Why Network?
Accessing Networks
Internal and external networking can take place face-to-face in a variety of ways, such as attendance at networking 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.
How to Network
So what can you do to make sure you contribute to effective networking?
Don’t forget that it is just as important to build networks within your organisation, to ensure that you and your team can work effectively with other individuals and departments. It can help you get things done when you need additional input, providing you with an effective support system when you need advice or guidance and it also helps to build your personal brand (you may wish to refer to Leadership Essentials No. 38 Personal Brand).
The same principles as identified above still apply, and ways of building internal networks and making the most of them include:
References
Expert Panel, Forbes Coaches Council (2019). Networking Novice? 13 Things You Can Do To Refine Your Pitch And Build Relationships www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/06/26/networking-novice-13-things-you-can-do-to-refine-your-pitch-and-build-relationships/#717897ee6297
Smith, C (2014). From Networking a BETT to School-to-School Collaboration SSAT Blog www.ssatuk.co.uk/blog/from-networking-at-bett-to-school-to-school-collaboration
Wohlstetter, P, Malloy, C L, Chau, D & Polhemus, J L (2003). ‘Improving School Through Networks‘ Educational Policy Vol.17 No.4 pp.399–430
Are you good at networking? Test yourself with our Scorecard.
If you’re a member, you can test yourself on Building Networks and see if you meet the standard.
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