Proactive networking pulls you toward important collaborations for your personal and professional success. Networking can be approached in two ways: offense or defense.
The Power of Proactive Networking
Playing offense means having clear goals and building connections that move you toward them. Develop diverse networks, inside and outside your organization. Broad networks build confidence to say no and stay in control of your decisions.
The Strategist’s Web
Playing defense means letting others shape your networking, leading to reactive decisions. As the saying goes, 'The best defense is a good offense.' By taking control and building connections, you avoid this trap.
The Defensive Maze
Focus on connections that grow your expertise or spark innovation. Start by asking people you know for introductions. Reach out to colleagues or contacts and explore shared interests. Ask, “Who else should I connect with?” These focused connections, though few, can lead to career-defining opportunities.
Build for Depth, Not Just Breadth
Build relationships beyond your usual circles. Engage cross-functional teams, external collaborators, or peers in your industry. Diverse networks give you the power to say no to requests that don’t align with your goals. A strong network also provides a “Plan B” if your role becomes unsatisfying.
Forge Links, Not Limits
So, are you playing offense with your network, or letting others decide your path?
The Ancient City of Lasting Connections
PROACTIVE NETWORKING
GEORGIOS NTERVAKOS
Created on September 3, 2024
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Transcript
Proactive networking pulls you toward important collaborations for your personal and professional success. Networking can be approached in two ways: offense or defense.
The Power of Proactive Networking
Playing offense means having clear goals and building connections that move you toward them. Develop diverse networks, inside and outside your organization. Broad networks build confidence to say no and stay in control of your decisions.
The Strategist’s Web
Playing defense means letting others shape your networking, leading to reactive decisions. As the saying goes, 'The best defense is a good offense.' By taking control and building connections, you avoid this trap.
The Defensive Maze
Focus on connections that grow your expertise or spark innovation. Start by asking people you know for introductions. Reach out to colleagues or contacts and explore shared interests. Ask, “Who else should I connect with?” These focused connections, though few, can lead to career-defining opportunities.
Build for Depth, Not Just Breadth
Build relationships beyond your usual circles. Engage cross-functional teams, external collaborators, or peers in your industry. Diverse networks give you the power to say no to requests that don’t align with your goals. A strong network also provides a “Plan B” if your role becomes unsatisfying.
Forge Links, Not Limits
So, are you playing offense with your network, or letting others decide your path?
The Ancient City of Lasting Connections