In today's competitive job market, building a robust professional network is crucial. Whether you're a proposal coordinator, proposal manager, or team leader, having strong connections with your professional community can open doors you never knew existed. Especially in the world of new business development for the international development sector, building the right connections can help you form partnerships, foster organizational development, and introduce opportunities you would never have found without your friends.
But the ways that we're thinking about "networks" are certainly changing. No long is the narrative simply win friends and influence people. Folks are too savvy for inauthentic, transactional relationships to pay off. So, what does it take to build an authentic and connected professional network? This guide will walk you through the process, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you grow your network in a meaningful way.
The Basics of Networking
Let's break it down to start. What is "networking"? Professional networking involves creating and nurturing relationships that can support and benefit your career. Whether you're attending a professional conference, chatting with colleagues over lunch, or intentionally expanding your network through informational interviews, it counts as networking. Of course, social media counts as networking just the same as any other type of connections.
It's about more than just handing out business cards at events; it's about forming genuine connections that can lead to mutual growth and opportunity. Collecting names (or followers) means very little when it comes to connections that you can really rely upon.
Something we often forget? Everyone has a network.
Many people underestimate the power of their existing professional and personal networks to support their goals and ambitions. We aren't saying that you should measure friendship in terms of how it can help your career, but we are saying that it's easy to discount the people who are most likely to already be our supporters. Colleagues, former classmates, and even acquaintances can be valuable connections. These "work friends" are already part of your network and can be instrumental in your professional growth.
Building an Authentic Network
Starting out, it can be really challenging to recognize that real networking means real relationship building. It's impossible to build a relationship without showing up as an authentic version of yourself. When we've been taught to "act professional" and "dress for the job you want" it can feel like the only way to network is to put on an act. Perhaps at one point, or in some other industry, this may have been true.
But anymore - especially in new business development, which is already highly transactional in nature - people don't want to feel like they're just another name on your list. Just as you don't want to be friends with someone "fake," showing up as anything other than yourself is going to make it hard to form connections.
Authenticity is key to successful networking. People are more likely to connect with you if they feel you're being genuine. It's not about putting on a facade; it's about being yourself and letting your true personality shine through.
When you're authentic, you attract like-minded individuals who share your values and interests. This not only makes networking more enjoyable but also more effective, as you're building connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
Strategies for Building Genuine Connections
To build an authentic network, focus on quality over quantity. Take the time to get to know people, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Approaching expanding your professional network as you would expanding your community of friends, or meeting friends of your friends!
Keeping transactional exchanges to a minimum can be a challenge when you're working in business development, so intentionality is important. For every time you reach out with a request, try to connect at least once with no agenda or request in mind. Learn about what your professional contacts care about, what keeps them up at night, and look for ways that you can help them. Remember, it's not just about what they can do for you, but also what you can offer them.
Leveraging Social Media and Technology
Technology can make maintaining and growing your network easier. Whether its the easy of scheduling a reminder in your task list to reach out to a colleague once a month, or the ease of staying in touch using social media, technology can be a real asset in growing and strengthening your community.
As a starting point, ask yourself a simple question: where do the people you want to get to know hang out? Social media platforms like LinkedIn and even niche forums like r/internationaldev can be rich with folks who are similarly excited to connect with their peers. You may form relationships with folks that you may never have met otherwise.
Join online communities of practice for new business development professionals, like the Bid Boss Clubhouse, can provide a new space to engage with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another. Look for niche platforms where you feel at home to foster deeper connections and stay updated on industry trends.
Networking Events and Groups
Best case scenario? Attending industry events and joining professional groups can significantly expand your network. Worst case scenario? Attending industry events can feel like a pointless drain on your limited time and lead you with a stack of business cards and no real connections.
These settings provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and stay updated on industry trends, but the potential to get overwhelmed with people or anxiety can cause real issues for many people.
To maximize your networking efforts at events, plan ahead.
Before attending any networking event, set specific goals. Whether it's meeting new people, learning something new, or finding potential collaborators, having a clear objective will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.
Identify key people you want to meet and have a few conversation starters ready. For anyone who finds tracking folks down a bit uncomfortable, consider using a networking or industry event an opportunity to strengthen your connection with someone you already know!
Follow up with new contacts afterward to keep the relationship going, even if it's only to say a simple thank you and make sure you have a warm message. Don't worry about sending these messages immediately. Within a few weeks to a month following a major industry event can be completely fine.
Nurturing and Sustaining Your Network
Maintaining relationships is almost more important than building new ones. How do you maintain your professional network? Think of all the same strategies you would employ to maintain a long-distance friendship. Find opportunities to reach out an say hi, whether it's through a quick email, a social media interaction, or a coffee meetup. Check-in before industry events to see if your work friends will be in attendance.
Consistency is key. Make it a habit to reach out to your network regularly. Small gestures, like remembering birthdays or congratulating someone on a new job, can go a long way in maintaining strong relationships.
This may seem like the opposite of authenticity, but focus on building the relationships which are rewarding. Not transactionally rewarding, but collectively rewarding. The people who make you feel comfortable being yourself and encourage you to pursue your goals are worth your time. Someone who makes you feel inferior, unwanted, or dismissed? Not so much.
Give more than you get.
Always look for ways to add value to your network. Share relevant articles, offer to help with projects, or simply listen when someone needs to talk. By being a valuable resource, you'll strengthen your connections and build lasting relationships. Make the focus on what you can do for others, rather than thinking about what they can do for you and you'll have a strong set of connections there when you need them.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can be daunting, especially for introverts and others who find social interactions draining or confusing to navigate. However, we've all got friends of one kind or another. Taking the "professional" out of networking can often help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel.
Here are our quick tips:
- Focus on strengthening connections with your existing network before building new relationships.
- Start small by attending smaller events or focusing on one-on-one interactions.
- Relying on virtual interactions, like an email pen-pal situation or a social media connection can be lower stress.
- Prepare ahead of time in whatever way suits your brain, be that conversation starters, clear goals, or an exit strategy.
Gradually build your confidence and expand your efforts. Remember, it's okay to take breaks and recharge as needed.
Networking doesn't have to be stressful. Approach it with a positive mindset and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Focus on building genuine connections rather than trying to impress everyone you meet.
Conclusion
Building an authentic and connected professional network takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a network that can support your career growth and open up new opportunities.
Remember, networking is a two-way street. Be genuine, add value, and stay engaged with your connections. Start building your network of professional friends today, and don't hesitate to reach out to me for any further tips or advice on navigating your professional journey.
Happy connecting!
