Strategic Networking

Strategic networking is the ability to marshal information, support, and resources from one sector of a network to achieve results in another.

In a study of 30 aspiring or current managers undergoing ‘leadership transition’ - or learning to become better leaders - Ibarra and Hunter found three distinctive, but interdependent, forms of networking:

• Personal—kindred spirits outside your organization who can help you with personal advancement.
• Operational—people you need to accomplish your assigned, routine tasks.
• Strategic—people outside your control who will enable you to reach key organizational objectives.

Being a strategic networker involves recruiting stakeholders, identifying and targeting allies, assessing the political landscape, and opening conversations with outside parties.

Strategic networkers are adept at using their influence: for example, to convince one person in their network to get someone who is not in the network to do something.

We all know the old saying: it's who you know, not what you know. The idea is that education, knowledge, skills and doing a good job can only get you so far. However, if you know the right people and have the right connections, these valuable resources can steer you on the path of greater opportunities. For instance, a well-placed connection might inform you of an job opportunity before it becomes public knowledge. Relationships with professionals outside of your industry might expose you to opportunities, insights, ideas and connections you might never have otherwise considered.

Therefore, the benefit to business professionals of developing their networking abilities and getting on to peoples’ short lists, is creating long-term business relationships that support their success in such ways as they can find clients, get referrals, work on cool & interesting projects, get promoted, or hear about new jobs.

1. Start with your career goal
2. Understand your value proposition
3. Build mutually beneficial relationships
4. Find allies and champions
5. Be strategic

1. Why do I want to network?
2. How many contacts do I need?
3. Which people do I need to network with?
4. What does my networking plan look like?

- Why we need more strategic networks and invest in work activities outside our area of expertise -Herminia Ibarra [VIDEO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69EmOWG8XT0

- Strategic Networking | The Purpose Of Networking Is Building Relationships - Dave Lorenzo [VIDEO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvXawmPtvJ4

- Build Your Network - Harvard Extension School

https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/hes-building-your-network-publication.pdf

Grow or Perish: The Importance of Strategic Networking

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/grow-perish-importance-strategic-networking-martin-faim-face/

Beyond the Resume: Create A Strategic Networking Document http://www.themarketingsage.com/beyond-the-resume-create-a-strategic-networking-document/

- Outlining the Benefits of Strategic Networking

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267791155_Outlining_the_benefits_of_Strategic_Networking

Strategic Connections in Networking

https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/2015/strategic-connections-in-networking/

Strategic Networking is Key for Women Professionals

https://www.womenonbusiness.com/strategic-networking-is-key-for-women-professionals/