Having a strong work network at work is one of the most important things you can do for your career. The people you know and the connections you make in your workplace can open doors, provide support, and lead to new opportunities.
In this article, I’ll discuss how to purposefully build your professional network within your company.
Table of Contents
Definition of a Work Network
Your work network consists of the professional relationships and connections you have with others in your workplace. This includes co-workers within your department, colleagues in other departments, managers, executives, mentors, and more.
These connections are built through day-to-day interactions, collaborations, social events, committees, and special projects. The goal is to build strong bonds and rapport with others so you can call on each other for support, advice, opportunities, and information.
Importance of Building Your Work Network
There are many benefits to developing a strong internal network at work:
- It increases your visibility and expands your influence. The more people who know you, the more likely your accomplishments and skills will be noticed for promotions and special assignments.
- It provides you access to information and intelligence. A broad network helps you stay in the know about what’s going on in other departments and higher up in the organization.
- It gives you connections and support. You have people to turn to for advice, help on projects, or just to brainstorm ideas.
- It opens up new opportunities. Your network often hears about job openings, special projects, and other opportunities first. They can make recommendations and references on your behalf.
- It enhances collaboration. You have contacts in place in other departments to facilitate cross-functional work.
- It develops mentors and sponsors. Seasoned colleagues can provide coaching and advocacy to help you advance.
A strong internal network is critical for navigating your career within an organization. Make building these connections a priority.
How to Build Your Network at Work
Here are some of the most effective strategies for intentionally developing your professional network within your workplace:
Get to Know Your Colleagues
- Make an effort to meet and get to know coworkers in your department and other departments. Introduce yourself to new hires.
- Show interest in their backgrounds, interests, and work. Find common ground for relationship building.
- Ask colleagues about their career paths and experiences at the company. Networking is a two-way street.
- Wave, smile and take time to chat with colleagues when you pass them in the office. Small gestures go a long way.
Attend Work Events
- Attend meetings, town halls, trainings, and social events to meet colleagues.
- Arrive early and stay late at events to mingle with attendees.
- Sit with new people instead of just sticking with your usual group.
- Ask lots of questions and listen attentively to learn about others.
- Offer to help organize department and company events like holiday parties.
Join Work Committees
- Join committees such as social, volunteer, diversity, sustainability, etc.
- Participate actively and demonstrate your skills and commitment to the group.
- Get to know committee members on a more personal level during meetings.
- Attend committee networking mixers and outings when offered.
Volunteer for Special Projects
- Raise your hand for special projects, especially cross-departmental initiatives.
- Use projects as an opportunity to work closely with new colleagues and leaders.
- Impress team members with your skills, work ethic, and ideas.
- Offer to help colleagues outside your department with a presentation, initiative, or event.
Help Others Succeed
- Offer to mentor new hires or junior team members to share your knowledge.
- Introduce colleagues to others in your network who could help with their initiatives.
- Give praise and recognition to colleagues for their wins and accomplishments.
- Write recommendations on LinkedIn for coworkers you want to support.
Maintaining Your Network
Once you’ve established connections, you need to cultivate and maintain those relationships over time.
Check-in Regularly
- Set reminders to periodically reach out to key contacts with a quick call, email, or instant message.
- Ask good questions and show interest in what they are working on.
- Share a relevant article, resource, or idea that aligns with their role or interest.
Offer Help
- Ask colleagues if there is any way you can help them based on your skills and experience.
- Flag opportunities or make introductions that could benefit them.
- Offer to lend a hand if they seem overwhelmed with a project.
Share Interesting Articles
- Forward helpful articles, case studies, or reports you come across.
- Comment on how it relates to their work when sharing industry news.
- Ask for their perspective on the content you share.
Celebrate Successes
- Congratulate colleagues when they get promoted, finish a big project, or have other wins.
- Write a recommendation on LinkedIn recognizing major accomplishments.
- Send a thank you note or small gift of appreciation for mentors.
Expanding Your Network
As you strengthen your internal network, also look for ways to expand it across the organization.
Connect with Other Departments
- Ask colleagues to introduce you to their teams and contacts in other departments.
- Offer to present at another department’s staff meeting about your work.
- Shadow employees in other departments to understand their roles.
Attend Industry Events
- Ask coworkers which associations, conferences, and events they find valuable.
- Volunteer to attend industry events with colleagues and use the opportunity to connect.
Join Professional Associations
- Join relevant professional associations along with colleagues from your company.
- Attend association meetings and events to widen your internal and external network.
- Get involved by speaking at or helping organize association events.
Benefits of a Strong Work Network
Cultivating a robust professional network within your workplace can further your career in many ways:
Increased Opportunities
Your connections will think of you first for open projects, challenges, promotions, and learning experiences.
Support and Mentorship
You’ll have people to turn to for honest feedback, advice, encouragement, and assistance navigating politics.
Collaboration
The cross-functional collaboration will be easier and more effective with contacts across the company.
Recognition
Your hard work and achievements will gain more visibility and endorsement from others.
Conclusion
Developing your professional network within your company should be an important ongoing priority. Dedicate time to building authentic relationships, helping others, sharing knowledge, and connecting colleagues.
The investment will pay dividends in terms of support, information, exposure, and advancement. Make networking a habit, not just when you need something. A robust internal network can fast-track your career success.
FAQs
What are some tips for remembering details about colleagues?
Save notes on colleagues in your contacts with reminders about their projects, interests, kids, hobbies, etc. Connect with them on social media to follow their updates and activities. Set reminders on your calendar to follow up with important contacts.
How do I tactfully stay in touch with new connections?
Use small talk about interests before pivoting to professional topics. Share an article or idea relevant to a past conversation. Compliment their work or offer congratulations before asking for advice.
What if I’m introverted or shy about networking?
Focus on learning about others first before promoting yourself. Attend smaller networking events to start. Connect virtually by email, instant message, or social media. Ask outgoing colleagues to introduce you to new contacts.
How do I avoid coming across as overly self-promotional?
Spend less time talking about yourself and more time asking questions. Offer thoughtful suggestions and help before asking for favors. Share praise, opportunities, and information with your network without expecting anything immediate in return.
