Leadership Essentials: Building Networks
Networking can take many forms for both external and internal opportunities, such as events, conferences, training sessions, and remotely using social media, webinars and professional networking sites. If you are looking to access a formal networking event, a good place to start is by asking colleagues which networking events they attend and would recommend. Many networking events will allow you to attend a ‘taster’ session free of charge so that you can establish whether the network meets your needs.
‘Leadership Essentials: Building Networks’ provides an overview of why building networks is essential for leadership capability and includes ‘Top Tips’ on how networking will help you become a better leader.
The Essentials leaflet is supported by three Spotlights that look at aspects of networking in more detail to help you improve your leadership skills:
- Why Network?
- How to Network
- Accessing Networks
Spotlights
Spotlight on Accessing Networks
"It’s important to invest your time wisely and learn how to choose events and strategies that are worthwhile. The same events aren’t equally valuable to everyone so you have to use your judgment"
Kalin Kassabov (2018)
Spotlight on How to Network
"If you aren’t making any meaningful connections at a networking event, then it was a waste of time and money. There is a reason networking events exist - and that is to make connections"
Stephanie Burns (2019)
Spotlight on Why Network?
"The real definition of networking to me is building relationships before you need them"
Diane Darling (2010)