Balancing networking with core duties was something I struggled with early in my career. I was so focused on delivering results that I overlooked the importance of building relationships. A mentor once told me, “Your work speaks for itself, but people need to hear you speak for it too.” That shifted my mindset. I started small—15 minutes after meetings for networking, or a coffee with a colleague once a week. Over time, I realized networking wasn’t a distraction but an investment. It boosted collaboration, visibility, and opened up new opportunities. The lesson? Networking is part of the job, not a task on the side.

Para equilibrar networking e funções principais do seu trabalho, é importante priorizar e integrar o networking à sua rotina de trabalho. Participar de eventos estratégicos e agendar reuniões de forma planejada evita sobrecarga. Delegar atividades e automatizar processos operacionais também permite mais tempo para se concentrar em conexões valiosas, sem comprometer a eficiência nas tarefas diárias.

I have developed a framework that often helps me navigate clashing commitments: 1. Prioritise - Consider which networking opportunities can advance my objectives at work vs people I would interested in meeting on a more personal level 2. Reframe - networking is often neglected because is considered as a 'nice to have'. Based on my personality and values, it is a 'must have' 3. Long-term thinking - is this opportunity helping me in the longer term and how? Asking myself these questions helps me see more clearly.

Networking is simply part of your overall marketing strategy and you need to put the time in if it’s to work effectively. But first you need to see the value of it and enjoy it otherwise it won’t work for you.

Achieving equilibrium in between socialization and the main tasks of the job involves proper organization and the efficient use of time. To begin with, fit in periods of scheduled networking collaborations- for instance, interval breaks, close of business activities or professional activities outside the normal working hours but do not allow them to cut into the daily work scheduling. Strategically use your core functions to explore networking activities which would further assist you in the attainment of your goals which means they are beneficial to your position. And last but not the least, establish and adhere to ground rules; for instance, carrying out the work focused on the tasks within work hours and reserving the networking.