21. External Connections: Expanding your network for career growth and opportunities.

Published On: 8 October 2024Categories: Career, Leadership

Your external network is a vital resource for learning, growth, and new opportunities. It’s where you exchange ideas, seek insights, and stay ahead of emerging industry trends.  Building meaningful relationships – whether in-person or virtually- broadens your perspective and can open doors to future career paths.

Awareness:

  • Is your external network robust enough to support both your personal and professional growth?
  • How frequently do you intentionally engage with someone in your external network?
  • If you needed career advice or industry insights today, do you know who to reach out to?
  • Are there thought leaders or industry experts you’d like to learn from but haven’t yet connected with?

Agency:

  • Take one action this week to expand your network – reach out to a thought-leader, reconnect with an old colleague, or attend a relevant event.
  • Join a professional network or industry group aligned with your career goals.
  • Identity key individuals on LinkedIn and initiate conversations to strengthen those connections. (See post on LinkedIn for more information).
  • Identify key individuals you’d like to connect with on LinkedIn and take action to initiate those conversations.
  • Schedule one virtual or in-person coffee chat each month with someone in your network to build deeper relationships with people in your network.
  • Seek out a mentor who can offer guidance, expand your perspective, and help you uncover new opportunities.

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