“How can I expand my networking across the organisation with people where I do not have a direct business contact, but where I am interested in understanding their business and whether this could be a direction for my further career development?”
“I would really like to make a career shift, but I am not sure where to go. I feel I am stuck, but how can I learn more about my opportunities. What can I do?”
Networking is an important part of progressing in your career. But network with whom, how and why, and what can you do to build a relevant network and is right for you?
Let’s start with the who and why!
Research shows that high performers have strong ties to[i]
- People who offer information and expertise such as sharing best practices or market information.
- Formally powerful people who offer mentoring, sense-making, political support, and resources.
- Informally powerful people who can influence, help coordinate projects and support with politics at work.
- People who offer developmental feedback, challenge your decisions, and push you to become better.
In summary, you need to build networks of individuals and allies that can offer knowledge, support, influence, challenge, and help you be successful.
This suggests the need to cultivate a diverse network of individuals both within and beyond your organisation, incorporating those with varying levels of seniority, including those above and below you, across all levels and functions of the organisation.
One of the most important individuals within your organisation is your direct manager. Why? Because they hold significant influence in guiding, coaching, and advocating for your next career move. This is why, in mentoring programmes, we always advise aligning participation and learning topics with your direct manager.
[i] HBR – Managing yourself: A Smarter Way to Network, by Rob Cross and Robert J. Thomas, 2011
What about the how?
How do you begin building your network? The first step is to assess your current network. Who are you connecting with in your day-to-day work? Whom do you turn to when facing a professional challenge? Where do you seek help when your own skills and knowledge fall short? Where do you go for support and a listening ear? Are you, for instance, only networking with people you already know and feel comfortable with? Or do you take the initiative to step outside your comfort zone and connect with new individuals to learn from them?
By conducting a systematic analysis of the people, you engage with in various situations, you can identify gaps in both your network and your approach to networking.
The next step is about how to approach existing and new contacts. Here are some ideas:
- Proactively ask to collaborate on cross-functional projects or attend meetings outside your department. This helps you understand different perspectives and broaden your internal network.
- At conferences, events, and meetings inside and outside of your organisation, introduce yourself to people you don’t know, share your background, and ask about their experiences and insights. Be genuinely curious about their work and how it might relate to yours.
- Use social media, engage with posts, comment on relevant topics, and send personalised connection requests. When messaging someone new, refer to something specific that drew you to them, like a shared interest or recent article they posted.
- Reach out to people you admire, internally or externally, and invite them for a coffee or virtual chat. Position it as a learning opportunity and make it clear you are interested in their experiences and perspectives.
Remember to be generous with those in your network. Always begin by building relationships, sharing your knowledge, and offering support where appropriate. By demonstrating genuine interest in others and helping them succeed, you foster strong relationships, creating a meaningful dynamic where mutual support thrives.
