How do you use communication to build and maintain a resilient network of contacts and allies?

Often people think resiliency means figuring things out on your own, but real resiliency is about knowing when to ask for support. Communication is key to building and maintaining a strong network of contacts and allies. Start by identifying those in your circle who can provide diverse forms of support, from advice and feedback to emotional backing. Think about connections from all areas of your life – work, education, family, friends, hobbies, and community. Don’t forget to leverage tools like LinkedIn to expand and strengthen your network. Building a resilient network isn’t about going it alone; it’s about knowing who to reach out to when you need it.

It's all about consistency. Growing a network takes genuine curiosity in the activities and career path of your connections. If you connect with someone, be prepared to actually talk to them and maintain meaningful connections.

Your network isn't just a group of people you know from different spheres of your life. Think of it as a living, breathing ecosystem. These are your people, your tribe, your champions, and they're an integral part of who you are as a person and a professional. It's not just about LinkedIn connections or Facebook friends, though that's a start. Your network is about genuine relationships, because authenticity speaks volumes. Networking isn't a numbers game. It's a human game. It's about reciprocity, mutual respect, and understanding. Be there for your network before you need them, so they'll be there when you do.

I have another question, how to maintain a reliable comunications not with alies, with aliens, is more correct. Sure, they are not so warriors as human race.....maybe...they think????

People start thinking of social media the moment there is a question about contacts. But there are contacts beyond (much before) social media also. Professional bodies/ groups/ memberships help a lot e.g. I am a member of IEEE, BCI, ISC2 and many professional groups on whatsapp as well. On LinkedIn, I am member of over 50 groups. To build and maintain my resilient network, I contribute on all these fronts on regular basis. I strongly recommend, taking membership of at least one society/ institution of your interest and build your resilient network from there. Finally, do not forget your work for society. Association and work with an NGO provide similar opportunities.

What is your 30-second elevator speech? How can you let others quickly understand your worldview and what you bring to any situation?

I've learned that the strongest networks aren't built on self-promotion, but on genuine connection and mutual support. It's about actively listening to the people in your network, understanding their goals and challenges, and offering help whenever you can. Share your expertise not as a way to show off, but as a way to contribute to their success. By focusing on their needs and celebrating their wins, you'll build a network of allies who are invested in your journey and ready to lend a hand when you need it.

First off, don't sell yourself short. Recognize your own worth. You're not just a list of skills and accomplishments. You're a unique combination of experiences, perspectives, and talents that no one else can replicate. Remember, people aren't buying a service or a skill, they're buying you. They're buying into your story, your passion, your commitment. So, don't be afraid to show your personality. Be you, because everyone else is taken.

Please keep all your profiles (online/ offline) uptodate. An old profile on LinkedIn doesnt talk good of your resiliency. Write and write regularly. You may think how can I write so much and what do I write about. I can not/ do not have so many ideas. Well, you can write about someone else's idea too! No necessarily challenging him/ her - but 'here is my understanding of the topic'. Pick up any report from big fours, or from UN, or from WEF etc. and write a summary or commentary or your understanding. Use, all aspects of LinkedIn e.g. posts, polls, articles, documents, events. These are various ways of communicating your value to your network, even without saying so!

To build and maintain a resilient network of contacts and allies, I focus on being genuine, staying in touch, offering help, listening well, following through, showing appreciation, and communicating consistently.

I think most people overlook the real value of consistent communication in building a resilient network. Regular check-ins aren’t just about updates—they’re about building trust and showing genuine interest. Use different communication channels: email, phone, text, video calls, or social media. Use every touchpoint to stay connected, whether it’s a quick catch-up or a thoughtful message on a birthday or holiday. Don’t just wait for a reason to reach out, make it a habit to stay in touch and show you care. This approach keeps your network strong and your connections meaningful.

Keep in touch to show that you value and prioritise the connection. It doesn’t take much - whether it’s a short text or an occasional phone call, showing genuine interest in their well-being ensures the relationship remains strong and meaningful over time.

There are countless ways to communicate. Don't just stick to emails or phone calls. Mix it up. Send a text. Jump on a video call. Leave a comment on their latest social media post. The medium you choose to communicate says a lot about the message you're trying to convey. And yeah, don't underestimate the power of personal touch. Celebrate their successes. Remember their birthdays. Acknowledge their milestones. Show them that you see them as a person, not just a contact. People will forget what you said or did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel.

I would also recommend hosting webinars/ chat shows. Have your youtube channel - develop your video messages - need not be long. You do not need expensive equipment for this - a simple smartphone is good enough. Make a schedule of all communication and follow it e.g. post on LinkedIn on Mondays, email on Tuesdays, a poll every month, an article once in a quarter, a youtube video every fortnight etc. I am not sure about podcasts though. I prefer video over audio - you may like to experiment with your network.

Consistency reinforces connections in your network. Develop a cadence for meaningful engagement, whether through quarterly updates, sharing relevant articles, or periodic check-ins to understand evolving needs. In adapting to changing customer demands, use these interactions to share new insights or discuss strategies, ensuring your network feels engaged and informed. Regular, purposeful communication strengthens relationships and keeps your allies invested in your mutual success.

Building a resilient network isn't about endless coffee dates – it's about strategic vulnerability. Share genuine updates, both successes and setbacks, with your network. People connect with authenticity, and by showing your humanity you create space for deeper connections. This vulnerability fosters trust, which becomes the bedrock of a network that can weather any storm.

To communicate effectively, you've got to tailor your message to your audience. What works for a college buddy might not fly with a CEO. But regardless of who you're talking to, you've got to be clear, respectful, and professional. That doesn't mean you have to be stuffy or formal. It means you have to respect the other person's time, intelligence, and perspective. You have to be honest, be real, be you.

My simple mantra is to KISS (keep it short and simple). e.g. in the BCM (Business Continuity Management world, there is an official definition of RTO (Recovery Time Objective) i.e. 'period of time following an incident within which a product and service or an activity is resumed, or resources are recovered'. To communicate this effectively, I use my own words 'how long can you wait before your process is brought up again if it goes down due to any reason' or 'RTO is the amount of time loss acceptable to you'. Similarly for RPO 'point to which information used by an activity is restored to enable the activity to operate on resumption', my simplified version is 'RPOis the amount of data loss acceptable to you' or the amount of 'rework'.

Effective communication involves precision and empathy. Tailor your message to resonate with each contact’s priorities and context. For example, when discussing customer needs with a supplier, focus on shared goals and actionable solutions. Listen attentively to uncover hidden challenges or opportunities, and respond with empathy and clarity. Celebrating successes and expressing gratitude for their contributions fosters deeper connections and reinforces trust, ensuring your network remains resilient under pressure.

Be intentional in your communication. Begin conversations by expressing genuine interest in learning from and admiring others. If things are going smoothly, suggest collaborative projects or attending events together. Engaging in activities face-to-face allows for more organic discussions and mutual learning. If things don’t work out, that’s ok too. Knowing that there are many people out there, you will inevitably be able to find someone to enrich your network.

I believe in being intentional, proactive, and creative with your communication. It's not just about staying in touch, it's about seeking out new connections who can add real value. Use platforms like LinkedIn, or even podcasts, webinars, and online forums to reach beyond your immediate network. Collaborate on projects that benefit everyone involved. AI can also be a great thinking partner to help you plan and communicate more effectively. Communication isn't just a tool; it's a strategic asset that enhances your resilience and helps you achieve your goals. Want to elevate your communication strategy? Let's discuss!

Strategic communication is proactive and opportunity-driven. Identify and engage contacts who offer insights into future trends or can influence key decision-making processes. Expand your reach through thought leadership—host webinars, write articles, or join industry panels to position yourself as a forward-thinking professional. Collaborative efforts, like co-hosting an event or co-developing solutions, enhance mutual value and resilience, equipping your network to adapt collectively to changing customer expectations.

Communication serves as the bedrock for cultivating and sustaining a resilient network of contacts and allies. Initially, it entails active listening and thoughtful engagement to understand the needs, goals, and dynamics of individuals within the network. Regular, clear, and transparent communication fosters trust and reliability, key elements in nurturing enduring relationships. By consistently sharing relevant information, offering support, and demonstrating genuine interest in the well-being and success of others, one can strengthen bonds and solidify alliances. Moreover, effective communication involves adaptability to various mediums and styles, accommodating diverse preferences and ensuring accessibility.

The article has recommended few ways, and fellow professionals have provided their valuable insights. Additionally, please consider platforms like Gartner Peer Groups, Mentoring Platforms. Ask questions there and provide responses to demonstrate your value. Explore other ways e.g. responding to surveys-you are considered a champion. Some surveys provide you an opportunity to speak - they interview you after the survey - this is jackpot! A differentiator I have created - 100s of polls are published on LinkedIn every day - they expect you to contribute but never get back to you. I anaylse the polls and publish the report also publically, openly once again on LinkedIn itself. I believe this helps me a lot in building a resilient network.

A resilient network is built not only on communication but also on trust and shared experiences. Share stories of overcoming challenges or navigating shifts in customer needs to inspire and connect with your contacts. For instance, recounting how you adapted a strategy to address a significant market shift can provide actionable insights and reinforce your credibility. Remember, authenticity and transparency are foundational—people are more likely to support someone they trust and admire for their resourcefulness and integrity.