Here's how you can master networking as an executive.

In my experience, the most rewarding professional relationships have always been those built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. When we approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than taking, we create an environment where collaboration and support naturally thrive. Sharing knowledge and insights without expecting immediate returns not only enriches our network but also enhances our own growth and learning. Reliability and honesty are indeed critical. When people know they can count on you, it strengthens the bond and opens doors to opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise. Trust is a two-way street, and by being consistent and supportive, we encourage others to reciprocate in kind.

Engaje-se ativamente em comunidades e eventos do seu setor para expandir sua rede de contatos. Participe de conferências, seminários, workshops e encontros de networking onde você pode conhecer outros profissionais influentes. Além de participar, considere assumir papéis de liderança ou de voluntariado em associações profissionais ou comitês organizadores de eventos. Isso não só aumenta sua visibilidade, mas também demonstra seu comprometimento com o setor e permite que você construa relacionamentos com outros líderes. Ao estar presente e ativo nesses ambientes, você pode criar uma rede de contatos robusta e diversificada, essencial para um executivo.

Um bom networking exige um bom humor!! Além de uma regrinha básica para construir relacionamento, o carisma. Uma pessoa executiva deve praticar a escuta ativa, pois muitas vezes a pessoa lembrará de você pelo simples fato de você ter ouvido ela, e no melhor momento falado também.

Hoy en día, con tanta información diaria, con tantos inputs en redes sociales, teléfono, whatsapp... estamos muchas veces saturados de que todo el mundo quiera vendernos siempre algo. Por eso, hoy en día el concepto "inbound" tiene todo el sentido. Y este concepto aplicado a Directivos consiste en aportar valor, crear posicionamiento y conseguir que la gente se acerque a ti por lo que aportas, por lo que piensan que puede resultarles de valor. Así generamos confianza para crear una red robusta, para estar en el Top of Mind de las personas y tener un network sano, sostenible y de valor para ti.

I believe trust grows when you see repeatable promised actions delivered/followed through. Don’t tell me what your values say on your office wall…I want to see how you apply them in day to day working life.

Great ideas are important, but not necessary Great talent is important, but not necessary Great vision is important, but not necessary Great implementation is important, and necessary

In a certain sense, I have been networking since Kindergarten. Building relation to people you like to relate with, you feel well, you can count on, you can learn from, you can share with, etc.. Building a quality network is certainly something that demands time, commitment and sincerity. Also a give first mindset. Probably you will end up giving more than receiving. But it's not about quantity, but about quality and reliability, which means you can count on when it is important. Also, it is not a instant picture, but rather, a movie. It needs to have continuity, consistency and be sustainable over longer periods and different situations.

Listen to people talk and make connections in your mind and at no point hijack the conversation and start talking about yourself. Even if you do find similarities in stories, mention it briefly and go back to the person who was sharing their story. Later when you connect with them on mail/ whats app remember to mention that tiny bit of information to keep the conversation going. Networking is an on going process. Listening continues beyond active listening in person.

Dicen que en una conversación con alguien, para crear empatía debes seguir unas reglas básicas y sencillas: 1. Escucha el 80% del tiempo y habla solo el 20% del tiempo. 2. Haz preguntas abiertas para que la otra persona pueda responder con una aportación más allá del si/no y poder conocer mejor sus retos, desafíos, necesidades... 3. Escucha activamente, empatiza y aporta valor poniéndote en sus zapatos.

Active listening is half the way to many sought for solutions or objectives. And if you don't have thoughtful questions, maybe silence can be a constructive interlude.

Posez des questions ouvertes, reformulez ce que vous avez entendu et faites preuve d'empathie. Ces techniques permettent de clarifier les informations et de montrer votre intérêt sincère.

Active listening is a critical skill for any executive aiming to master networking. It involves not just hearing but understanding and responding to what others are saying. By actively listening, you show that you value others' input, which fosters stronger connections and mutual respect. Practice techniques such as maintaining eye contact, nodding in acknowledgment, and summarizing key points to ensure comprehension. Active listening also helps you gather valuable insights, understand different perspectives, and make informed decisions, all of which are crucial for effective leadership and networking.

Listen actively…I prefer listening to learn. My experience of connecting with people is deeply listening to learn and be curious about what the person is saying and delving into that. Why do they think that way? What has their experience been? How did they respond to a circumstance? What would they do differently. At each point in their response, listening to where there may be a junction to split off into another pathway of learning about them as a person. I love listening to learn about people in general and believe it helps me to connect easily with others.

Ser um bom ouvinte é a base de uma boa comunicação. E a boa comunicação pretende ser uma via dupla, é bidirecional, colaborativa. Só existe entendimento entre as duas partes se as duas partes participam ativamente, se as duas partes tem voz ativa. É no sutil equilíbrio entre ouvir e falar que se encontra a conexão genuína. E isso pressupõe que você esteja aberto para dar o melhor de si e receber o melhor do outro, exige humildade.

Active listening is a skill that has transformed my networking efforts. When engaging with others, I focus on what they are saying, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their perspectives. This not only helps me understand their needs and goals but also demonstrates that I value their contributions. People often remember how you made them feel more than what you said, and active listening makes them feel heard and respected—a crucial aspect of building lasting professional relationships.

Definitivamente la escucha activa es la que permite conocer y percibir mejor qué es lo que las personas necesitan. Con atención no sólo a las palabras que te dicen, sino con ese lenguaje corporal que en muchas ocasiones resulta ser el 60% de lo que realmente quieren decirte. Atención, conciencia, estar allí para quien te está pidiendo algo más que un consejo!

When you’re in conversations, whether it’s at a conference, a meeting, or even a casual lunch, make it a point to really hear what the other person is saying. Instead of thinking about your next response, focus on their words, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their perspective. This not only helps you understand their needs and viewpoints better but also makes them feel valued. People remember when they’ve been truly listened to, and this can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections that benefit both your personal growth and your professional network.

Networking can feel like an extra task to fit into an already busy day. However, networking is critical to do actively and proactively, not just when needed in the moment. Networking = an opportunity to build authentic human connections. You never know who you will meet and how relationships will become meaningful professionally/personally. Be clear about your goals + do the homework to determine where to spend your time. Is it general networking with other leaders? Is it industry specific? Is it role specific? Is it for learning in a new area? Then vet networking opportunities. Get referrals, check out where people you admire are showing up, ask your connections for other connections, look on LinkedIn, etc. It's all about your network!

Great advice Missy. Everyone has more connections than they might realize. I would add that It’s important to remember that networking is a two way street. Always remember to ask how you can help the person you are networking with. It helps build a deeper connection, and it is rewarding to be of service to others.

I am a shocker for remembering people’s names. I’ve tried the tricks of the trades and sometimes they stick. What I do remember are people’s stories they tell me about them, their work situations, challenges and their aspirations. So when I connect with people I always follow up on how they went with “how did you go with that challenging colleague”, “how was your holiday, we spoke about last time”? People are genuinely surprised that it’s remembered. If you can connect on something previously spoken about…people are definitely left feeling heard and valued. Leaving them with lots of warm fuzzy feelings that they’ll remember next time too.

Addressing people with their names is powerful. So is remembering details, dear to those you would like to bind in to your network. Preferred themes, foods, places, colors, music, or themes which are tabu for some reason. Be present at special dates, both such you can easily use repeatedly, as birthdays and special commemorations, as those you will only have access to eventually... It is not for no reason CRM tools have had such a tremendous success in past decades. A strong support not to forget, and not to be repetitive...

Personalizing your connections means going beyond generic interactions and making a genuine effort to know the individuals in your network. Remember details about their interests, professional goals, and personal milestones. Tailor your communications to reflect this knowledge, showing that you value them as individuals. For example, instead of sending a standard email, reference a recent achievement of theirs or a shared interest. This approach not only strengthens your relationships but also makes you more memorable and appreciated within your network.

Compreender as necessidades, dores, desejos de seu cliente, entender como ele gosta de ser tratado, e como não gosta, compreender que existem formas de aproximação, abordagem, que funcionam para alguns tipos de pessoas e que para outras pessoas é diferente, saber as palavras certas para falar com ele, o tom de voz certo, os gestos que você deve usar, etc, é fundamental para o bom entendimento entre as partes, e é fundamental para gerar um relacionamento genuíno, onde o outro se sente importante, se sente ouvido, respeitado, valorizado.

Social media platforms are powerful tools for executive networking. They allow you to connect with a broader audience and stay updated on industry trends and insights. Use LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Share valuable content, comment on others' posts, and engage in meaningful conversations to establish your presence and expertise. Twitter can be useful for real-time updates and interactions, while platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help you connect on a more personal level. Leveraging social media effectively can significantly enhance your networking efforts.

Networking, as it relates to mentoring and growing teams and leading fully, ensures you align people to maximize their self in order to maximize trust and team performance. There is obvious risk, but the rewards far outweigh the risk.

Personalizing my connections is vital in my networking strategy. I avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and instead tailor my interactions based on the individual's interests and needs. I make it a point to remember details from past conversations and follow up on them. This personal touch shows that I see my connections as unique individuals, not just as means to an end. Personalized interactions are more memorable and can lead to stronger, more loyal relationships within my network.

Zig Ziglar said, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want" We often forget that happiness is in giving, not taking. People who can truly give to others without expecting anything in return are more likely to get recognized and reciprocated than those with covert contracts attached to everything they do or say. We have an instinct to recognize genuine people, and once we come across them, we can truly value their input and contribution to our lives.

In the age of social media, some will want to have you in their network just for the sake of proving their capability to attract, to have a large "circle", be connected to so and so and etc.., or just because they might hope to get a return without investment... I suggest you try to stay away, and to have some minimum criteria to invite, or accept invitations. At the least, people in your network should hopefully not become a burden, disturbing or even bring negative connotations to your own reputation. If you are looking for a network with Value, set the standard. No guarantee, but maybe a constructive beginning.

I think that when it comes to adding value, don’t think about what you’ll get out of it back. Authentically give your mentorship and coaching as a way of giving back what you may have been given by others. The pay it forward lens is something I am big on. If my knowledge and mentorship can add value to someone else that needs it, then that’s the value adding that I see.

Providing value is crucial in networking, but let's take this idea to the next level. Distinguishing ourselves through genuine value involves anticipating needs and taking proactive steps. Consider the impact of offering solutions before they are even recognized; this makes us invaluable partners. Personalized value is also essential—a mentor who customizes advice for each mentee, or a professional who remembers individual goals, fosters deeper connections. Furthermore, creating opportunities for others to shine enhances the value we offer. True reciprocity means building a community where support is given willingly. This method differentiates us and forms lasting, meaningful relationships.

Networking will probably improve over time, both in reach and quality. It is a long time strategy and commitment. You probably don't like to invite someone 3 times for dinner, and never being invited back. With networking it can be similar. If you don't stay engaged, why should people on your network even pay attention or remember you? Bring in additional food for thought, new perspectives, constructive questioning, etc.. And do not forget to give feedback, when asked for, or appropriate.

Don't underestimate yourself and your value. I have met many people scared to share their experiences, believing that it has no meaning or that there is not enough value in them for others. Believe in yourself and your value. This will give you enough self-confidence to start a conversation and share your experience with others. People are naturally more attracted to people who have self-confidence. Just be yourself, speak freely, respect others just like you want to be respected, and don't be afraid to fail or be criticized. It is what will make you stronger.