You’re looking to build a strong network within your organization. What’s the best way to get started?

1. Goal Setting: Clearly define what I aim to achieve by building my network within the organization. 2. Target Identification: Identify key individuals or departments whose collaboration aligns with my goals. 3. Networking Events: Attend relevant events, meetings, or workshops to meet and connect with colleagues. 4. Online Platforms: Utilize internal networking platforms or social media groups to engage with peers. 5. Personalized Outreach: Initiate conversations and establish rapport by offering support or sharing common interests.

1. Contact Analysis: Assess existing contacts to identify potential allies or mentors within the organization. 2. Departmental Exploration: Explore different departments or teams to understand their functions and identify potential collaborators. 3. LinkedIn Connections: Utilize LinkedIn to connect with colleagues and learn more about their roles and expertise. 4. Coffee Meetings: Schedule informal meetings with colleagues to learn about their work and explore potential collaboration opportunities. 5. Networking Events: Attend company-sponsored events or conferences to meet new contacts and expand my network within the organization.

Lasting relationships are reciprocal. How are you trying to support your contacts? What are you offering to advance or help amplify?

1. Initial Contact: Reach out to colleagues via email or in-person to introduce myself and express interest in connecting. 2. Schedule Meetings: Arrange one-on-one meetings or coffee chats to get to know colleagues better and discuss potential collaboration. 3. Follow-Up: After initial meetings, follow up with a thank-you email and propose future collaboration ideas. 4. Attend Events: Participate in company events, team meetings, or social gatherings to expand my network organically. 5. Maintain Relationships: Keep in touch with contacts regularly to nurture relationships and foster ongoing collaboration opportunities.

In very practical ways, if you want to build strong networks with both internal and external stakeholders, before sending emails, always call people first, especially those that don't know you and introduce yourself. Establish a voice contact, and if you can walk into their offices, then do that just to introduce yourself and tell them about what you do and how it relates to what they do. By the time you send them emails, they will remember your voice and your face with a smile.

1. Active Participation: Engage in team meetings, discussions, and projects to showcase skills and knowledge. 2. Offer Assistance: Volunteer to help colleagues with tasks or projects to demonstrate reliability and teamwork. 3. Share Ideas: Contribute innovative ideas or solutions during meetings to establish credibility and value. 4. Seek Feedback: Request feedback from colleagues on work or ideas to foster open communication and continuous improvement. 5. Be Approachable: Maintain a friendly and approachable demeanor to encourage others to reach out for collaboration or networking opportunities.

I recently read that one should always surround themselves with mentors and people at different career stages. - 5 to 10 people at an earlier career stage - 5 to 10 people at a similar career stage - 5 to 10 people ahead of your career stage Additionally, these folks should be and will likely need to be from different disciplines. Ten at each stage may seem like a lot of connections, but start small and those groups will undoubtedly expand. Additionally, be generous with who you know and offer to make introductions and connections for other folks. Remember to pour into your collective network so that you contribute and benefit from it's health, diversity and wellness. And, say thank you — practice gratitude and express it — it matters!