- Networking is widely known
as one of the best moves you can make
for your long term career growth,
but did you know that there's also a great way
to make sure that you're building a professional reputation
for your skills on the job?
The more you get to know your colleagues,
the more they'll pay attention to your work
and recognize the skills that you have to offer.
This can lead the way to recommendations
and referrals for new roles in the future.
There are plenty of avenues that you can take
in your networking,
but for now, let's talk specifically about networking
within the organization that you already work for.
Getting on more familiar terms with people
in your organization
can have long term and short term payoffs.
Today, you'll be able to keep better tabs
on changes happening within the organization,
and potentially get a head start
if there are any promotions
or lateral moves that you want to apply for.
And in the future, if you're ever laid off,
you already have a network of people
who can put in a good word for you.
I've actually seen someone who networked
internally with their company
as they were going through a structuring.
They were laid off, but they were then rehired
for a new position
because of that networking that they'd done.
When it comes to internal networking,
who should you get to know?
The short answer is anyone.
Network with managers, lateral colleagues,
colleagues in other departments, executive leadership.
You never know who will come across information
that can help you,
and who may have a lead for your dream job someday.
This can get your foot in the door
if a position in that department opens up,
or it can earn your referrals for the job you want,
because colleagues will recognize
that you have the skills for the role.
Naturally, the next question is,
where do you start with internal networking?
First of all, it's important
not to take things too seriously.
The goal is simply to get to know your colleagues
and leaders better,
and that works best in a casual and relaxed environment.
Start by asking a colleague
or a few colleagues out to lunch, for example.
Or, if you can invite them out after work
for happy hour or a coffee happy hour,
that's great, too.
You can also do more networking
within the course of business.
If your organization offers employee resource groups,
get involved with them.
This looks great on a resume,
but it also gives you a chance to get to know
the other people in that group.
If there's a department or role that you're aiming for,
you can also volunteer to help out with projects
in that department.
It's also a great way to not only network with the team,
but also put your skills on display.
Networking within your organization
doesn't have to take lot of extra time.
It's more of a conscious decision
about who to interact with most,
and a little bit of strategizing can go a long way.