AFCEA Belvoir’s Post

Networking internally is just as important as networking externally. It builds credibility, trust and accelerates your growth. I’ve discovered my colleague’s incredible superpowers, where I continually learn and grow, further sharpening my skills next level. Did my leaders tell me to do this? No. I went looking for them. And it all starts with building your brand internally and taking the reigns. Ask yourself this question? When you’re not in the room, what would your colleagues & leaders say about you? Do you make the effort to get to know colleagues in different lines of businesses? Do you attend in person events, round tables, town halls, which places you in close proximity to the change makers + innovators within your organization. Do you spark conversation and introduce yourself? And learn more about them? As you build an external network strategy, don’t forget to do the same internally… It needs and must ALWAYS be a dual effort. Nancy

CIBSE - Charismatic Innovators Bringing Spectacular Engineering ✨️ Right, OK, no it doesn't stand for that, but I still think my version is so much cooler. It was absolutely fantastic attending the CIBSE North West Young Engineers Network summer social last night in Manchester. What I love the most about these networking events is that I am always mixing with both young graduates and senior principals/directors. The conversations are so fun, I'm trying to come up with a powerful networking technique. Here's the rules I have drafted so far: ➡️ 1. Go alone: This will force you to speak to new people instead of keeping to your circle. ➡️ 2. One person rule: Having at least one person to talk to won't make you look like a weirdo & will build momentum to jump to the next person. Look around & get that first person as soon as you can. ➡️ 3. It's all in the handshake: Approaching new people isn't the easiest thing in the world if you are an introvert like me, but what helps is a great handshake. Stand up, have a strong handshake & keep eye contact. ➡️ 4. It's all about them: Turns out there's a lot you can ask a stranger "what do you do?" "how long have you been in that company for?" "what does your company do?" "Are you into football?" don't speak about yourself too much, keep them in the spotlight, they will like you more. ➡️ 5. The golden 5 people rule: I never leave until I've exchanged contacts with at least 5 people. That's my minimum networking threshold. LinkedIn is great for that. Nobody has business cards anymore, everyone takes their phone out and adds you on here. It's great! Networking is so powerful. One thing always leads to another😊 A clever person once said "You are only 1 person away from reaching your goals, and you don't know who that person is"

Ever wonder why so many leaders wear the same worn-out expression of isolation? It doesn’t have to be that way. Networking isn't just a word—it's a lifeline in the relentless climb to the summit of success. Here are five bulletproof ways to ensure you're not fighting this uphill battle alone. - **Stick Close to Mentors:** Don't just seek advice; build alliances with those who know the ropes. Their wisdom could be your cornerstone. - **Cultivate Genuine Relationships:** Ditch the transactional mindset. Real connections foster real opportunities. People will go the extra mile for someone they genuinely respect. - **Leverage Peer Networks:** Sometimes, the best advice comes from those running in the same circles. They understand your struggles and can offer actionable solutions. - **Engage in Industry Events:** Get out of your bubble. Industry panels and networking events are not just for show. They’re breeding grounds for strategic alliances. - **Social Media Savvy:** Know the power of an online presence. LinkedIn isn't just a resume gallery; it's a springboard for interactions that can change the game. The prediction? Those who master these techniques will not find themselves stranded at the summit. They'll have an army at their back, pushing them to newer heights and broader horizons. Let's face it. Unseen battleground or the boardroom, alliances matter. The era of the lone warrior is over. Make your moves, expand your horizons, and never find yourself alone at the top again. Want to dig deeper? Click here: https://lnkd.in/emdgfXDV

Feeling disconnected in your professional journey? Frustrated by the limitations of traditional networking? You're not alone. Many executives find themselves yearning for more meaningful connections not just with people who share their title or expertise, but with people who are committed to drive meaningful change. Deborah Riegel's article in Harvard University (https://lnkd.in/gtSFqVMH) nails it: networking isn't just about landing the next big job. It's about exchanging expertise, helping others, and honing your communication skills.   But how do you do that effectively in today's fast-paced world? Our Catalyst Leadership Trust is a private community exclusively for executives driving transformations at today’s leading companies. It amplifies their impact by providing access to curated connections, cutting-edge research on emerging trends, and concrete tools and tips specifically focused on driving continual improvement. The result? Members lead their organization through change more effectively, with less friction and bigger impact, while having an additional source of energy to keep their batteries charged. Request more information here: https://lnkd.in/eUYi2Khf

#snsInstitutions #designThinking #snsDesignThinkers Networking is a powerful tool for building relationships, exchanging information, and opening doors to new opportunities. Here are some key aspects of article networking: - *Building connections*: Networking through articles helps establish connections with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. - *Sharing knowledge*: Articles provide valuable insights and information, allowing you to share your expertise and learn from others. - *Establishing thought leadership*: Publishing articles showcases your expertise, positioning you as a thought leader in your field. - *Networking platforms*: Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or industry-specific forums to share articles and engage with others. - *Engagement*: Encourage discussion, ask for feedback, and respond to comments to foster meaningful connections. - *Collaboration*: Article networking can lead to new projects, research opportunities, or business partnerships. - *Personal branding*: Consistently publishing articles helps build your personal brand, increasing visibility and credibility. - *Community building*: Article networking contributes to the growth of a community around shared interests and topics. Let me know if you'd like me to expand on any of these points!

I want to build my network but I don't know where to start... Networking within our specific vertical is not just about adding contacts; it's about forging alliances with individuals who share a deep understanding of our unique challenges, trends, and opportunities. It's these connections that can propel our careers to new heights and drive forward the entire vertical. Strategies for Vertical Networking Success: Specialize Your Interaction: Seek out forums, groups, and events that are tailored to our vertical. The more focused the setting, the more fruitful the exchange. Engage in Vertical-Focused Events: Conferences, webinars, and workshops specific to our vertical are goldmines for meeting like-minded professionals and industry leaders. Collaborate on Projects: Collaborative projects can lead to innovative solutions and stronger professional bonds, showcasing the collective strength of our vertical. The Impact: ✨ Through my journey, I've witnessed how such focused networking can lead to breakthrough innovations, career opportunities, and partnerships that might never have been discovered in a broader networking landscape. What are your experiences and tips that have helped your career? How has it shaped your career? What strategies do you find most effective? Let me know in the comments below or directly message me to continue this conversation! #VerticalNetworking #SpecializedSuccess #IndustryInnovation #TalentSolutions

Networking Tip #12: Gathering industry intel is essential. The skill of asking well thought out, relevant questions, is severely underrated. Practicing this skill, and using it while networking is priceless - for any stage of your career. Why is this? It invites others to share about their role or company, and you'll gain valuable insights with each conversation. By the time you've spoken with even 10 people, you'll have a wealth of insight about the industry, companies and roles. And this feeds your next conversations → so you can ask better questions. So instead of sounding like a rookie: “Tell me about what you do.” You can sound like a pro: “I heard that your company is working on X project, are you involved?” And when you sound like you’re ‘in the know’, you become a valued part of someone’s network, a source they're more willing to share information with. It's that simple. Put yourself out there and start the conversation. PS Do you want to master the art of networking? Check out my feature section to book a call with me today! -------------------------- I guide careers in the Commercial Real Estate & Development industry Like + follow me for career development, leadership, and industry insights

Effective networking is more than just a series of handshakes and business card exchanges; it's about forging genuine, strategic relationships that can propel your career and business. One of the most impactful strategies is to prioritize active listening and value creation in your interactions. Instead of focusing solely on what you can gain from a connection, engage in meaningful conversations where you show genuine interest in the other person’s needs and goals. At Parallelogram Institute, we emphasize that successful networking involves understanding and addressing the unique challenges and aspirations of your contacts, thereby fostering reciprocal relationships built on trust and mutual benefit. Consider the case of a marketing consultant who attended a major industry conference. Rather than approaching every attendee, they focused on a few key industry leaders. By actively listening to their challenges and offering insightful, tailored advice, the consultant was able to establish a strong rapport. This approach led to not only valuable business partnerships but also a reputation as a trusted advisor in the field. This example illustrates how investing time in meaningful, reciprocal interactions can turn networking events into opportunities for significant professional growth and collaboration. Embrace these strategies to transform your networking efforts into a robust foundation for your success. Discover at https://lnkd.in/dqX2DF8k #dreamarchitect #parallelograminstitute #daphneyphillip #blackeducators #blackwomen #blackownedbusiness

I can't speak for everyone, but I consistently avoid networking events and instead opt to invest my time with my own company. Focusing as a CEO on my own company proves to be a more #efficient allocation of time and effort. When your company gains #traction, you'll find that the individuals you wish to connect with, collaborate with, or network with will naturally reach out to you or respond to your messages on platforms like LinkedIn. Attending networking events becomes unnecessary. Personally, I've found more productive #collaborations through messaging on LinkedIn alone. Those who prioritize #personal branding to impress investors are #misguided; the quality of your work and your company's reputation carry more #weight than appearances at conferences. While this #perspective may not be widely shared, many startup advisors who emphasize personal branding inadvertently #hinder progress. It's crucial to #dedicate your time and effort to your company and your team. Success will inevitably attract the opportunities you seek. #beingmentor