4 Steps to Build a Strong Network for Career Advancement
READING TIME - 4 MINUTES
Everyone knows that networking is a great thing for your career, but not everyone does something about it.
If I rank the top three actions that could take you to the CEO level, "networking" would be hands down one of the top three.
Yet, most people overlook it.
I’ve seen countless people make it to the C-suite not because of their talent and skill sets but because of who they know.
I’ve said it a hundred times: talent gets you the job, but your network gets you moving up. Your talent alone is not enough; you need networking and relationships.
Once, I was interviewed for a senior position because I knew the executive admin. She put in a good word for me, and I made it to the interview!
People often describe those they are close to at work as their friends. This is a mistake.
There are no friends at work; if you have built the right relationships and connections, you can call them your network. One day, I’ll write a book about this point!
Most people don’t network because they hide behind excuses or they think it's complicated.
In this newsletter, I will show you how to effectively build your network so that when the time comes for a promotion, you will have more than options; you will have advocates and people who vote for you behind closed doors.
Let's dive in:
Step 1: Pick Key People You Need to Connect With
This step is about identifying the right people you will need for your next promotion.
Typically, they are senior people like directors, VPs, SVPs, or even EVPs. Choose them wisely, and don’t pick more than 2-3 each year.
I usually choose folks outside my function or department to open more doors for me if I ever get stuck in my current function.
I do this every year, typically in January or February.
Step 2: Ask to Schedule a Time to Meet Them
Reach out and ask for permission to meet with them, explaining why you want to connect.
This is usually done via email or a quick visit to their office if you already have a relationship.
Your note needs to be crisp, genuine, and to the point.
When they say yes, schedule the meeting ASAP and lock in the time (15-30 minutes on their calendar).
Here’s a note I wrote in the past to give you an idea:
Step 3: Show Up to Impress and Connect
Your mission for the first meeting is to connect personally.
Do your homework by using LinkedIn and social media or asking others if they know something about the person. Leverage what you learn to connect, like sports, family, background, school, etc.
During the meeting, express gratitude for their time and explain what you want from them.
Typically, I ask for mentorship, insights about their function, their career path, or their views on leadership.
Figure out a way to talk briefly about yourself, but focus more on asking and listening.
Step 4: Agree on Next Steps and Commit
Ask for permission to schedule a few more meetings (once every quarter or monthly if they agree). My go-to is quarterly. They always say yes.
As soon as I return to my office, I schedule it and send a follow-up note.
Between meetings, I look for articles or social media posts related to our discussions to share with them to keep the relationship going. Don’t overdo it, but enough to keep your name top of mind.
If you follow these steps with a few key people every year, imagine what your network could look like in 3-4 years.
Think about the doors, options, and opportunities that could open up within the company.
People move around all the time. Some of your network could be the reason you move to other companies.
My biggest career move happened because one of my network connections moved from banking to supply chain and asked me to join her.
Networking is real, and the benefits are limitless if you do it right. Don’t waste more time; start tomorrow.
Everything begins with a small email like the one I showed you. You never know who holds the key to your next move.