perspective to conversations with your colleagues can open doors to participating on new projects or to contributing on cross-functional teams.

Be Intentional

That statement probably sounds a little obvious. Don't we do all things with some intention? Truth be told, we sometimes approach the activity of networking as a 'check the box' exercise; a 'just do it' kind of project, if you will. However, to truly harness the power of networking, it is essential to remain intentional in the relationships you initiate and strengthen over time.

If you enter a networking situation without intention, you tend to shake hands, give your personal elevator pitch from memory, and fail to listen to anything the other person is saying. This haphazard approach undermines your objective while compromising your personal brand. After all, your intention is to make meaningful and relevant connections with other professionals, right?

On the other hand, intentional networking means proactively listening and, through authentic conversation, ferreting out areas of alignment and mutual interest between you and your new connection.

Time to Network Like a Boss

People connect with other people. There is tremendous power in building a network with other professionals, including the very same peers and colleagues working two doors down from you.

Sometimes the most challenging part of networking is getting started. Take the time to think through your own personal brand. You'll feel much more prepared to engage with others once you know what strengths and differentiating qualities you bring to the conversation. Don't limit your circle to those with whom you interface daily -- dare to cross over to other departments to build enriching relationships with others. In all of your networking, remain true to your intention to make meaningful connections with others.

Every positive professional connection facilitates new possibilities for your life and career. Start building your network like a boss.