Are you taking time to build relationships?
With continued uncertainly and adjustment, it’s easy to put your career aspirations on hold. While some positions may be on hold, you can still use this time to grow your professional network and expand your reach. I’ve talked to dozens of leaders in the last six months who found themselves unemployed and were so busy doing their job, they hadn’t taken time to build their professional network. Some resist taking time to build relationships because they are fully engaged in the work they are doing and don’t see the need, yet. broadening your relationships doesn’t necessarily mean you’re looking for another job. Making new contacts, both inside and outside your organization can allow you to exchange information and gain insight into how others are solving similar issues.
Leaders who do this well,
Build relationships with key stakeholders even when there isn’t an urgent need.
Develop wide and deep networks inside and outside the organization because they value different points of view.
Modify their approach based on the contact, their level in the organization and their familiarity with what they do.
Share information in a proactive, reciprocal fashion with new contacts.
Wondering how to broaden your network when you don’t have a specific information you are seeking? Consider the following:
Make time to build your professional network. Take time to build broad and deep networks before you need them. Be deliberate in expanding your network regularly. Schedule virtual networking chats. Ask others to introduce you to their peers to give you opportunities to learn. Join a networking group and participate regularly.
Create trust by your actions. Your actions are the standard of your brand. What do your own behaviors convey? Are you late to meetings that you set up? Do you do what you say you’ll do in terms of follow up? While we all get busy, remember that the person waiting for the action or feedback had a purpose in mind for the information or contact. Keep confidences with sensitive information. Thank others for the time they spend with you.
Personalize each relationship. Small efforts can create large dividends. Learn key facts about those around you such as the names of their kids, their favorite food, hobbies, etc. Attach notes to their contact information in your email account to recall these details. Take time to say thank you for their time. Send incidental information that you come across, if it relates to a previous conversation.
Lean in when meeting new people. Networking can be uncomfortable for many. Yet, it creates a platform for your success. Introduce yourself and immediately ask a question. ”What do you do?” “How did you get involved in it?” “What’s your favorite part of the work you do?” Allow the other person to champion the conversation about them.
How are you developing your network during these unusual times?