💫The Power of Building Relationships

Hello and welcome back Talent Bites 🍔 subscribers, it’s been a while! 👋🏻 I'm your author, Lauren Yates, with over 15 years of experience across the UK & Australia; a passionate relationship builder, recruiter, trainer, and leader with a diverse background including global corporate, tech start-up, not-for-profit, government, education and healthcare. But no matter the setting, my unwavering passion for people remains at the core of what I do 💡.

In the fast-paced and interconnected world of business we find ourselves in, the value of building strong relationships cannot be overstated. As professionals, our ability to connect with others, nurture meaningful connections, and establish a robust network can significantly impact our career trajectory.

In this edition, we'll delve into the significance of cultivating these relationships in the professional world and explore practical tips drawn from my own experiences on networking, forging meaningful connections, and how these relationships can open doors to exciting career opportunities ⚡️.

The Importance of Building Strong Relationships 

For professional growth, relationships serve as the foundation upon which we build our careers. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or a fresh graduate, connecting with others in your industry can lead to invaluable benefits. Strong relationships facilitate knowledge-sharing, idea generation, and provide a support system to navigate the challenges that come our way. When nurtured with care, these connections can evolve into long-lasting partnerships that drive significant success. I shared a story about this in a previous article; What makes a salesperson successful?, a story about how a true friendship was formed and evolved into commercial outcomes, however my motivation was never focused on the commercial element. That’s the key for this to work, you have to be authentic, for example if you’re having a shitty day, you can share this in an appropriate way, ask about people's weekends, families etc. , but only do it if you really want to hear the answers and will listen fully. Strong relationships can only form if you’re willing to be your full self, warts and all!

The Art of Networking

The focus should always be on quality connections rather than amassing an extensive list of contacts. Seek out opportunities to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops where you know ‘your people’ will be! Ensure you have a strong connection to the purpose, not just attending for the sake of it. For example, I recently attended a digital healthcare event as I thought it aligned with my target customer base, however the focus on digital meant my contribution to the conversations was tenuous and although I made connections, an event linked to talent in healthcare would have been much more appropriate use of my time ⏰.

And, similarly to above, engage in genuine conversations, actively listen to others, and show sincere interest in their work. Remember, networking is a two-way street, and by offering your expertise and support, you can leave a lasting impression.

The Power of Mentorship and Guidance 

Mentorship can be a transformative force in your career. Seek out mentors whose values align with your own and who have experience in areas you wish to develop. Their guidance can offer valuable insights, help you avoid pitfalls, and accelerate your learning curve. I was lucky enough to find the perfect mentor earlier this year, it was an easy decision and after a 30 minute conversation, we both agreed a longer-term mentorship would work. So my advice here would be to not overthink who your mentor could be, the first person who pops into your head who you admire and inspires you should be your first go, and perhaps they’re not able to do it or your energies don’t work (you’ll work it out very quickly), you move on to the next 😁.

Likewise, as you progress in your career, consider becoming a mentor to others, as giving back to the community can be immensely rewarding ✨.

From Relationships to Career Opportunities 

One of the most exciting outcomes of building strong relationships is the potential for unexpected career opportunities. Job openings, projects, and collaborations often arise through word-of-mouth referrals or recommendations from trusted connections 👬.

Be proactive in expressing your career aspirations to your network, as they may be the key to unlocking doors that lead to your dream job or ventures. LinkedIn is of course a great way to do this!

Maintaining and Nurturing Relationships

Building relationships is an ongoing process that requires nurturing and care. Stay in touch with your contacts, congratulate them on their achievements (again LinkedIn is a easy way to do this!), and offer assistance when needed. Remember, reciprocity is vital; be ready to lend support and offer value whenever possible 👏🏻.

The power of building relationships in the professional world cannot be underestimated and personally, this is my core value. Networking, forging meaningful connections, and nurturing these relationships can pave the way for significant career growth and opportunities. As you embark on your journey, remember that authenticity, trust, and a genuine passion for people will be the cornerstones of your success. So, let's take the first step together - reach out, connect, and let the power of relationships propel you towards your aspirations.

Happy networking!

I’ll finish here with a pic of my gorgeous dog Willie, as I know some of you have missed him 😉