Here's how you can expand your career opportunities by building a strong network as a consultant.

Navigating the world of consulting can be akin to exploring a vast ocean; your network is your compass, guiding you towards opportunities and success. As a consultant, the robustness of your network can often dictate the trajectory of your career. By connecting with a diverse array of professionals, you can unlock doors to new projects, gain insights into industry trends, and establish a reputation that precedes you. Remember, each handshake or exchange of business cards can be the seed that blossoms into a fruitful partnership or a career-defining moment.

1 Build Trust

Building trust within your network is crucial. Start by offering genuine value without immediately seeking something in return. Share your expertise, be reliable in your communications, and follow through on promises. This creates a foundation of reliability and respect, which is essential when negotiating contracts. When others trust you, they're more likely to recommend you for projects or involve you in collaborations that can lead to expanded career opportunities.

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Ailson Ricardo

Assessoria e Consultoria em Licitações e Contratos I Especialista em Direito Administrativo
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Acredito que construir confianças é transmitir profundo conhecimento e capacidade na matéria envolvida, bem como ser comprometido com o objetivo do projeto. Uma das lições que sempre transmito às pessoas, em especial ao meu filho, é de que sempre que for desafiado a fazer algo o faça da melhor maneira possível. Que se busque, ou tente buscar, os melhores resultados.

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2 Engage Often

Regular engagement keeps you at the forefront of your contacts' minds. Attend industry events, participate in relevant online forums, and contribute to conversations. This doesn't mean you have to be omnipresent; rather, be strategic in your engagement. Quality interactions where you provide thoughtful insights or assistance can be more valuable than numerous superficial exchanges. As you engage, you'll naturally find opportunities to demonstrate your contract negotiation skills, further solidifying your expertise.

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Ailson Ricardo

Assessoria e Consultoria em Licitações e Contratos I Especialista em Direito Administrativo
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Envolver-se não pode ser algo genérico, como apenas uma reação. Envolver-se é opinar e demonstrar que realmente você tem conhecimento sobre o assunto. Sobre isso, acredito que se deve compartilhar as experiências na área e demonstrar quais eram as soluções disponíveis e qual foi a escolhida e o porquê disso. Não há razão para se concordar com todos os posicionamentos postos. Deve-se transmitir suas opiniões e expor as razões por possíveis divergências.

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3 Share Knowledge

Sharing knowledge is a powerful tool for expanding your network. Offer to speak at conferences, write articles, or host webinars. When you share what you know, you position yourself as an expert in contract negotiation and consulting. This not only builds your credibility but also attracts individuals and organizations interested in your skill set. It's a way of marketing yourself subtly and effectively without the hard sell.

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Ailson Ricardo

Assessoria e Consultoria em Licitações e Contratos I Especialista em Direito Administrativo
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Compartilhar conhecimento é muito mais que replicar artigos e opiniões. Também não se pode publicar suas próprias obras sem o devido cuidado de que aquela produção guarda o retrato de suas competências, cujo conteúdo, de preferência, deve ser minuciosamente revisado para que não haja transmissão de equívocos.

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4 Leverage Socials

Social media platforms are fertile ground for networking. Use LinkedIn, Twitter, and other professional networks to connect with peers, clients, and industry leaders. Share content that showcases your contract negotiation expertise and comment on posts to initiate discussions. Remember to personalize your connection requests with a note on why you're reaching out, as this can significantly increase the likelihood of acceptance and meaningful interaction.

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Ailson Ricardo

Assessoria e Consultoria em Licitações e Contratos I Especialista em Direito Administrativo
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É importante compartilhar nossas experiências e receber as contribuições de colegas de profissão. Não se trata de nossos competidores, mas de nossos parceiros de negócios. Há espaço para todos os profissionais capacitados. E a interação entre eles é primordial para não só ampliar o leque de oportunidades, mas para adquirir mais conhecimentos. Felizmente, as redes sociais podem ser utilizadas para essa finalidade e possuem um alcance incalculável, basta, tão somente, sabermos utilizá-las.

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5 Nurture Relationships

Nurturing relationships is key to a sustainable network. Check in with your contacts regularly, congratulate them on their achievements, and offer help when they face challenges. This long-term approach to relationship building ensures that when contract negotiation opportunities arise, your contacts will think of you. A well-maintained relationship can lead to repeat business and referrals, which are invaluable in expanding your career as a consultant.

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6 Diversify Contacts

Lastly, diversify your network beyond your immediate field. Connect with professionals from various industries and roles. This diversity can lead to unexpected opportunities and insights that can enhance your contract negotiation strategies. It also opens up a broader range of potential clients and projects, ensuring that you're not pigeonholed into a single niche and can adapt to changing market demands.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Driton Tony Shala

Expert on Cybersecurity Forensic! Procurement Manager @ Teachers College, Columbia University | MBA, Strategic Sourcing, Negotiation President CIPS Mid-Atlantic Chapter
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One thing that always we should remember during contract negotiations is that we are not only negotiating the contract but we are gaining one partner for our company.

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Here's how you can expand your career opportunities by building a strong network as a consultant.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Trust

2 Engage Often

3 Share Knowledge

4 Leverage Socials

5 Nurture Relationships

6 Diversify Contacts

7 Here’s what else to consider

Contract Negotiation

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Here's how you can expand your career opportunities by building a strong network as a consultant.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Trust

2 Engage Often

3 Share Knowledge

4 Leverage Socials

5 Nurture Relationships

6 Diversify Contacts

7 Here’s what else to consider

Contract Negotiation

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