Here's how you can cultivate a diverse and inclusive professional network.

Attend Diverse Networking Events and Conferences 🌍 Join Diversity-focused Professional Groups and Associations 🤝 Actively Seek Out and Connect with Individuals from Different Backgrounds and Experiences 🤝 Participate in Mentorship Programs that Emphasize Diversity and Inclusion 🌟 Listen and Learn from Others' Perspectives and Experiences 🎧 Use Social Media Platforms to Engage with Diverse Communities and Thought Leaders 📱 Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in Your Workplace and Industry 📣 Be Open to Building Relationships with People of Various Cultures, Identities, and Abilities 🌈 Create Opportunities for Collaboration and Partnership with Diverse Professionals 🤝

Building a diverse network starts with genuine curiosity and an open mind. Instead of just collecting contacts, focus on understanding the unique experiences and perspectives of others. Actively listen when they share their stories, and strive to see the world through their eyes. This empathy fosters trust and allows you to connect with people on a deeper level, regardless of background.

Networking. Networking. Networking. And if getting out and talking to strangers isn't your thing, start by doing things you love. When you're engaging in hobbies and volunteer activities outside of the workplace, you create opportunities for genuine connection around things that bring you joy and have an impact. Also, think about what diverse and inclusive means to you. Are these people outside of your industry? Are these people who look different, think differently and come from a different background than you? Lastly, focus on quality of connection vs quantity. A few closer, authentic connections are far more powerful than a bunch of followers you don't actually know.

Para cultivar una red profesional diversa e inclusiva, busca activamente conexiones con personas de diferentes orígenes, culturas y perspectivas. Participa en eventos y grupos profesionales que promuevan la diversidad y la inclusión. Escucha activamente las experiencias y opiniones de los demás y sé respetuoso con sus puntos de vista. Promueve un ambiente de apoyo y colaboración donde todos se sientan valorados y escuchados.

There's a lot of power in "weak links." Be an open networker. Create your connection criteria. For example, in LinkedIn, determine the characteristics of the people whose connection requests you'll accept. My criteria: Their profile is up-to-date and high quality and they are not sending their connection request just to sell to me. There's an HBR study that shows that when you are open to networking with people outside your area of expertise, you're exposed to a lot more opportunities. Of course, as you build your diverse network, make sure you have a plan in place to remain connected to those you've brought into your network.

Don't fall into the trap of simply connecting with people who look and think like you. Branch out! Explore industry events and online communities that cater to diverse demographics. Attend talks or workshops on topics outside your usual domain. This exposes you to a wider range of experiences and ideas, and allows you to discover potential connections you might have otherwise missed. By intentionally seeking variety, you'll build a network that's richer and more stimulating.

Diversity these days is often equated with minority groups. I'd encourage you to also network and treat with dignity those people who may not be your peer in status or seemingly interesting in their power and stature in your professional field. Networking with the young engineer or the assistant to the team has served me well in my career. Countless times I was able to get things done because I respected everybody's contribution to the effort and respected their priorities as well as mine.

Stop ignoring diversity! It’s time to cultivate a diverse and inclusive professional network. Here’s what you don't need: 1. A one-size-fits-all mindset 2. Selective networking strategies 3. Underestimation of differences 4. Stereotyping Here's what you do need: → Openness to different perspectives → Volunteering wisely for diverse roles and projects → Active listening and empathetic understanding → Regular reflections on your interactions Stop sticking to familiar faces. Stop avoiding diverse viewpoints. Stop downplaying the value of contrast. Diversity and inclusion don’t just happen; they're consciously crafted. Volunteering wisely can expose you to a variety of people, strengthening your network in ways you never anticipated.

If you've been in the workforce for a long while, ideally you have accumulated a wealth of knowledge from work, knowledge that you can't necessarily learn from a book. And if you're just starting out, that's the kind of knowledge you need: someone who can listen to your struggles and advise from their own experience. I think women especially (but not exclusively) need to mentor and be mentored by other women to learn how to navigate what is often still a male-dominated space.