What are some effective ways to give back to your professional network?

For me it’s not about sharing skills and knowledge - it’s about sharing experiences. Sharing experiences takes connecting with your network to a whole other level. Experiences are relatable; when you share them people see themselves in your story. This makes them feel normal. That they are not alone in their experiences. It makes them feel seen and understood. And the fact you felt comfortable enough to share your story with them indicates you feel safe around them too. These are some of the greatest gifts we can give people: helping them feel seen, heard, valued and understood. Plus your experiences will have little nuggets of wisdom they can benefit from too. When it comes to adding value to your network, sharing experiences is key.

As a guest speaker at several college classes, I have found sharing my career path and experiences to help our future professionals consider their own paths, be curious and help inspire them. It is so rewarding to give back to our community and help coach or mentor students as they continue to navigate their career path!

One way to give back to the network, at least from a career perspective, is by sharing job openings in our organizations or re-sharing jobs with other people. This is very valuable to whoever is in search of a job, and just one share can become someone's next job opportunity.

Share your knowledge: conferences, webinars, events, online writing, newsletters for sure you have something to share and there will always be people one step behind that can leaen from you

If you are a “taker” (someone who seeks to always balance out their interactions with others in their own favor), people will figure it out, and won’t want to help you. On the other hand, gaining a reputation as a “giver” (someone who gives without calculating out the potential reward) means that people will come to you as a trusted and reliable ally when they have a question or need help. This doesn’t mean you should let people walk all over you; you just want to help when and where you can. This will make for deeper and more meaningful professional relationships, while your good reputation will precede you everywhere you go.

One of the things I work with my clients on is networking. They often say, 'I saw someone on LinkedIn and sent a connect request, but didn't hear back'. There's a couple reasons for this: first, without a customized note attached to a connect request, a new contact is unsure why a person is trying to connect with them. Second, seeking an introduction to the new contact by a mutual connection, is much more likely to get results. The new contact is far more likely to do a favor for their mutual contact, instead of for someone they don't know. So if a person sees someone they want to connect with, seek a warm introduction from a person who knows you both.

Building connections and introducing people within your network is often overlooked as a way of giving back. I've found these introductions are far more impactful. Having shared context allows me to connect with people who can truly understand my needs, compared to starting from scratch at networking events

The "Givers Gain" mantra, coined by Dr. Ivan Misner, is tried and true. One of the key principals of Givers Gain is to, "give without expectation." In other words, give because you want to. Give because it's the first thought you have. Give because it helps another. By introducing someone to others, you are giving to both your existing network as well as to the individual. Plus, it feels good to give. The universe will give back to you threefold. :-)

Sometimes people will think you are an expert on everything within your field. Rather than falling into the temptation of flattery and play along, refer them to people whom you *do* feel are the most appropriate experts. Or point them in a direction, and ask them to share what they found on their way.

I get such a warm feeling when you meet people and see how you can connect them with someone who can help them grow. And when there is true synergy, then that is amazing. The key once the introductions have been made, is to follow up. It is disappointing when the people you've connected just let it drop.

One of the best ways to give back to your network is celebrating their achievement by sharing your thoughts. I do this constantly for my students, who are studying or graduated. Since I have a good rapport with most of my students, it makes them feel happy, good, increase the sense of achievement when I congratulate them for every small mile stone of theirs. We can always motivate each other. All that we need to do is to whole heartedly wish them, guide them and share your best wishes for their future engagements.

Sometimes, a small gesture of recognition like a coffee or a $10 Starbucks card can make people feel celebrated and appreciated for their achievements. Handwritten Thank You cards are also fading with the digitization of everything, but they say a lot too. Celebrating others says a lot about you as a leader, and is definitely an effective way to retain people, create a positive community culture, and build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Celebrar as conquistas é uma das maneiras pelas quais dentro da rede profissional gera mais impacto e engajamento. Porém, na minha visão como pessoa e mentora, é necessário compartilhar essas informações de forma genuína e real. Ao mesmo tempo que compartilho minhas evoluções, também exponho minhas dificuldades de forma honesta. Isso cria uma narrativa autêntica que reflete tanto o sucesso quanto os obstáculos superados, permitindo conexões mais significativas e inspirando outros a enfrentarem desafios com coragem.

Comemore as suas conquistas evidenciando o que você fez para chegar lá, não só a conquista. Quando compartilhamos sobre o caminho e sobre a jornada, alcançamos as pessoas verdadeiramente, pois elas saberão que não é só sobre o resultado final, mas sim sobre toda a jornada e seus percalços até chegar lá.

Celebrating successes is an important thing, specially when it is of your peers and juniors. Not only does it boost their morale but is also a sign of good leadership.

Offer to write recommendations or testimonials for colleagues on LinkedIn or other professional platforms. If you hear about a job opportunity that would be a good fit for someone in your network, recommend them. If someone in your network is starting a business, offer advice, share resources, or promote their products/services. Invest, if possible, or refer potential clients/customers.

I totally agree, Bill. I’ve been booted to do that for students at my former secondary school in the UK as well as Rice. I thoroughly enjoy sharing what I learned over 50 years in the biz, and feel empowered by helping them make this planet a better and safer place for future generations through their energy and excitement.

Vivemos uma era em que as "redes sociais" se tornaram "redes mercadológicas". Redes sociais anos atrás serviam para aprimorar as relações interpessoais. Hoje, servem para vender produtos, aumentar engajamento. Ofereça ajuda, se voluntarie. Quem ganhará mais é você mesmo!

Become a mentor. Share your knowledge, when sought, and form trusted relationships with people in other areas. Let your excitement about the field show through your work and you will draw people towards you who feel that they too could make a meaningful contribution. Support and encourage them.

Ne pas être avare de son temps quand on vous sollicite, répondre. Répondre à minima aux questions qui vous sont posé. Accorder un peu de votre temps. Vous serez peut-être un jour celui qui demande de l'aide...

In my experience of over 3 decades: - do not wait to giveback , keep giving your contribution even if it is small. - do not expect recognition when giving back. - Never compare ways of working, appreciate the new ways. - Offer support immediately, do not wait for a mistake to happen . - Empathise , think that you were also a fresher and expected some support.

I’ve been reflecting on the state of LinkedIn and the trend towards self-promotion over genuine connection. Everyone is focused on creating content without much thought for quality or purpose beyond getting likes and views. The algorithm certainly plays a role, but I can’t help feeling that we’ve lost sight of what it means to be genuine and generous. To me, being genuine means giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about supporting others just for the sake of it, without constantly showcasing it on my profile or asking for validation. Instead of just focusing on metrics, let’s prioritize adding value, supporting one another, and building meaningful relationships. That’s where true fulfillment lies in our professional networks.

Too many people only invest in their network when they want something. We reach out when we’re looking for a new job, want advice or need a helping hand to move house. Worse yet, when we’re selling something. Never underestimate the power of touching base or checking in just to say “g’day”. Send a meme that reminds you of your colleague, share an article that offers insight into your industry or a relevant problem, or take the time out to have a coffee with no ulterior motive. This is how true relationships are built and maintained. Our connections and networks are way more valuable when we’ve put in the effort to genuinely and thoughtfully nurture them, rather than draining any available goodwill with a straw.

As a professional who has benefitted from both offline/online networks, I certainly value giving back, and paying forward to my network, by being genuine and generous. Since each individual is unique, I find it valuable for us to share our diverse experiences, insights and practical tips as learnings, so that others benefit when they encounter similar situations in future. In addition, where relevant, we can spotlight and refer individuals within our networks, to facilitate meaningful connections and pollinate partnership/job opportunities. Together, through shared learnings, and collaboration, we can collectively drive positive change and growth in our respective fields.

Respira y haz una pausa, quizás sea un momento difícil, sin embargo voltea y observa lo que ya haz avanzado. Ten presente que "Esta bien no estar bien" A veces la vida no es lo que queremos, no es como deseamos y sin embargo el simple hecho de continuar vivos debería ser razón suficiente para motivarnos y seguir gustosos en nuestro andar... la realidad es que la vida también duele y nos vulnera con esas lecciones que no siempre logramos entender/comprender, entonces es necesario dejarnos sentir y permitirnos expresar ese dolor, esa tristeza, ser vulnerables, desahogarnos para resurgir y avanzar. Cuesta trabajo volver a estar bien, yo lo sé, no es fácil levantarse cuando aún estamos inmersos en aquello que nos aqueja, pero lo lograremos

Talk about people when they aren't in the room. Recognize their successes. Recommend them for a project or assignment. Share where you see untapped potential.

When a recruiter reaches out to you on LinkedIn for a role and you're not interested, share the name of someone in your network that might be interested. :)

1. Join a community of practice that is related to your career. 2. React, reply and reshare posts from members of the community – particularly those who are from underrepresented groups. 3. Volunteer to contribute something to the community. Write an article, speak at an event, review someone's work/content. 4. Ask questions that could spark conversations. Thank people for sharing.

The key to life is having an attitude of gratitude. How do you show gratitude to your professional network? Do these 4 things for 5 people at least once per week: 1/ Endorse their top 5 skills in their LI profile 2/ Write a clear, concise, and compelling endorsement 3/ Introduce them to 1 person in your network they could benefit from meeting 4/ Send them simple DM that says "I appreciate you." Giving of your time, thought, and energy without any expectation receiving anything in return is how you give back. And don't worry, you'll receive 100x more in return, over time. Onward!

Motivate and support the next generation of leaders. Everyone is ususally very busy in running everyday operations. With some experience you should be able to look at the big picture and help the next generation to flourish. Coach them into the next project they can grow in, motivate to apply for the next challenging position and sometimes give them clear advice on things not to do or habits to change.