I’ve made the point often that how your career turns out is down to you and the actions you take. This is particularly the case when it comes to changing your job or career, as this takes commitment, planning and determination. However, you can make career success easier for yourself by building and utilising your network. This connected community of professionals that you belong to can help you to have access to resources, people and even jobs that would be otherwise inaccessible to you.

Sounds interesting? Here are 4 networking actions you need to know about in 2022.

1.  Focus on the strength, not the size of your network

Networking has a bad reputation as a sleazy activity carried out at conferences, seminars, meetings and other professional gatherings. This is not the type of networking I’m suggesting here. Nor do I think it’s a race to have as big a network as you possible can. Instead, networking is about strengthening your existing connections and thinking of them as being part of your support team rather than considering them as just people you happen to know or work with.

2.  Keep in touch with your network

Once you have identified your support network, keep in touch with these individuals. The secret here is that regular catch-ups with your network are a better idea than occasional discussions. The more you can connect with and understand these individuals, the more you will deepen your connection.

As you keep in touch with your network, remember key facts about their role and what challenges they are dealing with. Get to know them better and focus on their world before you think about asking for assistance in your career.

3.  Add value to your network

Networking is a 2-way arrangement, so always be on the lookout for how you can add value to your network. You can do this in several ways:

-       Ask how you can help them in their role and what support they may need

-       Look out for ways you can support them and provide assistance

-       Share information and resources that can help them

-       Be a good ally

4.  When you need career support – ask!

Finally, and yes, we are still talking 2022 here, if you need support from your network just ask. Let them know what support you are looking for. This could be:

Do you know anybody that can help me with learning a new skill?

Who can I speak to about finding a mentor?

And, of course, 

I’m looking for a new project management role. Do you know of any roles that are available right now?

Don’t be surprised if these questions lead to helpful resources, giant leaps and, of course, open doors in your career!

Conclusion:

I hope I have shown you that your network is the first place to start when it comes to opening doors in your career.

To summarise, the 4 practical things you can do in 2022 to open doors are:

1.    Focus on the strength, not the size of your network

2.    Keep in touch with your network

3.    Add value to your network

4.    When you need support – ask!

If you are interested in finding out more about career coaching with me have a look at my website to see the many ways I can help you in your career.

If you are unsure about career coaching, let’s have an informal chat.

Bye for now!

Mark