Here's how you can pivot into a new industry or field using networking as a mid-career professional.

I actually ask one specific question to everyone I interview, coach, and mentor that leads to an incredible discussion around energy and adrenaline at work, not just skill and experience. At mid-career, one should also have enough confidence to clearly articulate to everyone they know (in real life) and here on LinkedIn why they want to connect, reconnect, and network.

Absolutely, before embarking on a career pivot, introspection is key. Understanding your motivations, and strengths, and how they align with your desired industry will guide your networking journey effectively. It's about recognizing the unique value you offer and finding the right connections that resonate with your career goals. This self-awareness not only enhances networking efforts but also empowers you to communicate your value proposition convincingly to potential contacts.

A lo largo de mi carrera profesional, he comprendido que construir relaciones sólidas basadas en valores compartidos es fundamental. Para ello, es crucial conocer nuestra escala de valores, lo que nos permite conectar más fácilmente con nuestra tribu correcta. Estas relaciones no solo generan equipos cohesionados, sino que también fortalecen la cultura organizacional, impulsando el éxito empresarial y creando un impacto positivo en la sociedad.

Understanding oneself—our strengths, weaknesses, values, beliefs, and motivations—is fundamental to personal growth, decision-making, and relationships. It encourages us to explore our inner thoughts and feelings, confront challenges, and strive for authenticity in our actions and interactions. Ultimately, knowing oneself lays the foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life journey.

Begin with what you want your goal to be in all you do. Focus your energies in making it happen. When attending events, understand your audience at the function, find common value and make contributions of lasting value in discussions so you are not forgettable.

Identify potential connections ahead of any networking event that have successfully moved across sectors, establish where the synergies are with your own journey and look to built dialogue and narrative ensuring it is relatable to improve engagement success in the early stages of your conversations. Transferable skills are fascinating to hear about, moving sectors successfully is a badge of honour so identifying connections that have successfully navigated the trip hazards will payback in the long term 3 fold.

It emphasizes the value of delving beyond surface-level information to uncover insights, discover nuances, and make informed decisions. Deep research involves exploring multiple perspectives, validating sources, and critically evaluating data to gain a comprehensive understanding of a subject. It is a cornerstone of knowledge acquisition, problem-solving, and innovation, driving progress and excellence in various fields.

Understand the industries and the key players and their teams in what you are going after. You want to stand out as a resource, as someone of value. Think of something that will be a "hook" for a deeper conversation.

Effective networking can only be productive when we have done little bit of R&D about the industry. Research helps to evaluate & analyze data which can comprehend into predictions and various prospective to solve the problem or bringing out a innovation idea.

Conocer nuestro negocio es esencial, especialmente en roles de liderazgo. Sin embargo, el conocimiento debe ser respaldado por la acción, ya que saber sin actuar es como no saber en absoluto. Comprender todos los aspectos críticos, identificar oportunidades, evaluar riesgos y tomar medidas concretas nos diferencia de la competencia y fomenta la confianza con nuestros equipos. Saben que están bajo el liderazgo adecuado.

Someone once said, "Networking is not just about collecting business cards." When you network, focus on building authentic relationships. Find ways to offer help and support to others, to share your knowledge and expertise, and to be a valuable connection. If you seek to be of service to people rather than what you will gain from networking, people are more likely to help you in return. They will feel you genuinely care about them and their success.

Engage with conversation but talk less and listen more in the first instance. There's a difference between 'listening' and actually 'hearing' people....and they notice! Listen to your own instincts as you will be naturally drawn to those who match your energy and values.

It encourages being true to oneself, expressing thoughts and feelings honestly, and building relationships based on trust and transparency. Authentic engagement involves active listening, empathy, and respect for others' perspectives. It fosters meaningful connections, fosters collaboration, and enhances personal and professional growth. By engaging authentically, we create a positive impact on those around us and contribute to a more harmonious and fulfilling environment.

When you network, always listen with intent. Find out what the other person is looking for and help them get what they need. In helping others get what they need they remember and help you get what you need as well.

Networking involves both giving and receiving. 1. Approach interactions authentically, aiming for mutual benefit. 2. Engage in industry events, online forums, and discussions to increase visibility. 3. Show genuine interest in others' work and perspectives, fostering trust and rapport for long-term relationships that support your career pivot.

Start your Network Me Plan. Put effort into understanding the Sectors and Functions you are interested in, Businesses or Sectors that are doing well then go about understanding who you know or who you need to know. It's a CRM for YOU to develop an Account Plan or Stakeholder Plan. It's a real way of understand who is in your Stakeholder Group who could add value in profiling you to extend your network and gain a new career path.

Your existing network holds valuable connections for transitioning into a new industry. 1. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or peers for introductions or advice. 2.Be specific and respectful in your requests, highlighting your intentions and appreciation in well-crafted messages. Most people are willing to help if they see your commitment to the transition.

Using networking as a tool to change industries mid-career requires patience, persistence, and a proactive approach. Building genuine relationships and demonstrating your value and enthusiasm for the new field are key to opening new career opportunities.

Asking for help is always hard for most people. People don't like to ask for help or favors of others because in many peoples false impressions in their mind, it makes them look weak. It is exactly the opposite. Most people are happy and willing to help people they know with career advice, making connections and help when they can.

Your network is your ‘Net Worth’ but also remembering not to be too narrow in your connection reach and influence as the broader your appeal and connectivity across sectors makes you far more relative to opportunities, reaching out to influential connections for feedback and counsel is invaluable investment of your time, I have found personally that the ambition to breach the boundaries of your chosen specialist subject and learn new disciplines is applauded and respected but always remembering to leverage in a genuine and organic style. Willing to learn and grow with every piece of feedback.

When networking, prioritize adding value to interactions by sharing knowledge, offering skills, or making connections. This positions you as a contributor, fostering reciprocity and enriching professional relationships while opening doors to new opportunities.

It emphasizes the idea that success and fulfillment come from contributing positively to others' lives, whether it's through expertise, support, inspiration, or innovation. Offering value involves understanding the needs and priorities of those around us and finding ways to address them effectively. By consistently offering value, we build trust, credibility, and lasting relationships, leading to mutual growth and success.

Todos tenemos la capacidad de contribuir, aunque a menudo subestimamos el impacto de nuestras acciones u opiniones. En mi trayectoria profesional, he valorado el aprendizaje proveniente de todas las personas con las que he interactuado. Siempre he promovido la formación de equipos en los que se fomente la libertad de expresión. Después de todo, nunca sabemos dónde encontraremos la respuesta que necesitamos.

To further enhance your networking, consistently look for ways to provide value. Offer insights, share useful resources, or introduce people who could benefit from knowing each other. This approach positions you as a proactive and valuable contact, not just someone seeking help. By fostering a cycle of reciprocity, you build stronger, more supportive professional relationships. Remember, the more you contribute, the more others will be inclined to assist you, creating a network that actively works for your career growth and new opportunities.

Some of my most powerful connections have come from paying it forward and adding value, trying to provide feedback, counsel and support without seeking compensation or ‘quid quo pro’ which is a more authentic way to build genuine rapport and long lasting value when building out relationships in a credible manner.

Follow up with any new connection maybe in the form of email, phone call or social media communication, it can significantly impact the network process. It strengthens the connection established initially. It also establishes your professionalism, creditability as a reliable networker.

Following up is crucial in networking. After meeting, send a thank-you note and stay in touch by sharing relevant articles or information. Consistent follow-up keeps you connected and shows your commitment to building a genuine relationship.

One of my mentees truly understood the concept of adding value. When she learned that I was sick, she surprised me by sending a get-well package through Amazon. Her thoughtful gesture was completely unexpected. My admiration for her as a person grew immensely that day, as it showed me that she truly cared about people. If she showed this level of care towards me, I could only imagine how much she put her mind and heart into everything else in her life.

When following up, I always try and personalise the engagement with something we shared so there is a natural point of conversation and it does not feel like a sales call. The drop out rate is so much better and the trust built is immeasurably improved for longer standing opportunities.

Connecting with people who are already in the area of expertise at networking events is a great way to learn more, it is a great place to find a mentor and get connected with others who are at a more senior level. Creating a unique personal bond with that person, may lead to great opportunities in the future.

Uma pergunta que sempre me faço e que me ajudou na minha mudança de carreira é Qual problema eu resolvo ? Uma outra pergunta que faço com frequência para os meus clientes, é o que do meu trabalho eles mais acreditam que seja um diferencial e o que eu precisaria melhorar. Com isso em mãos, tenho uma bússola poderosa para verificar se o meu propósito de vida e o trabalho estão alinhados e qua ajuste devo ou não fazer, nunca esquecendo dos meus valores.

🪽One thing that I found very effective: doing deep research much like a headhuntera; you should be seeking/researching who are the top people (best in the business) in the industry that you're trying to penetrate, Then try to connect with few of them to somehow try to "recruit them" as mentors! of course the way you ask makes a big difference! Having a mentor within such industry will help you shave light years of your learning curve. I've been into 5+ different unrelated Industries, one good example: pivoting from aviation industry into public speaking and I did exactly what I advised above, my mentor helped me understand the business aspects and in indeed in a short time I became a public speaker who gets paid for gigs. Good luck 🍀