How can you build a strong network in a highly competitive industry?

Building a strong network requires genuine intent and participation. One cannot work in isolation and wish for connections. Every opportunity to interact with people whether from the fraternity or allied fields, must be capitalized on, not because you will gain something always, but because you genuinely wish to invest in people. Personal touch includes building rapport, being genuinely interested in people's welfare, thoughtfulness and mutual respect, devoid of biases. Also, connecting is easy, it is maintaining connections that is difficult. Often times connections are lost and we end up having regrets. Nurturing connections can be very enriching. Knowing others is knowing oneself and you cannot discover facets of yourself in isolation.

Start by asking yourself, "Who do I need to reach out to and why?" This will help you form an idea of what your networking goals are and identify target areas to focus on.

In one experiment, we taught our leaders to build their weak ties. Strong ties refer to close, intimate, and strong relationships between individuals. Weak ties, on the other hand, are connections with acquaintances, colleagues, or people with whom one has less frequent and intense interactions. The research showed that weak ties are essential for DEI since those ties are considered bridges between different social circles, fostering connections between clusters of strong ties. Weak ties were also important for innovation. They are often more valuable for accessing information and opportunities than strong ties. That pilot helped managers understand that a well-rounded social network typically includes a mix of both strong and weak ties.

Having a long term vision will help you in this. It's important to think of where you want to be in next 5 or 10 years. This will help you connect with like minded people and your brain will make those important connections stand out more.

O que você espera alcançar com sua rede? Você quer encontrar um novo emprego? Obter conselhos de carreira? Ou simplesmente fazer contatos com pessoas que podem ajudá-lo em sua carreira? Ter objetivos claros em mente o ajudará a direcionar seus esforços de rede.

Even though the market is very competitive, one can build a strong network by connecting and networking, building a personal brand, and leveraging social media platforms by showcasing your expertise in the industry.

In a competitive industry, building a strong network starts with strategic research. Understanding key players, influencers, and industry experts is crucial. What are their challenges, interests, or professional values? Utilize platforms like LinkedIn or X, and follow industry blogs to gain insights. Don't hesitate to leverage your existing contacts for introductions. Think about how you can bring value to these connections. Remember, genuine interest and a willingness to contribute positively can set you apart in any competitive landscape.

Antes de começar a construir sua rede, é importante saber quem você está tentando atingir. Isso significa entender as necessidades e interesses de seu público-alvo, bem como as empresas e organizações com as quais eles estão envolvidos.

Start by reviewing your alumni networks- ask them to grab a coffee and then ask them who they can introduce you to. Then do the same with them and over time you will develop a big network. It will take patience but you need to be open to putting yourself out there.

Strategic Audience Research: *Identify industry key players and influencers. *Understand their interests, challenges, and values. Networking Platforms: *Use LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs for research. *Engage with relevant individuals for deeper insights. Leverage Existing Contacts: *Seek referrals and add value to networks. *Establish meaningful connections aligning with goals. Value Proposition: *Contribute to their objectives strategically. *Forge meaningful connections by aligning with interests. Holistic Approach: *Blend online research with personal connections. *Craft a strategy for mutual benefit and goal alignment.

Personalization is key. Spend time researching your common grounds and share a bit about yourself so they have an idea of who they are talking to. Than will help break the ice and hopefully open them up too.

Building connections is all about genuine interest and personalization. Recently, I received a message that not only acknowledged my work but also inquired about my perspective on value based care. Refreshing to see such thoughtful outreach! Here are a few tips for meaningful connections: Research: Learn about their work before reaching out. Specifics: Compliment a particular achievement or project. Engagement: Pose a question or offer that sparks a conversation. Mutual Benefit: Suggest collaboration or share a useful resource.

Ask yourself a question, what are you usually more excited to talk about? YES, yourself, your career, your ideas and beliefs. That´s the Troyan Horse you need to "ride" to start developing your networking. Next time you go to an event, and the host tells you "there´ll be space for networking" just imagine a bunch of people, some of them will be alone, but you all share a common interest. That´s the reason you´re there¡¡ And that´s really an advantage¡ So, - Approach your "target" not with a question, but with an opinion about something that was said. - Go for an open question which offers your partner the chance to explain his/her ideas. - Dig into how does it impact in his/her daily life. - Offer your contact details

Very good question! From my experience, building a strong network requires genuine connections and personalized interactions -First, research the person's background and interests to find common ground. Mention something specific about their work, accomplishments, or shared experiences to show that you took the time to get to know them. Express genuine interest -Second, tailor your message to their context and needs. If they've recently started a new project or opened a new business, offer congratulations and express your willingness to provide support or assistance if needed. By approaching networking with sincerity and personalization, you can build meaningful relationships that extend beyond professional gain

Quando você está tentando se conectar com alguém pela primeira vez, é importante fazer isso de uma maneira pessoal. Isso significa enviar um e-mail ou mensagem direta para a

Approach networking with the mindset of what can I give - not with one of what can I get. Be intentional about making connections within your network and sharing resources, career opportunities, and insights.

It’s important to view networking as a long term process and a two way street. It takes time to develop relationships, and follow up and follow through are essential. Starting with what you can do for others rather than what they can do for you will come back to you tenfold.

Networking is more than meeting someone at an event. Follow up after the event with your contact information and appreciation for their time. Share an insight that you took away from your conversation and how you've used it (or plan to use it) in your work. If you hear about an achievement from their company or their own work, reach out with a short congratulations. Developing a relationship is about giving at least as much (probably more!) than you are receiving. So, offer to connect them to others. Share insights or articles with them. Provide them with progress updates on your own career... particularly if you are weaving lessons from your conversations with them.

The phrase I repeat when training people on networking is, "give not get". People know when you are sniffing round for a sale or when they are in the cross hairs for your pre-rehearsed pitch. Ask questions and get to know people. That way you'll know what they're interested in and what you can give that they might need. At the same time, don't hide behind niceness. Authenticity does not mean hiding what you need and are interested in too. But with a "give not get" mindset, you can find what mutual benefit you can provide for each other - and that will stand you out against your competitors.

In my opinion, this facet of networking is the one that is most important. BUT, only if they are done together! I am SOOO tired of "networking" calls in which the person pretends to care about what I do, maybe even suggests that they are going to offer this or that...only to both never see any results and also to find that most of their claims were just a cover for a discovery call. So, YES, be generous. Offer MORE than you ask...but be authentic when you do it! This whole sales strategy that pretends to offer but actually only wants to take is NOT helpful and is very disingenuous. OK, rant over...but you get it! :)

I love to meet new people. I also like to help them, if appropriate. As such, I feel great about assisting with intros, sharing articles with new connections, etc. Not only is this a way of demonstrating you paid attention to what interests/troubles a person/people in your network, but it also demonstrates you care beyond a simple transaction. I feel great when I send something useful to a connection/colleague - typically it costs nothing other than time. Giving thoughtfully and authentically solidifies relationships, while at the same time providing a shot of energy to the one doing the sharing. It's a win-win.

This is perhaps the most important part about leadership. " Be willing to share your knowledge, skills, and resources with your contacts, without expecting anything in return." I read somewhere that leadership is a service to be given.

One tip is to shift your perspective of a network and see it as a support system. This systems-thinking will help you see your role in a support network as being supportive by supporting others and yourself towards achieving aspirations and overcoming similar challenges.

In order to creat a strong network, you need to continuously nurture this network through meetings, seminars, conferences, get togethers and other means like social media, emails etc. Also it is important to have a clear personal brand that is authentic and approachable. People like real people, who show their vulnerable side, not pretending they know everything or that they are perfect in everything they do. Also efficient networking, of real value, means really caring about the person you have in front of you, asking questions, knowing their personal and professional struggles and connecting in a deeper and more meaningful manner. If you are approaching people in a business-like and cold manner and you ask for a favour this doesnt work.

Competitive or not, here are a few things that work regardless: 1/ Taking genuine interest in people. If this doesn’t come naturally, you might have to learn it. But it is key. 2/ Show up consistently. When you’re in meetings - say an enthusiastic hello. Listen keenly. Don’t worry about providing value if you don’t have anything to say. Focus on asking interesting questions instead. 3/ Truly enjoy the process. Don't see networking as a transaction. As a task. Go out with of objective of meeting interesting people and learning from them. Building long-term relationships.

Another element to add to networking within a highly competitive or even large organization is creating opportunity for yourself. Networking requires purpose and motivation. Bonds can be made by accident, but strong bonds are made with energy. To increase your network in a dynamic environment requires motivation to step into discomfort in order to be in the opportune moment. Having value for someone else's network comes from your work, reputation, and confidence.

Personally, I've found that a strategic approach is crucial.Attending industry events, joining relevant groups, personalizing connection requests, providing value, and nurturing relationships have been effective. Collaborating on projects, maintaining consistency, and showcasing authenticity are key elements that have significantly contributed to building a strong network for me. Accept that not every event will be fruitful; meeting many people helps you find your tribe.