Today, I’m sharing a passage of the revised edition of my e-book “Girl, Take Back Your Career” with you! Here are a few tips on establishing your power network, whether you’re a corporate or business sister…
In other words, who’s in your “Who’s Who” list? Not that you should play “Corporate Groupie of the year”, but knowing and being known by the cream of the crop in your team, department or company does open up a world of opportunities, knowledge and wisdom for you.
But how do you get to know the who’s who, the cream of the crop, when you don’t report directly to them, and have literally no work interaction with them, other than seeing them on the Intranet’s front page day in and day out? Do you just crash the Director’s office on a random day with a smile and a thousand questions (please don’t)?
There are ways to go around the “I don’t know all these high-powered people” problem. Start by seeking one or multiple mentors, which is nothing more than asking someone you highly admire in your team, department or company to share their experience and show you some of the Big Corporate ropes. Most high-powered executives have themselves had mentors who helped them further their careers through networking, opportunities and oodles of corporate wisdom. And most would be happy to send the elevator back down…
Joining professional associations and groups, as well as attending professional conferences and events, is also a great way to meet and network with high-powered execs in your field.
Even in your day-to-day interactions and meetings, pay close attention to the individuals you come in contact with. Networking doesn’t have to be this formal exercise in meeting other human beings. And it doesn’t have to be restricted to after-hours venues, or golf courses for that matter. It could be as easy as sending an email to someone you may have come across to ask for advice, or pick someone’s brain in the hallway at the end of a meeting.
All in all, it comes down to purposely and consciously leveraging your professional interactions, whether they happen in the hallway at coffee break time, or in a more formal professional event, or even from afar with someone you greatly admire.
Have you started building your power network yet?
PS: Click HERE to get the full copy of “Girl, Take Back Your Career!”.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
