Visibility. A large network. Relationships. They matter. You need them to formulate a strong leadership brand.

Although it is the twenty-first century, I still hear grumblings about the existence of an “old boys’ club.” What is this virtual club but a set of people with similar skills, characteristics, and common friends, acquaintances, and allies?  Because it’s “members” have affiliation through common connections, rapport is gained quickly and it is easier to establish trust, a key component to relationship building. These relationships provide opportunities and can contribute to lucrative introductions.

It can feel exclusive when you are on the outside and not an active member of a recognized, powerful, and influential “club” everyone has the capability to create their own strong and valuable network through establishing a large net of alliances and acquaintances.

As you develop more relationships and a larger network, you benefit from gaining greater influence and potentially increased authority. It does not result from simply getting to know a lot of people inside your organization. Visibility results from carefully considering with whom you form relationships, inside and outside your organization.

Tips for Increasing Visibility

• Deliver more than expected. Consistently delivering results gets notice.
• Suggest improvements.
• Ask to sit on committees.
• Offer to make a presentation at a lunch-and-learn session, a town hall meeting, or other corporate gatherings.
• If another division provides or receives services from your area, or if you have staff who work together, reach out to your peers in that division. Explore what is working well and what challenges they are facing. Perhaps you can jointly identify solutions.
• Carefully consider how you volunteer. You want to positions yourself as being innovative, strategic, knowledgeable, and business focused.

Expanding Your Network

Expanding your network works in conjunction with increased visibility to create opportunities. Carefully consider with whom you build relationships to expand your network and your reach within your organization, industry or community. Some considerations when expanding your network:

• To whom can you offer the greatest assistance?
• Who is well regarded by others in the organization or industry?
• Return favours. Make introductions between colleagues and friends you know in other organizations.
• Do you have a mentor? Ask him or her whom you would benefit from meeting. If you don’t have a mentor, ask your boss, colleagues or your friends for suggestions.
• Create a Network Map©.

Want to create your own Network Map?  In my book, Feet to the Fire you will find a helpful exercise for building your own Network Map that will help you generate opportunity through visibility.

My clients accelerate their results – increasing profitability, leadership performance, innovation, and accountability. I would love to discuss how I might contribute to your leadership brand. Contact me today.

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