Happy Labor Day weekend and welcome to our 34th issue! This week, we’re focusing on a mistake that many leaders make: neglecting strategic networking. Thinking that your work alone will speak for itself can limit your career growth and reduce your influence within the organization and industry.

Here’s What It Looks Like:

▪️ Relying Solely on Your Current Network: You might stick to your existing connections expecting it's enough to support your career advancement. However, this can limit your exposure to new ideas, industry trends, and new opportunities.

▪️ Not Prioritizing Networking: You might see networking as something you do when you have extra time or when you need it, rather than a strategic priority. This leads to even more missed opportunities!

▪️ Failing to Nurture Relationships: You might connect with people but fail to maintain and deepen the relationship over time. This gets you a network that is broad but shallow, offering little real value.

What You Should Be Doing Instead:

▪️ First, take a look at your current network and identify key connections, including those inside and outside your immediate circle. Consider the diversity and depth of these relationships to see where you need to expand or strengthen your network. Is your network limited to your geography, industry, or culture? This is an opportunity to expand your reach and awareness.

▪️ Next, prioritize networking as a strategic activity. Regularly engage with new and existing connections by staying in touch on LinkedIn, offering value when it crosses your path, and showing genuine interest in their success. You don't need a large network, just focus on building meaningful, lasting connections that align with your professional goals.

When I work with leaders, I help them prioritize relationships using a method designed to expand and deepen your network in ways that make it fun to enhance your influence and open doors to new opportunities. It's not about just meeting more people, it's about creating meaningful connections. You get a network that's not only broad but also impactful, supporting your personal and professional endeavors, now and in the future.

Strategic Networking positions you as a connector and leader in your industry, increasing your visibility and influence. By building a strong, diverse network, you’ll gain access to new ideas, resources, and opportunities that can accelerate your career and strengthen your leadership.

If you're ready to unlock new opportunities for career growth (even if you hate networking), schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss how to build a powerful network that supports who you are and your leadership goals.