What are some skills or tools that can help you network more inclusively and effectively?

Being authentic is the key. If you say stuff that is not reflected in your actions it will become clear to people. Being vulnerable in what you share is also a good way to pull people in that may not feel confident to share their experiences. For example, most people know I'm gay when they meet me, but few know about my dyslexia, or that I was bought up in a very poor household with alcoholic parents. People get confidence from seeing leaders that they can relate to their experiences. Diversity and inclusion extends way beyond the normal categories of race, gender and sexuality. I find when I do this a lot of people reach out to me to thank me for sharing my experiences.

While living overseas, I had to connect with coworkers from different cultures, religions, and languages. Initially, it was challenging, but when I stopped pretending to be what people expected me to be and started showing up as my authentic self, I was able to build genuine connections much faster. Just be YOU!!!

To network more inclusively and effectively, you must ensure that the content you create and how you engage and communicate with others is inclusive. That means burning subtitles on videos, including alt text in images, using plain language, and avoiding acronyms.

Emotional Intelligence should be top of mind for fostering inclusivity. Networking thrives on diversity and authenticity. It’s not just about expanding contacts; it's about building genuine connections. Embrace the richness of diverse perspectives. Be intentional in reaching out to people from different backgrounds. Listen actively. Share your story honestly, but also create space for others to share theirs. In my experience, sharing my story has been game-changing. Remember, inclusivity in networking isn’t a checkbox; it’s a continuous journey of learning and growing together. Let's build networks that reflect the vibrant tapestry of our communities, where every voice is valued and every story matters.

In my experience, networking inclusively and effectively requires a combination of skills, strategies, and tools to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster meaningful relationships. Some effective strategies to redress are: 1. Attend networking events, conferences, and professional organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. 2. Act as an ally by actively supporting and advocating for individuals from underrepresented groups. 3. Participate in diversity training programs, workshops, or seminars to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 4. Seek feedback on your networking approach and behaviors, particularly regarding inclusivity and effectiveness.

In my experience, it is critical to proactively and intentionally seek perspectives that are not your own. A former podcast guest once shared with me the idea of a “reverse mentor,” which is essentially establishing a mentorship or process iain l relationship with someone who has the opposite lived experienced from you in terms of background, gender, age, race and ethnicity, and orientation. It was a helpful frame to check against a dangerous pattern of building a network of people who are similar to you.

I network for a living and have been to thousands of networking events. When networking, it's easy to tell who is there to just share what they want. Networking is about collaboration and helping others. How can you help others if you don't listen? The great thing about listening is that it's a great way to learn and get insight into other people's perspective. The funny thing is that once you focus on others, you end up gaining the most out of networking.

Actively listening to others, showing genuine interest, and being attentive to their perspectives and experiences. This helps build rapport and fosters inclusive conversations.

Grow your listening skills with active listening. Give your full attention to the speaker without planning how you will respond or interrupting with your opinion. Tell the person what you heard and what you learned. Only then add your perspective if appropriate. Often our perspective is shifted slightly by simply being present for the conversation and not pre-directing the conversation.

Exploring diverse networks enriches understanding and uncovers new opportunities. To effectively network, practice active listening and genuine curiosity about others' stories. By appreciating the wide array of experiences people bring, we can build more meaningful connections. This not only expands our professional landscape but also enhances our personal growth. Engage in conversations with a mindset to learn, not just to respond. This fosters a community where everyone feels valued and heard.

Consider a multiplatform networking approach where you are connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Engage in discussions, share insights, and actively participate in relevant groups or communities.

From my experience, networking that takes advantage of the wide array of tools is most effective and attractive to a broader audience. Networking has traditionally been face-to-face, particularly before the pandemic. Now, networking has become more popular through online channels such as Zoom and LinkedIn for many reasons. People with disabilities (neurodivergent, wheelchair users etc) do not have to consider physical accessibility or the sensory overload of in-person events. Parents aren't as restricted with caring responsibilities. With online events, you can sift through events to find the right one to maximise your networking efforts.

Dive into digital spaces where diversity thrives. Social media, webinars, and online communities open doors to vibrant discussions and shared knowledge. Harness these platforms to showcase your talents and engage with voices from all walks of life. Additionally, tapping into specialized online directories and networks can connect you with individuals and groups outside your usual circle, enriching your network with fresh perspectives and ideas. This strategic online engagement not only broadens your horizon but also amplifies the impact of your collaborations.

You also must be cautious here. If you're diversifying your network and joining an online community where you are now the minority... take a deep breath. Be sure to suspend any temptation to assert yourself too strongly, change the culture, or influence how things should work. You are the guest. Stay humble. Be open. Be ready to learn and listen. Lastly, it's helpful to recognize that there may be some communities for equity-deserving groups that are off-limits and need to be closed. Dare we say, they may even need to be exclusive at times. For many, this is the only way that safety is achieved. So resist the urge to be offended if you are asked to leave or see that you've been asked to not join. There are others out there, keep looking.

The problem with joining or creating inclusive communities is that not everyone is the right person to create these communities. Many communities that are already created have conscious or unconscious bias within how they allow people to post, who joins etc. I am a firm believer the only way to overcome this is to have multiple leaders of a community from different backgrounds that can keep checks and balances and have open communication on ways to improve. If you are looking to join a community I encourage you to look up the leaders of the community and make sure they are active accomplices and not passive ally's.

Yes! I have an organization @black marketers association of america I founded in 2017. We have a public linkedin group that anyone can join. We encourage people to share marketing jobs, ask questions, network and more. We also have monthly community checkins via LinkedIn audio. Outside of this, when in doubt, simply google the community and the job function or area to find organizations or communities so you can get involved!

A good place to start is checking out and joining community based networking groups on LinkedIn, Chambers of Commerce and Employee Resource Groups. There are regular events you can attend and support.

Creating inclusive communities offers unique opportunities for growth and networking. Start by identifying shared interests and goals, ensuring a diverse mix of voices and experiences enrich the conversation. Organize regular, accessible meet-ups or virtual sessions to keep engagement high and provide platforms for members to share knowledge and opportunities. This strategy not only broadens your network but also enhances collective learning and support, laying the groundwork for meaningful connections and collaboration.

If you want to be a good networker -- give more than you get! Be inclusive in your outreach, be generous in offering and providing support. Answer questions and provide advice or connections if you can. And do it without worrying about what you might get in return.

Inclusive networking, like all modes of networking, is a long term strategy aimed at building relationships. That means, sharing of resources, inviting others to the table, particularly those who are often not included at such tables. It's equally important that when someone is invited to the table, they also have the opportunity to be part of the discourse. Everyone benefits when different ideas, perspectives and experiences are shared.

Many of us pay it forward by mentoring and coaching our teams, but this has an inherent bias towards work and immediate priorities. I find that taking time to mentor people outside of your team, by direct request, or participating in a mentoring program is incredibly rewarding. It forces you to really focus on the person, their experiences and challenges. I participate in a number of mentoring programs that match my life experiences, not my work experience. It's a great way to provide an advantage to people who often feel they are disadvantaged by being in a minority group.

Sharing expertise and connecting people are cornerstones of inclusive networking. Offer your knowledge freely, helping others grow. Introduce contacts who could benefit from mutual collaboration, enriching both their professional landscapes. Celebrate peers' successes publicly; such recognition fosters community and goodwill. Always express gratitude for assistance received; a simple thank you can cement lasting bonds. Through these actions, we sow seeds of generosity, cultivating a network where support and collaboration flourish.

Actively look for opportunities to support others by sharing your expertise, resources, or time generously. Whether it's offering insightful advice, making an introduction that could lead to a breakthrough opportunity, or simply lending an ear to someone navigating a challenge, every act of kindness counts. By doing so, you're not just building connections; you're cultivating a community rooted in mutual support and generosity. Encourage those you help to extend the same kindness to others in their circles, creating a powerful chain of positive action. This enriches your network with a spirit of collaboration and positions you as a respected and integral member of your community, where relationships are built on genuine care and reciprocity