Networking & Leadership

Being an entrepreneur, a job seeker, an employee, a leader… all call for networking.

What was your immediate reaction to ‘networking’?

It tends to evoke an unfavorable vibe, a connotation of being transactional, inauthentic, self-serving… 

But what happens when we spin that inner dialogue to view networking not as a sales pitch, but as an opportunity to build connections with and learn about other human beings… as a way to infuse more meaning into what you’re doing… as a process to building community to mutually support one another in achieving personal and professional goals…

Networking helps us problem-solve by gaining more diverse perspectives and guidance. It provides opportunities to meet mentors or mentees and share your experiences. It can help build a positive reputation as a leader. It elevates creativity and innovation through thought sharing. And of course it does also open up new opportunities.

Over the last two months, I’ve met a number of amazing individuals (many of whom I’m already partnering with professionally or brainstorming with on personal goals of how to better support our community). Networking is not just a way to grow your career, but an essential tool for developing as a leader. Networking builds a support system that helps you grow, innovate, and lead with greater effectiveness.

Not all the people I met were from ‘networking events’, though any event can be a ‘networking’ event when you approach it with the mindset of ‘connecting with other humans’.

🍃 What has been your favorite story of meeting someone that became a strong member of your community? 🍃