How important is networking for a successful strategic communications career?

One of the many things I’ve learned from Bill Berman is the importance of influence and impact (he wrote a whole book on it), and it’s critical for any strategic communications practitioner. To do that effectively, you first need strong internal networks based on trust, not transactions. When you invest in getting to know someone personally, you can go further faster. I am also a big fan of creating external networks where you can share your skills and knowledge, benchmark what you are doing well, and get outside ideas on what you and your comms team can do even better.

Networking could be anything anywhere. It’s not that you know people, but that you are of added value and memorable to them. You are the network. And nothing is as volatile as a persons career, so find peers, look for people in high positions, but anyone could be - in a matter of months. So ffs: be nice and certainly not arrogant.

Wisdom been seek cross oceans, and surely part of career growth is seeking the wisdom through networking. I believe people diversity in characteristics will always lead to find your suitable people, and with these direct connection, you will take yourself out of your comfort zone to stay connected for things you won't notice at your day-to-day work. It sure gives an edge among others if you have the right circle, not a privilege, only an edge. Your network is not only about a call or a message, it's more to trust, respect, and worthy. So, ensure you have what it takes to earn it.

Today more than ever people are seeking authentic and genuine relationships in life, business and community. People are obviously drawn to individuals with similar values, principles and beliefs. It is easier to communicate with an individual who understands your essence. Having said that one must not limit oneself to the common and familiar. Growth occurs outside the comfort zone. It is the place where one stretches. Networking allows you to test your limits and boundaries. It challenges you to explore the unknown and seek the truth from a different place. This will lead to introspection and a greater appreciation of your own personal capacity to grow and thrive. Be careful the comfortable and familiar provides a false sense of security.

La conexión entre personas con un sueño en común es muy importante. Muchas veces, los recursos convencionales (herramientas crediticias, fondos, préstamos, etc) no están disponibles para los proyectos disruptivos. El networking en este caso es una de las pocas instancias para acceder a recursos esenciales para el desarrollo y prosperidad de cualquier proyecto.

Networking has been a cornerstone of my communications career. Networking isn't solely about exchanging business cards; it's about forging authentic connections that cultivate opportunities and enrich the strategic communications landscape. Networking extends to all stakeholders: clients, partners, vendors, colleagues from another branches, journalists, influencers… even the cleaning lady in your offices. You never know when you might need someone’s support. Be kind, be mindful, be honest!

“If you ask me a question and I don’t know the answer … I know how to find the answer.” This shortened quote from The Pursuit of Happyness is a great example of how networking can be a priceless asset to any professional - if I don’t know, I’ll know someone who does. Cultivating relationships with people of varying skill sets is like having an efficient and reliable toolbox. Do your best to be an expert in your field, help those in your life that could benefit from your experience, and seek out opportunities to connect with other experts in their own respective paths.

I had the luck to work for a manager who was excellent at networking right at the beginning of my career. He would do it systematically and he would follow-up with peers and potential clients. The interactions remained transactional but honest. It was very beneficial to be introduced to networking early on Whether it is as an individual contributor or a manager, networking helps understand your public, their perspective and interest. Knowledge of these helps crafting the message and communication style.

This is the wrong question to ask. Networking - building a pool of positive (if not deep) relationships - matters in any career or even context. You need to know whom to call with a question about a role as much as you need someone to point you to the right daycare in a new neighborhood.

The most important thing in maintaining a network is keeping in mind what your contact needs, rather than focusing on yourself. Over time, as they see that you are reliable, fast, and effective In helping them problem solve, you're the one to call first. Pitch to their needs ... not yours.

Effective networking involves active participation in industry events, leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn, engaging in informational interviews, offering value to connections, and maintaining genuine and consistent communication.

Two ears, one mouth - always remember the ratio, you learn much more by having a dialogue when networking, and it is so important to follow up if you say you will.

I like to think of networking more like relationship building. One thing I’ve found helpful is to have regular times of year when you check in with contacts or be proactive at finding connection points such as a job change or work anniversary. Maintaining relationships take effort but if you put in the effort then it will pay off in the long-run especially when you most need it. And if you’re looking to build your network start with people you know family, friends or alumni. And as you look to build your network try to find commonalities in interests such as a topic someone is posting about.

Networking is a skill that needs to be practiced as any other skills. My recommendation is to first target low-stakes events where you could refine your skills, practice your interpersonal abilities and get comfortable around new acquaintances. After feeling comfortable with your networking skills, you can target more high-stakes, high-level events where you have opportunities to meet other professionals, potential clients, mentors etc.

Networking effectively can seem daunting initially, but it is so much fun after one or two events. Put yourself in as many events as possible, join conversations, and listen to people. Always be ready to put yourself amidst people in senior roles. It will help you so much in the long run. Remember to follow up with the new people you have connected with in a recent event. Always look at how others create communication strategies, offer suggestions, and ask their opinion on your comms plan. This is the easiest way possible to build an effective network.

Avoid the common tendency to network only with those at your level in the organization. I often see that employees are either intimidated by members of the organization that are at senior leader levels. But, even moreso, I see employees ignoring or overlooking the benefits that networking with those at "lower rungs" on the ladder, or entry level employees can bring. I think a perspective of being "the same as" as opposed to "less than," or "better than," can help expand our networks and lead to greater insights and broader impacts.

You don't always know when you have had an impact or made a difference in someone's life but sometimes it comes back to you in spades. We helped a young woman entrepreneur and when she was successful and asked who had helped her the most at the beginning, she said we had. Her comments ended up being part of a cover article in the Toronto Star!

In your networking journey, mix it up by connecting with people from different areas and experience levels. Always be open to learning, and remember to follow up with new contacts. Keep growing your skills and use your network to help others, not just yourself.

To expand networks, strategic communicators should focus on building relationships beyond immediate needs, diversifying connections, fostering reciprocal relationships, staying updated with industry trends and continuously developing communication skills.

Remember that networking is not a “one and done” effort. Set calendar reminders to reach out periodically to key contacts. Focus on finding ways to encourage and give back to people you consider mentors.