What do you do if you want to assertively network in the Higher Education industry?

La mejor recomendación es tener iniciativa proactiva que resuelva o proponga la superación de problemas, en termino de investigaciones aplicadas, proyectos transformadores, o la construcción de nuevos conceptos que sean una contribuición para el nuevo paradigma de la sustentabilidad.

When you assertively network I think it wise to not only look for a good relationship, but also look for the academic opposition who will try to prove you wrong. The highest goal in any academic environment is to advance the field. You can do this by finding good collaborative partners, but if you want to solidify your own position, I would look for the people who represent the other side of the spectrum. When you can have a descent relationship with the ‘enemy’ the whole field will be grateful.

To network effectively, engage thoughtfully at conferences and academic forums by asking good questions and sharing useful insights. This shows your knowledge and interest in the topic. Afterward, follow up with people whose work interests you by sending a personalized email or message, mentioning your earlier conversation. This helps build meaningful professional relationships, not just a list of contacts.

I would prefer and advise that no one engage in "assertive networking" in Higher Education. Instead, give first! Create value for others. Connect people around common interests and missions. Build learning networks. Approach with curiosity and empathy. The best thing about working in Higher Ed is the very high level of collaboration across institutions and the sustaining ecosystem. Replace "assertive" with "generous", and you may one day become a trustful advisor with a thriving trust network in the Higher Ed industry.

I also believe in the "Ben Franklin" effect - ask for a small favor (that favor could simply be 15 min of their time, advice, to borrow a book...if you're Ben Franklin, that is!), be grateful for the value you receive, and they are more likely to support you in the future!

With every step you make (good or bad) you gain the ability to offer a deeper understanding about your field of expertise. Being aware of what you offered at the beginning of your academic career, what you offer now and what you can contribute when you finish an article, design or learning track are completely different value states. Your offer moves and shifts over time. Being able to share your growing value at the right moment to the right people is a trait you can only learn when sharing your VALUE STORY with others at industry meetings or networking events.

Follow up after an initial meeting is great, but real value is achieved with ongoing follow up and creating dialogues that lead to authentic relationships. Take note of your connections' personal and professional goals, interests, and/or challenges and check in regularly with genuine curiosity and interest. Consider meeting up with connections when you travel, share articles that relate to their areas of interest, and/or make introductions that may be valuable. Reach out just to say hello and see how your connections are doing. Establishing consistent communication without an agenda goes a long way in building a strong network and trusted relationships.

Assertive networking in higher education indeed requires persistence, as not all interactions immediately yield opportunities. It's crucial to maintain a positive outlook and continue engaging with new contacts while also nurturing existing relationships. Regularly attending events, participating in discussions, and sharing your work and insights are vital steps. Over time, such efforts will expand your network and increase the opportunities that arise. Remember, networking is a long-term investment in your professional growth.

Identify your goals: Determine what you hope to achieve through networking, whether it's finding job opportunities, collaborating on research, or gaining insights into industry trends. Research contacts: Identify individuals within the higher education industry who align with your goals and interests. Attend industry events: Take advantage of conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events within the higher education sector. Utilize online platforms: Join professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others in the field. Offer value: Be willing to share your own knowledge, expertise, and resources with others in the industry. Building mutually beneficial relationships is key to successful networking.

I agree 100% with Elliot on this. I really dislike being constantly ‘sold to’, and I would include being aggressively networking in this category. Rather I adopt the less American model of getting to know people and seeing where there are opportunities to collaborate. In terms of widening exposure, lead with thought-based communication which gives people a desire to hear more from you.

Do your research! The best way to get me to ignore a message after a connection request is when the message clearly indicates you did zero research on me, my role, my institution or my students. For example, my institution does not have housing. As a fully commuter institution, selling me on products related to student housing is a waste of both of our time.

Finding common ground is almost always successful in building a network and support system, specifically in higher ed; keeping up to date on current best practices and learning about common struggles, successes, and interests that you share can help create a lasting impression.