Investing in Networks: Cultivating Relationships for the Long-term.
Hello from a little town called Nové Bránice in the Czech Republic. I’m here with my Mum and kids as we wanted to introduce them to this side of our family and since it’s been over twenty years since I was last here, it was well overdue!
We are so humbled and honoured by the hospitality and generosity being shown to us and it got me thinking about the importance of connection to our lives.
You may have noticed that our theme this month is ‘investing in your networks’, so let’s look back at what we have shared and hopefully inspire you to reach out to more of your ties.
Networking is a crucial investment for long-term success. Here are just some of the benefits:
Access to new information
Raises your profile
Opens doors to new opportunities
Boosts confidence
Establishes valuable references
Leads to lasting personal and professional relationships
Enhances reputation and visibility in your industry
Here at Relatus, we understand the profound impact of nurturing connections and believe in investing time and effort into developing your relational intelligence.
A few weeks ago, we shared a Tuesday Tip with Ivan Misner's quote, “Networking is more about farming than [it is about] hunting,” which highlights the importance of cultivating relationships over time. Effective networking involves consistently nurturing connections and investing in meaningful interactions.
It’s about building a community of trusted allies, requiring genuine engagement, follow-up, and a willingness to offer support without immediate expectations of return. By embracing the farming mindset, we shift our focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainability and mutual benefit. Additionally, we shared Christie Hunter Arscott advice, “Approach networking with curiosity and generosity, and watch your career flourish.” We know that traditional networking can feel daunting, but by focusing on meaningful conversations rather than small talk, you can build authentic connections that drive mutual success. Asking thoughtful questions and shifting your mindset from "What can I get?" to "How can I help?" fosters deeper relationships and greater happiness.
The true value lies in the depth and longevity of the relationships it builds. As Diane Helbig aptly states, "Networking is an investment in your business. It takes time and [when done correctly] can yield great results for years to come".
And finally, as we help teach in our training programs, you need a strategy to network as it needs to align to your everyday activities. Reaching out to dormant connections and simply saying hello or better still, offering expertise can reignite valuable connections. Especially now, in the evolving landscape of AI and automation, soft skills like adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence become more crucial than ever. Anyone with honed soft skills can excel in collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, creating a better workplace. Sharpening these learnt “human” skills can make you indispensable in your professional environment.
Below are some steps to help you reconnect with individuals with whom you’ve lost touch over time but who were once significant to you.
Identify Dormant Connections: Take a few minutes to go through your contacts and list down names of people you haven't connected with in a while.
Reach Out: Send a personalised message or email. Mention something specific you remember about them to show that your outreach is genuine.
Offer Value: Think about how you can help them. Share a piece of content that might be of interest, offer your expertise, or simply ask if there’s anything you can do for them.
Follow-Up: After the initial reconnection, follow up periodically. A good rule of thumb is to touch base every few months.
Remember, the goal is to build and sustain meaningful relationships, not just to increase the number of your connections. By taking these small steps, you can strengthen your network and reap the benefits of these relationships for years to come.
Your network will support and sustain your professional growth (and in my case here in this little town that time forgot, can also provide much personal fulfilment:).
This last weekend, we have been treated to two different gatherings, meeting over 50 family members overall. There were lots of traditions experienced, foods tried, stories shared and memories created! It's not always easy to connect and reconnect, especially with the language gaps, but it has been very rewarding.
Happy relationships,
Julia
Julia Palmer a respected Relational Strategist and Chief Executive of Relatus, helping you develop your relational capabilities to give you the human advantage.
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