Networking Part 1: Building your network

Wherever you are in your career it’s key for you to start building your network. There often comes a deep sigh when I mention networking, that’s because when people think of networking they see it as a challenge or find it fake or icky. But when I think of networking it’s an intentional process that builds relationships that you wouldn’t typically have. 

Building your network can open doors and opportunities. I personally have gained multiple opportunities including job opportunities from people in my network. I use people in my network to:

• Share pain points and get advice

• Understand how to navigate into new areas

• Help connect me to new people and create new opportunities 

What should my network look like?

Your network should be a combination of people: 

• Who are at your current level 

• A level above you

• Who do roles that you aspire to do

The people who are at the same level as you are the people who you will lean on to help you and support you. These are people who will probably be your friends.

People who are at a level above are people who will help you to understand what skills you need to get promoted and how to demonstrate behaviours that elevate you. 

The last category (people who do roles you aspire to do) is more of an exploration to help you form where you want to get to in the future. Understand how these people got to where they got to, their challenges and their advice for you and your current challenges. 

Nurturing your network

Regularly assess your network to see if there are any gaps or people you haven’t connected with in a while. It’s not just about building your network; you also have to nurture your connections. 

Try to keep in touch with people by having regular check-ins. They don’t have to be weekly, but at a regular cadence that seems appropriate.