Wishing you had a broader network? The good news is savvy networkers are made not born. When I made the decision to transform my career the first time, my husband and I established a list of interesting cities and preferred industries. I interviewed for a variety of roles, selected the best opportunity, and moved across the country, leaving banking to pursue a role in the evolving energy and oil and gas industry. The change was transformational for our family and contributed to another major career shift six years later. Fast forward to today – as a coach and consultant I have advised hundreds of executives and senior leaders on organizational change and professional and personal transformation. It is one of my passions.

It started with learning how to network. I disliked networking, as it held negative connotations for me. It smacked of insincere, egocentric, self-promoting behaviour. It didn’t seem to align with my values and professional style. However, I knew of no better alternative to explore professional opportunities across North America. I was wrong about networking. What I discovered altered my jaded view and expanded my community and contacts more than 100-fold.

How to Effectively Build your Network 

• Networking has nothing to do with you. It is all about assisting others.  That is much more rewarding.
• When attending networking events, only spend about 5 minutes with each person. The goal is to exchange business cards and set up a meeting or next step.
• Gather information to identify ways you can help. Ask questions; listen and identify where you can provide assistance. Help can take the form of introductions to others, recommending a book, or referring them to a prospective client or employer.
• After you meet, connect with them on LinkedIn.
• Follow up on your commitments, whether to schedule a meeting or provide assistance.
• If you are conducting a job search, seeking new customers or expanding your network, ask each person you meet for the names of 3 people they can you connect with.
• Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously.

With my more positive view of networking and using the tips above, within one year of relocating across the country I developed a greater network in my new industry than I had in the 20 years I spent in my prior industry. And I did it my way.

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