How can you create an inclusive and equitable networking plan?

In my experience, it is not about who you know, but rather about who knows you in order to ensure that your "Net" is working. It is critical to examine your reasons and passions for networking with others. Allow yourself to be authentic in your connections, manage expectations with follow-ups and follow-through, and don’t allow one bad experience to dictate how you treat everyone else. You will be surprised by how many people genuinely want to connect and network with you, regardless of their background. I cannot stress this enough: be true, be you!

I agree, setting goals can be a great step towards intentional networking. However, In my experience I have found that sometimes emergent ideas and random connections are equally fruitful. These connections can come from your local communities and spaces where you least expect. I remember attending a workshop and finding like minded people as an additional unexpected resource. I have continued to work and grow with these people. I believe we can build networks through our ability to build trust with people whom we meet. Three things have helped me in this trust building. 1. Asking curious questions 2. Listening with intent 3. Creating follow-up opportunities

It's crucial to actively seek out and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. For instance, reaching out to professionals at different stages of their careers, from various sectors, and with different life experiences. This enriches your understanding of the broader industry landscape and also fosters a culture of inclusivity. Also consider mentoring. By offering guidance to individuals who may not have the same access to opportunities, you contribute to levelling the playing field, which is a key aspect of an equitable approach to networking.

In my experience, the goals and values can be defined through your leadership in facilitation. Leading with openness and purpose fosters more meaningful connections that further goals. Seek activations across common passions first, accolades second. Stay grounded by the wisdom you still seek. Follow these steps to help identify your goals and values: 1. Get clear on the specific needs within the group about knowledge gap to fill, learning or methodology to master or niche community to better understand? 2. Articulate what you uniquely offer peers that reflects your expertise and experience. 3. Define core values that guide your audience how you operate and build trust-based relationships in alignment with your personal brand.

It's always important to begin with the end in mind. At the end of it all, there must be a match between what you have set out to achieve in terms of your networking goals, to suit various aspects of your specific needs. Without this, it would be difficult for you to to know if you have arrived at your networking destination. The road map is therefore, very essential. It is the Compass that will guide you, so that you can actually achieve, what you have set out to do in the first place. Networking cannot be done just for it's own sake, without any direction. It needs to have a clear purpose. It is the purpose or goals that will determine whether one has reached their intended destination on not.

It does take great amount of work to get, keep and maintain a diverse network. We are inclined to find like minded people and business settings are also a big contributor to this. Requires curiosity and creativity to expand the network to areas you are in an everyday setting not engaged with.

Building a diverse network is crucial for gaining varied perspectives and fostering inclusivity. Seek connections beyond your immediate circle, intentionally engaging with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences. This diversity enriches your network, providing unique insights and broadening your understanding of the world. Consider attending events that attract a diverse audience, joining groups with members from various industries, and participating in forums that encourage inclusive discussions. Actively listen and learn from people whose experiences differ from your own, as this diversity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall success in your endeavors.

Networking is a great opportunity to learn from others with their stories, experiences and expertise. Take the time to seek people with very different views and experiences because this is often more valuable. Show interest by asking questions, active listening, and take note of ideas which can be followed up elsewhere. I often seek out people who may not look at ease in networking events to find out about them. I have met some interesting people this way, who have a lot of expertise. Perhaps they are not comfortable at the event because it is overwhelming, too noisy or other reasons. Don't assume they are not interested in talking. I usually suggest we move a little away from the crowds and even on some occasions outside the door.

In my experience, networking is less about how someone can benefit you and more about how you can benefit one another! It’s important to think about the skills, talents and abilities you can bring to someone and their business as well as think about how they can benefit you! It’s important to volunteer and get to know the people around you.

Stepping beyond our familiar circles, I've learned valuable lessons working in social development and the private sector. It's like having two perspectives on issues, such as the lack of drinking water. In social development, clean water is seen as a basic human right. Diversity goes beyond personal backgrounds. Development focuses on fairness and human rights, while the private sector prioritizes profit. The private sector's efficiency pairs well with the development sector's commitment to fairness. By embracing diverse views and working together, we can craft solutions. In conclusion, diversity extends beyond personal differences to include varied sector perspectives. It's a practical approach to solving complex issues.

In my experience, it’s is most important to ensure that everyone's voice is heard, acknowledge diverse perspectives, and address any concerns with openness. More importantly, regularly assess the inclusivity of your network and be responsive to feedback, making adjustments as needed. Finally the value of diversity is utmost in-order to cultivate an atmosphere where individuals feel understood, respected, and supported.

Es ist wichtig, zu wissen, dass Networking nicht ein Nehmen ist. Es ist ein Miteinander ... ein Voneinander ... ein Füreinander. Es geht nicht nur um "Sich gegenseitig nützen", sondern genauso um respektvolles, wertschätzendes "Wir", das nicht immer zweckgebunden ist. ...

I prefer the term community to network, because it implies something being created, sustained and growth beyond a role, goal or value. Be observant of the world around you. Slow down, understand the value of the moment and the seed planted in each conversation. This is the antithesis of corporate mentality but trust me is what helps more when you are out of a job, are burnt out, or need to reset or reflect on the next step.

We need to approach networking with an open mindset. It is an opportunity for us to get connected. Hence the conversation can change the course into items we did not plan for. While you have the power to refocus on your objectives it may also open new doors for you when you allow the conversation going to ad-hoc topics. In my view the number one thing networkers should aim to achieve is creating a connection. It is the best to check in from time to time even though we may not always hear back.

Empathy is the foundation of inclusivity. Being able to see another's perspective, to suspend judgment, and to start from a place of valuing the differences people can bring will deliver better outcomes. Leading with questions and creating space for dialog and exploration of ideas enable people to be heard and seen, creates trust and the a feeling of moving forward together. Sharing leadership also conveys a sense of being prepared to let go, to be open to learning, and be willingbto construct new paradigms.

One key aspect of creating an inclusive and equitable networking plan is to prioritize follow-up and relationship maintenance. It's crucial to ensure that connections made during networking events or interactions aren't left stagnant. To create an inclusive plan, focus on following up with all individuals you've engaged with, regardless of their position or background. Show genuine interest in nurturing these relationships by reaching out regularly, sharing relevant information, and asking about their progress or challenges. Remember, consistent and inclusive follow-up efforts help foster trust, strengthen connections, and contribute to a more diverse and equitable network.

Strong network needs constant attention and coordination. Knowledge and skills are the most important things for our future. Sharing positive thoughts create enabling environment to build strong positive relationships across world.

Whereas we all desire follow-up to be quick and seamless, the truth is that it often takes multiple attempts to connect with others. Being willing to do this allows your efforts to create the network you desire.

When I find out that a connection is potentially valuable, I ask myself a question 'How can I add value in this person's life?'. Finding the answer requires me to follow up to remain in touch until I do. That said, developing a meaningful connection where you synergize is a delicate and a time consuming process. You need to be curious to explore what comes instead of being judgemental based on your expectations. Even after giving your best, not every connection works out.

Au termes de toutes ces années, je réalise a quel point l'enjeu majeur de toute action reste : le suivi ! Lancer des projets, initier des réflexions, intégrer des collaborateurs... plutôt stimulant et "facile" Suivre, analyser et tenir la longueur...beaucoup moins évident et consommateur de tellement plus d'énergie et pourtant absolument indispensable. Sans ce suivi, aucun vrai résultat durable Si je ne devais retenir qu'un vrai engagement sur cette nouvelle année 2024 : consolider et améliorer encore le suivi et l'accompagnement de chaque projet initié Joyeux Noël a toutes et a tous 🎅🎄☃️

Uma vez, trocando experiências com um amigo ele partilhou que para conexões e networking ele usava a matriz SWOT para explorar seus pontos fortes, fracos, oportunidades e ameaças em seus grupos de interação. Pode ser uma opção para avaliar forças e fraquezas, pontos que devem ser melhor explorados e que podemos pedir apoio a nossa rede de contatos. Seja com um conselho, consumindo um serviço ou pedindo uma recomendação para qual caminho seguir.

To effectively evaluate a networking plan, you must slow down, even when you don't want to, reflect on what you've done up to this point, and truthfully assess what's working and where this is an opportunity for growth.

la Technologie : Par ex, l’utilisation de CRM pour suivre les interactions et identifier les tendances, ou l’emploi d’algorithmes pour mesurer l’efficacité des connexions. Une dimension éthique dans l’évaluation. Cela peut inclure des questions sur la manière dont les relations sont gérées de façon responsable, le respect de la confidentialité, et l’engagement envers des pratiques de réseautage durables et équitables. Le Feedback comme Outil de Co-développement : Présentez le feedback non seulement comme un moyen d’obtenir des conseils, mais aussi comme un processus de co-développement où chaque partie apprend et évolue. Cela encourage une culture de partage de connaissances et d’apprentissage mutuel au sein du réseau.

Networking is a continual and adaptive process, requiring ongoing evaluation and improvement. Measure progress through the quality and quantity of contacts, opportunities gained, and challenges faced. Enhance your plan by reflecting on strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback, and adjusting strategies. Regularly update goals, values, and actions to align with evolving needs, ensuring a dynamic and effective networking approach.

Cet été, j’ai pu lire dans un magazine, qu’il était essentiel pour nous améliorer de demander à des personnes qui nous connaissent Très bien de nous faire un 360. Je l’ai fait. Mes meilleurs retours tant sur le personnel que professionnel. Des personnes de confiance, et qui tiendront que sur 2 ou 3 doigts de la main. Ce sont vos meilleurs interlocuteurs, sincères et bienveillants pour vous aider à vous améliorer. Vos forces, vos faiblesses avec des conseils pour mieux faire. Évaluer votre réseau en terme de qualité, ne doit pas s’arrêter au nombre, mais aux Échanges qui a eu, les portes que cela vous a ouvert, reconnaître les points d’efforts traversés et la leçons que vous avez retenu pour mieux orienter vos actions futures.

You may be in a full-time role - happy as a camper. That was me! For 22 years! Needless to say, when I exited that company, I realized how insular, small, and niche my network was. So, I encourage you, regardless of your current employment status, to make time for networking. And what I've discovered is that networking is fun and exciting. People all over the world are really lovely, doing amazing things, and want to help. So, get going, and enjoy!

One thing I've found helpful is to think about is who is missing from the networking conversation? There can be real value in cultivating relationships whether you think the person has direct value/contribution to your career or not. Developing authentic connections can go a long way in opportunities down the road.

Leaders with effective networks: Hear new information early and can capitalize on opportunities that require merging of disparate expertise and insights Are likely to be in an organization’s top 20% of high performers Tend to be promoted more rapidly, enjoy greater career mobility, and adapt to changing environments more successfully Are more influential in corporate structures and organizations that are more complex (boosts performance by 75%)

Gain the right skills and knowledge and help people unconditionally, you can use social media nowadays and network easily and connect with people.

I agree, but I also think it’s important to identify your gaps when it comes to networking. You have to start asking yourself some hard questions. Where are my gaps? Do I have technical gaps? Creative gaps? Innovative gaps? What support do I need? Who needs me? Do I have experience gaps? Knowledge gaps? Sometimes it’s important for us to take a step back to see how we can be a little bit more intentional in our approach to networking.