How to Build a Strong and Lasting Professional Network

Authentic leadership is built on the relationships we develop over time. Some people make the mistake of assuming professional relationships take care of themselves, but this isn’t so. You must take conscious steps to nurture the relationship. People do business with people they know, like, and trust. It’s not just what you know but who you know. Your professional network can open doors for you, and you can do the same for others. It’s a two-way street. You learn from each other and help each other. Cultivating these relationships is critically important to your career.

Here are some effective power base-building strategies to employ:

Understand and Support the Needs & Goals of Others

Be a connector and build a bridge. We create a bridge when genuinely caring about the other person’s success, concerns, and goals. Be willing to help first and add value. See the other person’s potential, talents, and strengths. Actively listen to others and understand their needs and goals. Listen with curiosity to get to know them better. Ask open-ended questions. Ask the simple question, “How can I help you?” Then write it down and act on it. Think long-term! Like all relationships, professional relationships take time and need nurturing. Building strong professional relationships is based on trust, respect, transparency, optimism, generosity, understanding, and mutual support.

Know Your Value

Know your talents and strengths. Let others know what you are working on. Stay visible so you get noticed. Also, know your weaknesses. Although you most likely know what these are, it’s sometimes difficult to admit them (to ourselves or someone else) in a world where weakness is frowned upon. However, the best favor you can do for yourself is to be self-aware and identify these traits correctly. Knowing who you are allows you to strengthen your talents, work around your weaknesses and expand your capabilities. Seek feedback from bosses, colleagues, a professional coach, and assessments.

Identify and Grow Your Network

This group of formal and informal advisors is called many different things—board of directors, circle of influence, a network. Sponsors are a must to advance your career. Your core network is the people who can help you get things done and get you to where you want to go—and you, in turn, offer the same help to them. They have different strengths and talents and serve different purposes. You help and support each other to live a more integrated and inspired life in business, community, and society.

Think of your network as a wheel with spokes, and you are the center hub. The people who comprise the spokes in the wheel are your collaborative partners who bring wisdom, guidance, and support to your efforts. This can include colleagues, strategic alliances, coaches, mentors, sponsors, or people you don’t even know yet, but have identified as someone you want to meet. As you grow your network, remember that it’s not just about quantity but the quality of your networks and who can make a difference in your career.

Write a Strategic Network Plan

Identify the top twenty people you want to have stronger relationships with and ten people you don’t know but would like to meet. Have a process and simple worksheet in place to strengthen the relationships in your network. Like any other plan, you have to work on it, execute it, follow up, and update your plan. Identify a time each week in your calendar for networking, for example, Fridays 10-11 a.m. During that time, make phone calls, develop your online presence, ask your network for connections, and send emails with valuable information to those in your network. Follow up with people who promised to do something for you; do what you promised to do for others; and don’t be shy about asking for what you need- advice, introductions, or support on a project.

Attend Networking Events

First, pause and reflect on your passions and interests within and outside your industry. To know the influential people in your communities, join key professional associations, charities, social media groups, and committees at work and in your community. You can meet amazingly talented people who can expand your worldview and share different perspectives and opportunities.

Embracing the open flow of information and knowledge increases opportunities and connections. Always be ready to connect contacts if someone in your network can fill a need of someone you know and vice versa.

Filed under: Business Leadership | Success | Networking | Personal Development | Communication | Workplace