What do you do if your networking efforts aren't leading to career advancement?

First ask yourself why do you think your networking efforts are not helping? Do a discovery exercise...what could YOU do differently? Have YOU been clear with your network about what you want or need from them? How large is your network and how can YOU continue to grow it? Focus on what you can control and keep doing it. #ProgressNotPerfection

"Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit." - Napoleon Hill 🚀 Had a deep dive into networking strategies with fellow experts. If doors aren't opening, maybe it's time to assess your efforts. Are your connections real? 🤔🔍 True networking is about quality, not quantity. 🌟 It's the genuine relationships that count, not the number of business cards in your drawer. Think it's time for a change? Reach out for expert advice and let's make those connections count! 🌱👥

Do strategic assessment of your network: who’s there? At what level? Who is actively supporting and promoting you when you’re not in the room? Who’s neutral - doesn’t know you or doesn’t speak about you? Who might be vocal but not in the way you need? What connections do you need to push your career forward and how can you make sure they’re excited talking about you?

From experience, it isn’t necessarily that your networking efforts aren’t being fruitful due to anything you have done wrong. Oftentimes, the timing just is not right. Opportunities tend to come when you (we) are prepared for them, whether mentally and/or physically. Gained experience is never wasted experience. In fact, it can better prepare you for the next opportunity that comes around. Don’t give up. Consider switching gears a bit from time to time. Ask yourself whether the field you’re in is what you actually desire to do or if it’s something that simply seems “doable” or “ideal” at the moment. Generate a record of your efforts with the “pros” and “cons” of your efforts to consider any possible areas for improvement. Stay the course.

In addition to self-assessment, actively seek feedback from those within your network. Ask them for their honest opinion on your networking approach and what you could do differently. This direct feedback can provide invaluable insights and help refine your strategy. Moreover, don't overlook the power of online networking platforms. Engage more deeply in industry-specific forums and social media groups. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and offer help. This can establish you as a valuable member of your professional community and open up more opportunities for meaningful connections.

Sometimes one need to take the onus in one’s own hands rather relying more on others. When network is not creating opportunities, create on your own. By consistent efforts, may be various hit and trial one would open roads to success. Every failure on the way is a learning to feed forward with new understanding and experience. As Swami Vivekanand said “ Arise, awake, stop not till the goal is reached”.

Conducting Informational Interviews is one of the best ways to network effectively. The process consists of one-to-one meetings with professionals (You Know in your industry, discipline and function. The Q&A can be invaluable to learn about how they landed their job, industry trends and advice they will be happy to share with you.

A better way to put this is to set an intention. When you have an intention, your energy attracts the people and opportunities that will help fulfill it. For example, go into networking events with the intention of meeting someone who can guide you with insights and advice you haven't heard or considered yet. It'll shift you to act a certain way by asking questions that you don't have answers to.

Networking can be an asset or a negative experience when your just starting out in your job search. Good networking is built on relationships and being in attendance to productive local events. Matter of fact you will find the same people attending these events who are interested in making contacts. At some point you will see each other and have this conversation to share information. This is a good way to start. Then your information gets passed along by this network contact. This is a pattern that grows your network base. Stay open minded, Any network contact is good. It could lead to other ventures or careers that you were not aware of. Online inquiry's and making a personal visit to businesses will still require frequency and trust.

This starts with getting very clear on who you are and what you bring to the table. You're very skilled and have a unique perspective on the world. Align your perspective and skills with your passion because that's where you can provide the most value. Who do you want to help? Why do you want to help them? Lead with the answers to these questions in all of your networking opportunities and others will help you get there.

If our networking is not yielding career progress, we must consider refining our approach. Focus on building genuine connections rather than just seeking opportunities. Attend industry events with a mindset of learning and relationship-building. Offer assistance or support to others in our network without expecting immediate returns. Seek mentorship from seasoned professionals who can offer guidance and insights. Explore online communities and forums related to our field to expand the network. Consider volunteering or joining professional associations to meet like-minded individuals. Be patient and persistent, as networking takes time to cultivate meaningful connections.

Career advancement may be seen from different lenses and we must know ours to assess if our networking efforts are bearing any fruits. If the purpose of networking is only to expand connections then the count should help gauge advancement. In case growth, diversification or role enhancement is targeted then one must build connections to the same effect. Establishing one’s credibility through proven track of work, endorsements and testimonials in the domain expertise and making it visible to those who may appreciate the same is an important part of networking helping career advancement.

If your networking efforts aren't yielding career advancement, reassess your approach. Focus on building genuine connections rather than just collecting contacts. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Consider expanding your network beyond your current industry or company to gain fresh perspectives and opportunities. Additionally, evaluate your skill set and consider if there are areas where you could improve or gain additional qualifications. Sometimes, it's not just about who you know, but also what you bring to the table. Finally, be patient and persistent, as career advancement often requires ongoing effort and adaptability.