How to build a powerful and diverse network

Without a powerful and diverse network around you, the ability to grow, build engagement and drive personal influence are minimal, according to Janine Garner, author of From Me To We, and CEO of LBDGroup.
 
Networking is a term that fills some with the excitement of possibility and others with absolute dread, she said.  
 
Garner explained that it doesn't matter where you are in the company tree; networks are a vital way of supporting your career progression and development. 
 
An effective network;

• Creates new opportunity for growth
• Stretches, drives and inspires you
• Enables you to influence more and leverage your position further

Here are Garner’s seven tips to build a powerful and diverse network:

1. Get out of your comfort zone

The vast majority of people network within the slight stretch of their immediate circle.
 
However, this safe space of same has its limitations, as it has the potential to be antigrowth and anti-difference of opinion, which can breed laziness and limit potential. 
 
Dig deep and step out of the place of familiarity and safety to connect with people outside your traditional circle. Make a conscious decision to explore other networks, other people and other businesses. 

2. Know your goal

Understand why you are choosing to network and what you are seeking. What skills, contacts and information are you looking for that will push you further towards your goals? Successful networking is about understanding the connections you should be making, as opposed to those you are making. It's about asking who do you need to surround yourself with to inspire you, stretch you and push you further than you could ever go alone.
 
3.  Embrace Diversity
 
An effective network is a diverse network that consists of people with differing levels of expertise, age, gender and experience. Powerful networks are those that are cross functional and cross industry; the ones that create colourful debate and conversation. Imagine the different perspectives shared, the varying insights, the depth of conversation that would stretch thinking and push perspective wider. Diverse connections have the potential to bring to the forefront opportunities that were previously not in your direct line of vision.

4. Surround yourself with the right people

The structure of your network is key to building a circle of excellence that works. Audit your immediate connections to ensure you have people in your network that;

• Provide new information, expertise and market knowledge
• Have been where you want to go and are willingly share their highs, lows and learnings
• Provide honest constructive feedback to enable you to grow
• Provide support and words of encouragement, filling your energy and resilience cup
• Add a sense of purpose to your thinking and direction
• Promote balance in your life.

5.  The give and take of networking
 
Building a network requires a conscious mind shift and attitude change from thinking about ‘Me’ to thinking about ‘We’. Give knowledge unconditionally, open doors willingly, and share insight to drive continued growth and success for others. Reciprocal networking drives incremental success as individuals constantly look for ways to give and add value.
 
6.  Beware the dream stealers
 
The sappers of positivity are everywhere – the ones that don’t add constructive thoughts to your dreams, but instead actually steal them and snuff them out – or worse, steal them for themselves. Dream stealers subtly put doubt in your mind and erode your confidence in yourself. Are these the type of people to include in your network? I think not.

Have the courage to open your eyes and walk away from the dream stealers.

7.  Capitalise on your network
 
Regular communication – and not just when you need something – is key. Successful management of your network requires:

• 100% delivery on what you say you are going to do
• Regularly and continuously adding value through communication
• Listening to the dreams of others and willingly sharing what you know and who you know to support them.

The few that understand the power of the network benefit immensely – we all know them. They are those uber-connected individuals that seem to be able to weave their web of influence and business collaboration with very little effort.
 
The most innovative businesses and organisations are finding that collaboration and effective and powerful networking are giving them an edge.