This week, I’m expanding on my last episode with Brad Englert, when we talked about Building Essential Internal and External Relationships.

This week, I’m providing key how-to strategies for building those relationships.

Here’s how I think of it: The broad heading here is Networking. Underneath that is a specific category of networking – building relationships to help you do your job more effectively and efficiently.

Networking, in its simplist form, is an exchange of information or services and the cultivation of productive relationships.

Note the word “exchange” – networking is not a one-way street, not ever. It should be an equal exchange of energy. The other word of note is “productive” – not everyone you meet will become a productive relationship, nor should they.

Building Relationships at Work

Here are several concrete reasons to build relationships at work:

-You can improve productivity and create a better overall work experience by cultivating mutual trust and respect through networking.

-You may find potential mentors and mentees.

-You’ll learn about other facets of your organization including career paths and specific jobs you might be interested in – as well as secure an advocate to help you with that transition.

-You might be exposed to stretch assignments, committee appointments, or project teams you wouldn’t otherwise know about or be considered for.

-You’ll be exposed to insider knowledge of job opportunities before they become more widely known.

-The network you cultivate means that, as those people move on to other companies, you are building a future external network.

Who, Specifically, Should You Be Networking With?

-Peers

-Stakeholders

-Cross-functional employees

-Your boss’s peers (ask your boss first)

-Movers and shakers – high-potentials, well-regarded, etc.

Some Ideas for Getting Started

-Invite them for coffee (virtual or in-person)

-Ask if you can stop by their office for 15 minutes – or schedule a virtual 15-minute meeting

-Invite them to lunch

-Invite them to a luncheon meeting as your guest

-Accept other’s invitations to be a guest at their luncheon events

What Should You Say?

Get the other person talking about himself or herself. Here are some great starter questions:

-What are you currently working on?

-How did you land your job?

-What’s the best part of working in your department?

-Who in the company have you especially enjoyed working with, and why?

-What has been your proudest achievement at this company?

-How did your degree in [know this ahead of time via LI] prepare you for this field?

-Where did you work prior to [present company], and what was the best part of that job?

Additional Networking Tips

-Connect with everyone you network with on LinkedIn

-Follow up and follow through

-Look for opportunities to connect those in your network with others in your network

-Create a system for regular touch points – such as quarterly, bi-annually, annually

-Look for opportunities to connect between more formal meetings, such as sending them an article you think they would appreciate or kudos for a recognition they’ve received

The Exclusive Career Accelerator is a transformational career coaching program that sets you up for success in your current role, in your next job search, and for the rest of your career. You’ll receive customized 1:1 coaching, job search support, and world-class marketing documents written by one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers in the world. To learn more or to schedule a consult, visit my website at https://theexclusivecareer.com/teca or email me at lesa@theexclusivecareer.com