Professional Networks

Cultivating a Professional Network takes time and effort, it is not set and forget but when you build the network that aligns with your interests and career aspirations it can be the difference between success and failure to launch. The connections we make at school, university and our first job all go on to have their own careers sometimes we maintain and build on those connections cultivating a professional network but other times we let potentially important relationships wither and become forgotten. Think about the fact that according to the Wall Street Journal as many as 80% of leadership jobs are not advertised. Learning about career opportunities that might suit your skills, having someone to recommend you or be a referee these are people in your professional network. But it is not limited to career progression, having a strong advisory network can be the difference from you being successful inContinue Reading

Professional Networks can make the difference of an individuals potential to be successful. How connected you are helps define your ability to leverage collective knowledge and collective problem solving. It introduces you to new ideas, new places, new opportunities. After establishing the importance of professional networking, what actually is it? “It is a deliberate activity to build, reinforce and maintain relationships of trust with other people to further your goals” (Anders Ostland). Ibarra & Hunter (HBR, 2007) wrote that there are three forms of networking: Operational, Personal and Strategic. Operational – helps manage internal company responsibilities. Personal – builds individual personal and professional development. Strategic – plays a vital role in identifying opportunities for growth and engaging stakeholders Building strong relationships across your professional networks establishes an advocacy, in the words of Jon Burgess founder of Kwan “ADVOCACY is an authentic and purposeful way to live your life and do business…Continue Reading