Building your Network Intentionally
“Community is the foundation to success” – Kristen Jones
Why talk about networking?
Networks have been the most integral part to achieving my biggest personal and professional goals. They have enabled me to make moves, with everything from multiple career transitions including negotiating pay, to leading a women’s network at Starbucks.
PLUS, they’ve allowed me to create and foster strong, intentional relationships and community, and my why for working.
Networks, including sponsors and mentors, are foundational to combating workplace inequities. Based on the latest McKinsey Women in the Workplace study, representation in leadership positions is still not equal, companies haven’t achieved pay parity, and women are more likely to burn out or leave the workforce. While there are still so many changes needed within the workplace, creating strong networks is one way we can combat these inequities.
Types of networks
The formal definition of a network is two or more people that are connected, and exchange support & ideas to meet goals and increase their effectiveness, often with focus on a shared mission.
However, there is a spectrum of types of networks, from a closed personal network within your company, to open professional networks across companies. Let’s dive into the four main types of networks:
Building Your Personal Network: From Mentor to Board of Directors
When building your network, aim to shift from one mentor to a personal board of directors. A personal board of directors is a group of people you go to for support and advice on advancing your goals.
Why shift? Historically, mentor programs give you one mentor for everything. However, everyone’s needs are more dynamic than ever – because we all have unique career paths, no one person will have all of the answers or skills you’re looking for. This allows you to seek specific support from experts, diversify your board across multiple industries and subject matters, and have a focus your discussions with members of your board. For example, if you have a leader on your board that is a badass presenter, you can seek their support for a big speech, which also makes it easy to come up with an agenda.
Personal Networking Framework for Forming Powerful Relationships
According to The Lost Art of Connecting, there are three intentional acts to spark connection: Gather, Ask and Do
1. Gather information (on what you’re looking for in your connections & community)
Gather information about yourself so you can be intentional with your connection
Understand what you can offer to help others & what relationships you hope to build
Step-by-step activities on gathering information can be found in my Building your Network training!
2. Ask questions (to find out what others need)
Learn what others want and need by asking & seeking to understand; this enables you to become a problem-solving resource.
Don’t just focus on what you need: give first and determine where you can add value and expertise for others. Not sure where to start? Connecting others within your network is an easy and fast way to give and help others.
And … asking for what you want is an underrated skill once the foundation of the relationship is built! When networking, reference your personal board of directors and who is missing to intentionally discover who can help you.
The Reciprocity Ring activity, demonstrated in the training, can help you do this in a way that is approachable!
3. Do what it takes to nurture the relationship (take action!)
Taking action is the most simple and critical step: keep your word on support you said you’d give. When you say you’ll give support, write it down along with the time and date you’ll reach out. This helps you solidify the commitment.
Networking tip: Be intentional when interacting using the power of three: When networking, plan to meet 3 people, learn 3 things and share 3 things
Professional Networks
Professional networks are a way to build your personal network, AND expand your efforts to help others create community and networks.
Professional networks allow you to…
… deepen connections by working together towards a common goal
… develop leadership skills & have opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise get
… drive change and support others at a larger scale to deepen impact
Internal Professional Networks, a.k.a. Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups are a business group organized around a shared identity such as race or gender. ERGs offer a variety of programming including employee networking opportunities, support I&D initiatives and allyship across networks and advocate for employees and policy change.
Benefits of leading an ERG include sponsorship opportunities, development within your company and the ability to drive change within your organization.
If your company doesn’t have one and you want to start, check out my article on creating and leading an employee resource group!
External Professional Networks
An External Professional network is a group outside of your company that connects you to other professionals driven by a common goal/interest. Benefits of having an external professional network include the opportunity to network outside of your company, widen the reach of your board of directors, and develop skills through network involvement.
External Professional Network Example: BoldHER is a networking community facilitating and fostering connection between womxn to encourage collective and individual fulfillment.
Thank you’s
When someone gives to you or helps you, thank them by letting them know their impact (and what you were able to accomplish because of them)
Learn more about Nicole through her website: https://www.hersecondhouse.com/ .
