Skip to main content

Your Network Can Send You a Life Line!


The phrase for the week is "Invest in Your Network”


Thought I'd keep the investment theme going another week. On this day when taxes are due, I'd like to remind you that investments in your network are also due!

 Too often I speak with young and senior professionals who invest little or no time in building and expanding their network. It is usually during a personal or professional crisis when the alarm sounds and they realize they have no network. They are all alone.

When you have built a thriving network, you’ll know. You are privy to information that hasn’t gone public yet or perhaps, never will. You are smarter than your peers because you have a body of knowledge and expertise that you can tap into with a quick phone call or email. You are the go-to person for counsel and information. People want you on the team.

How do you build or expand your network? Begin with securing a mentor (see March 11, 2019 blog post). It doesn’t have to be someone in your field or industry. Your mentor must have reached a level of success you aspire to attain and have excellent instincts.

Next, raise your social intelligence score. To build a network, you’ve got to get out of the office and navigate complex social relationships and environments. Quite simply, work on your people skills. Build credibility within your company and expand your network by working across the organization. Seek out opportunities to meet with executives in different departments. During these discussions, you may find projects where your expertise could be valuable. Here’s a chance for you to stand out and step up!!!

Having a plan is critical. Networks rarely just fall in your lap, it requires planning and identifying opportunities to connect and become a connector.

Finally, keep your network active by creating periodical touch points to remind people that you are connected in some way.

Join a group, volunteer, become a leader. Get connected!

I am building and expanding my network.



Labels:

Comments

  1. Rodney Young, Jr.April 15, 2019 at 8:39 PM

    Great post, Cheryl! I'm learning the importance and the benefits of intentionally expanding my network with professionals inside and outside of my industry. Thank you for posting this!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarquismApril 16, 2019 at 7:39 AM

    Great post, Cheryl! You've illustrated to importance of intentionally keeping your relationships fresh and relevant. Thanks for reminding me to network with professionals inside and outside of my space. You helped me and somebody else today!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hello?-- Call Me, Please?

The phrase for the week is "Pick Up The Phone." When in doubt about tone or intent, pick up the phone and talk! Let’s face it, something you think is pretty funny, may be lost on someone else.   It bears repeating here that people from different cultures and backgrounds speak and write differently.   You may convince yourself that it’s quicker to send a request or reply by email or text, but if you now have a thread of 10 or more responses, something else is not getting done. Practice my 2-by-2 rule for one week and measure the impact. If you’ve sent two emails or texts and the other person has sent two on the same subject, pick up the phone and stop the madness! I pick up the phone when I realize I’m having a conversation through text or email. Share your progress: https://www.facebook.com/AStepAheadPR.Coaching
Post a Comment
Read more

Look Again!!!

The phrase for the week is "look beyond the obvious." Many of us remember this photo from a classroom where the teacher was making a point that one person can see an old woman, while another sees a young woman.   Each will be confident they are right and the other wrong.   They can even point to the evidence that’s so “obvious.”   Of course, the truth is, they are both right, because in this illustration, there is an old woman and young woman.   Often in our lives we make snap judgments and act on what we believe are truths.   Truths that are so “obvious.”   It is only when we are forced to hit the pause button and challenge ourselves to consider other perspectives that we are able to grow and enrich our lives.   Looking beyond the obvious allows us to find deeper meaning in the world around us and uncover unexpected truths.       I will find deeper meaning in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

What Are Your Expectations?

The word for the week is "Expectations." Expect the best in all you do this week.   I know, It is hard work. Working at a high level each and every day can be exhausting, especially when no one seems to notice.   Or if they do notice, they don’t seem to care.   Consider what you can achieve if each day for one week, you pushed yourself to maintain a high level of excellence in everything you do.   What would that feel like?   What if you start small?   What if you start big? ·          When driving, come to a complete stop at every stop sign ·          Cross the street within the cross walk, no shortcuts--for anything. ·          No multitasking.   Give 100% of yourself to every single task, big or small. ·          Expect that every encounter with a human will make you smile. ...
Post a Comment
Read more