What do you do if your career growth is hindered by a weak professional network within your organization?

Here are steps you can take to improve your networking skills: Identify Key Players: Identify influential individuals within your organization who can support your career growth. This may include supervisors, department heads, mentors, and colleagues in influential positions. Set Networking Goals: Define specific networking goals tailored to your career aspirations. Determine the types of connections you need to make and the objectives you want to achieve through networking. Engage in Cross-Functional Projects: Volunteer for cross-functional projects or committees that involve collaboration with colleagues from different departments or teams. These projects provide opportunities to expand your network and showcase your skills.

Identify individuals within your organization who have influence, expertise, or knowledge in areas relevant to your career goals. Look for potential mentors, sponsors, or allies who can support your professional development and provide guidance.

To identify my networking gaps, I’ll start by listing my current contacts within the organization, categorizing them by department and role. I'll determine which departments and individuals influence career opportunities and assess the strength of these relationships. I'll reflect on any overlooked colleagues or groups. By comparing my current network to my ideal network, I'll identify gaps and set specific goals to expand my connections. My strategies will include scheduling meetings, attending company events, joining collaborative projects, and seeking mentorship. I’ll regularly review and adjust my approach to ensure I'm effectively bridging these gaps.

Building relationships is always a key factor for success - internal relationships are just as critical as external. The first thing to do is identify where the gaps are and who in the business would assist in narrowing that down, use the approach of wanting to learn and understand what they do and where it ties into the bigger picture. Open the channels of communication and build a collaborative relationship - I have found most people enjoy sharing what they do and if they can coach / mentor someone they won't hesitate. Ask questions, offer time and assistance on projects that go between departments and share information, where possible.

Once I’ve pinpointed gaps in my network, I'll actively work on building new relationships. I'll initiate contact with individuals in those areas and show sincere interest in their roles. I'll participate in company events and volunteer for projects that involve multiple departments. Additionally, I'll seek out mentorship opportunities and offer to mentor others. These steps will help me create valuable connections and showcase my dedication to the organization.

I share the skills I have. I teach and show what I know and meet new people. I also seek out mentorship and reach out and express my interest in learning from the experiences of seniors who inspires me and whose career paths are aligned with my aspirations. This can open doors to new projects and help my career take flight.

Actions speak louder than words. While discussing plans and ideas is important, it's the follow-through and tangible results that truly matter. Demonstrating commitment and achieving goals can be more impactful than simply talking about them.

Start by asking for feedback from your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. This can help you understand how others perceive your work and identify areas for improvement. Constructive feedback can guide you on how to build stronger relationships and improve your networking skills.

Look beyond your immediate team and department. Attend company events, join cross-functional projects, and participate in professional groups within the organization. This will help you meet new people, learn from different perspectives, and expand your network.

Mentorship Programs: Engage in mentorship programs where you can connect with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and introduce you to their networks. Lunch & Learn Sessions: Take part in informal gatherings like lunch and learn sessions to interact with colleagues from various departments. Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops and training sessions to not only enhance your skills but also to meet and collaborate with others who share similar professional interests.