How diverse is your network?

a) In my experience, diversity in networking enriches perspectives and ideas, promoting innovation. Different backgrounds and experiences bring creative solutions to complex problems. b) In my career, working with people from different cultures and sectors has helped me identify opportunities that I wouldn't have considered on my own, increasing the effectiveness of projects. c) Diversity also broadens the reach and influence of the network, making it easier to enter new markets and understand different target audiences.

Diversity is a beautiful thing. It broadens your perspective and enriches your understanding of the world around us. I'm proud to say that my team at Lush Decor represents 7 different countries and speaks 11 languages. Diverse networks challenge our thinking, expose us to new ideas, and foster innovation by bringing together a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. In my journey with Lush Decor, embracing diversity has not only enhanced our creativity but also our ability to connect with a global market.

A diverse network isn’t just made up of people from different backgrounds and industries; it’s made up of those who play distinct roles in your success. In my book, Its Who You Know, I discuss 4 groups of people to ensure diversity. These are: Promoters: These are the cheerleaders in your life, they push you to dream bigger and connect you to opportunities. Pit Crew: This is your support system - the people who keep you grounded and help you recharge when things get tough. Teachers: You need people who constantly challenge your thinking and push you to learn. Butt-Kickers: Accountability is the name of the game. Who’s keeping you on track, making sure you take action and follow through?

Too often people limit their network - and with it themselves, their opportunities and their thinking. Being with like-minded people is comfortable and easy. It really doesn't challenge us. Growth happens when we encounter new ideas, new perspectives. Great things don't happen by sticking with what is familiar.

Assessing the diversity of your network starts with an honest look at who you're interacting with professionally and personally. Consider things like industry, cultural background, age, and gender. Are you mostly engaging with people who think and look like you? LinkedIn's network analysis feature can help with that, or simply review your contacts to identify gaps. This practice reveals how broad your network is and where it might need to be broadened more.

I highly endorse using tools like the Diversity Wheel to assess and enhance your network diversity. The Diversity Wheel provides a structured approach to evaluating the various dimensions of diversity within your network, from personal traits to organizational affiliations. By mapping out your contacts, you can identify areas where your network may lack diversity and take targeted actions to broaden your connections. This self-assessment not only helps in creating a more inclusive network but also ensures you gain a richer, more varied perspective, which can significantly enhance your professional growth and opportunities.

Actually, LI has quite a few nice tracking feature to do just that, outside the platform I like to organize my main contacts in a personal CRM to keep them organized and stay engaged with them, set reminders and more.

Starting simple is better than not starting at all. I recommend starting with a simple Excel spreadsheet to collect personal and situation-related data in just a few columns. This allows you to quickly see which skills, approaches and personalities are already present in the network. In the next step, I recommend drawing a target picture of the network (target state) and comparing what is already in the network and where there are still gaps. I also always work with redundancies to ensure that my network is not weakened by a change or departure.

Expanding your network takes intentionality and effort. The best way to start is by attending events that cater to a variety of demographics and professional backgrounds. While you're there, make a conscious effort to connect with individuals who bring different perspectives to your industry. You could also use LinkedIn to join groups or follow thought leaders from diverse backgrounds to help bridge the gap. But don't connect with them just for the sake of it. Connect with them because you believe it will it will benefit you, them, and your industry.

It is easiest to network with people who we perceive to be 'like us'. Whilst we do need to focus on our goals and who we need to be networking with, it is important to have conversations with those we perceive as different to us. It's the way we learn, grow as people and create new opportunities. This is particularly important to do internally. We can find something in common with almost anyone when we are curious and open.

Para llegar a contactos diversos, por ejemplo de otras ciudades y sectores, resulta interesante seguir páginas web de entidades qué organizan eventos y encuentros presenciales y virtuales dónde poder entrar en contacto con ell@s

Growing a diverse network may feel drastic and uncomfortable. To expand your network in diverse settings, here are a few ideas: 1. Center of Influence - seek out someone in diverse networks who is a COI who knows everyone. Engage with that person and seek to give to them. 2. Find new places to network - Ask your contacts where else they network. Ask them to take you with them and introduce their connections to you. 3. Embrace your difference - I am often the only African American and/or woman in many rooms. This is my opportunity to stand out and show up in a way that I'm attractive to the people in the room. These strategies can help you to grow your network with people who are different than you. Embrace the difference and show up!

Expanding your network with diverse contacts is a proactive and strategic endeavor that significantly enriches your professional life. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Clubhouse are invaluable tools for connecting with individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences. When engaging with these diverse contacts, it's essential to approach with openness, respect, and a genuine interest in their perspectives. Active listening and asking open-ended questions foster understanding and connection. Demonstrating support, reciprocity, and appreciation for their contributions builds trust and rapport. By giving as much as you take, you cultivate meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that enhance your professional network.

How to Maintain and Leverage Your Diverse Network Expanding your network with a splash of diversity is just the first step—now it’s time to keep it buzzing and beneficial. Stay genuine and grateful, and always be upfront about your intentions. Mix things up by exploring new fields and connecting with folks from different roles and backgrounds. Embrace collaboration: dive into projects together, invite your contacts to events, and play matchmaker by introducing them to others who can benefit. Networking should be a dynamic dance, enhancing your growth while maximizing the potential of your diverse connections. Spice up your network, start a club, a community is my advice, a platform for networking.

Pour maintenir une diversification, vous pouvez déterminer un rythme de réunion "hors de votre zone de génie". Ce sont des sujets qui vous intéressent, mais dans lesquels vous n'êtes pas expert. En y allant tous les 3 mois par exemple, vous vous assurez de rencontrer de nouvelles personnes tout en apprenant une nouvelle compétence.

I have developed a system that defines touch points and combines them with corresponding actions. The simplest touch point is a contact's birthday, which in turn results in a personal congratulation from me. I try to define meaningful and varied touch points for each contact, e.g. certain events, joint projects or personal events. I also differentiate between strong and weak ties. These have different requirements when it comes to maintaining a network. It is important for me that the person always knows that I am there and that I am available as a reliable contact.

Meeting your new connections is not enough. Like any relationship, you should: ➡️Follow up ➡️Provide value to them ➡️Discuss shared interests that could align in a project or partnership ➡️Be your authentic self Doing these will maintain a connection with them.

The best advice I have is to let go of pre-determined measurements of "successful networking" which would be gaining something for ourselves. The people I know who are incredible relationship builders with vast networks stay curious to connect with a broad range of people and are always looking for ways they can be of service.

Unnetworking thrives on diversity. Connecting with people from various backgrounds, industries, and experiences broadens your career perspective, exposes you to different work cultures, and increases your chances of finding a role that aligns with your values. It's not about who you know, but the range of perspectives you can access through genuine connections.

Always be busy, use every opportunity to expand your network. Over the course of 10 years, every contact is a contract. But as always, people first and business will follow.