You want to get ahead in your career. How can you leverage your network to do it?

Identifying your goals is the first and foremost step. Knowing what you want to do. What your mission is? What is your vision? It is important to plan out your goals accordingly and work through them one by one. If you want to do a job, make a plan, what roles do you want? What sort of growth you are perceiving? What is your end goal? What are your expectations? It is essential to identify your goal.

Networking is the best way to get ahead in your career. Here's how. 1. If you have a job, network with colleagues from other companies and recruiters. Networking helps you become visible to them, and you are more likely to get better opportunities. 2. If you are doing business, network with your potential prospects and solve their problem so that they will hire you to solve their problem.

To get ahead in your career, leverage your network by seeking guidance from mentors or connecting with professionals in your desired field. This network can also keep you informed about industry trends and potential openings, while actively engaging and sharing your expertise helps establish yourself as a valuable resource within your professional circle.

A short suggestion for identifying your goals: 1. Reflect on your career aspirations: Consider whether you aim to switch roles, industries, or companies. 2. Evaluate skill development: Determine if you want to acquire new skills, tools, or methods. 3. Assess visibility and influence: Decide if you seek more recognition or visibility in your field. 4. Set specific and realistic goals: Define clear objectives to focus your networking efforts effectively.

Network is always an asset that one can possess. With right set of people to mentor or give you a guidance is always a best thing one can have. Understanding your need and leveraging your network for the same can be booster. ☑️ Identify what is your goal ☑️Talk to people about strategy ☑️They know you as a certain personality which is a brand speaks for you ☑️Take clarity on move ☑️ Assess the market need ☑️ Discuss steps ☑️Start planning and preparation with your network wrt your brand ☑️Go for it

Finding the right people in your network involves identifying individuals who possess the knowledge, experience, or connections that align with your career goals and aspirations. This may include industry leaders, mentors, colleagues, alumni, or professionals in adjacent fields who can offer valuable insights, guidance, or opportunities to support your professional growth. Look for individuals who have achieved success in areas you aspire to excel in, and actively seek out opportunities to connect with them. Networking events, industry conferences, online communities, and professional associations are excellent avenues for identifying and engaging with the right people.

Identifying the 'right' people can be an incredibly powerful asset when building professional network. I call this my ‘Circle of Influence’. It’s how I define my professional network – the people who are and could be - influential to me and my personal brand. It comprises of 4 key groups: 1. Identify your brand ambassadors – these are the people who know, like and trust you AND will speak highly of you. 2. Identify your role models – next are your role models, the people who inspire you, keep you focused and motivated. 3. Identify your decision makers – these are the people who make things happen! 4. Identify your influencers – finally, there are those people who are top of their game and well connected with a substantial network.

A short suggestion for finding the right people for your career: 1. Identify your career goals: Determine what you want to achieve in your career. 2. Assess your network: Recognize the different types of connections you have, such as peers, mentors, sponsors, allies, and influencers. 3. Match connections to goals: Evaluate which types of connections align with your career objectives and the benefits they can offer. 4. Reach out strategically: Engage with the right people by leveraging their strengths and expertise to support your career advancement.

Finding the right people is easier said than done. However, if you do it right, it will take you places. LinkedIn is a great place to network with people that you look up and not necessarily have met in person before. I highly recommend connecting with people who are in the same industry as you and are passionate about what they do.

Indeed it is a two way street. It is also good form and excellent business etiquette to reciprocate the trust and support extended to us by others in our network. This can be as simple as liking and commenting positively on an associate's social media post, or endorsing each other. The positive engagements by others on your social media, and your reciprocity, also strengthen your personal brand. Additionally, paying it forward by gifting valuable and positive content attracts rapport and trust from your network.

A short suggestion for value and reciprocity in networking: 1. Show genuine interest: Take time to understand your connections' goals and interests. 2. Share relevant information: Provide insights, articles, or resources that could benefit them. 3. Provide feedback: Offer constructive feedback or advice when appropriate. 4. Make introductions: Connect them with other professionals who could

Finding the perfect mentors is like discovering rare gems—rare but life-changing. When it happens, amazing things happen. Sometimes, we're lucky to have someone we really look up to mentor us directly. Other times, we learn and grow by just watching, listening, and understanding those we admire. Whether it's hands-on guidance or subtle influence, the impact is like a bit of magic. These mentorship moments, whether big or small, are the key to growing in our careers and the special ingredient that shapes our professional path.

Always be a work in progress. I truly believe in this line. There's always something new to learn and there's always room for improvement. Be the most curious person in the room.

Your network is not just about who you know; it's about who can help you grow. Seeking mentorship and feedback is a powerful way to leverage your connections. A mentor can help you navigate your career path, share your wisdom, and open doors to hidden opportunities. Whether positive or constructive, feedback is a gift that allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your skills. Mentorship can be formal or informal. Embrace guidance and seek new perspectives to transform your network into a springboard for continuous learning and professional development

A short suggestion for seeking mentorship and feedback effectively: 1. Identify potential mentors: Look for individuals who possess the experience, knowledge, or influence you seek. 2. Build relationships: Establish rapport with potential mentors through genuine interactions and mutual respect. 3. Clearly define your goals: Communicate what you hope to achieve through mentorship and the specific areas where you seek feedback. 4. Be open to guidance: Listen attentively to mentor advice and feedback, and be willing to implement suggested improvements.

A short suggestion for building trust and rapport in networking: 1. Be honest and transparent: Communicate openly about your intentions, goals, and expectations. 2. Demonstrate consistency: Follow through on your commitments and maintain regular communication with your connections. 3. Practice empathy: Listen actively, understand their perspectives, and offer support or assistance when needed 4. Show authenticity: Be yourself and let your personality, values, and passions shine through in your interactions.

Beyond just meeting people, it's crucial to think about how we connect with our contacts. Whether it's joining events they host, sharing thoughts on collaborative projects, seeking advice, or chiming in on their LinkedIn posts—every connection counts. The key is not just having many contacts, but making the most of them. Being intentional in your interactions and finding meaningful ways to engage will always trump the quantity of contacts you have. It's about leveraging your connections wisely for mutual benefit!

Strategically ask your network for opportunities and referrals. This should be done as a tailored approach to each person not as a bulk. Think about what kind of referrals or opportunities the specific person is in a position to offer you and find the best way to ask.

Identify individuals who can support your career goals and offer valuable insights Build strong relationships by providing help, advice, and support to others in your network. Focus on building meaningful connections rather than simply expanding your network. Seek out contacts who can enhance your professional circle and provide new opportunities.

Remember that networking is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and genuine effort. Stay proactive in nurturing and expanding your network, even when you're not actively seeking career opportunities. Keep your network updated on your career goals and accomplishments. Be open to changing your approach as your professional goals change. By using your network strategically and authentically, you can create new opportunities, advance your career, and achieve your long-term goals.

Strategic Networking: Connect with influencers for guidance. Value Exchange: Provide insights before seeking favors. Online Presence: Optimize LinkedIn; share relevant content. Attend Events: Network at conferences and engage. Mentorship: Seek mentors for advice and opportunities. Diverse Connections: Expand beyond your industry. Consistent Updates: Share achievements regularly. Testimonials: Request and give LinkedIn testimonials. Collaboration: Identify opportunities for joint projects. Community Involvement: Volunteer to showcase leadership. Social Media: Utilize platforms for engagement. Personal Branding: Craft a compelling narrative. Continuous Learning: Stay informed for added value.

A great strategy is to support your network's work. Especially those people you think can help you in your career. If you are reading this on LinkedIn, when was the last time you reacted (thoughtfully and personally) to a post or change in your network?