By Miranda K. Brawn, Esq. Barrister-at-Law
It is clear that any woman who is going after a high-powered position in any industry, but especially in financial services, law and business, will need to have a strong resume. While many focus on painstakingly compiling their credentials, career background, accomplishments, spending weeks on application materials and making everything look as perfect as can be on paper and online, as well as conducting external networking by attending various events etc., they are forgetting one important thing – the Art of Internal Networking!
We have all heard of the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know!” and how networking can benefit our careers. But have you thought about how your own network, especially your internal network, is your most powerful tool. Most people focus on the external networking aspect of developing their careers. Sometimes the most effective networking takes place where you dwell on a day to day basis. This relates back to the 6 Degrees of Separation theory highlighting the importance of information flow, building networks in one’s own organization and developing the tools for communication.
If you are a woman on the verge of making a big move or wanting to make such a move, consider these top ten tips for making an impact:
1. Become a Connector– Connectors have a different kind of power as they always know someone. They may be good at making suitable introductions. Hence, there is great value in forming and maintaining a strong circle of contacts. It is important to factor in first impressions and guide what you want new contacts to say about you after the initial meeting. Connectors love social connections as it is in their human nature and collect friends like stamps. It is the nurturing and coordinating of introductions that they enjoy the most which is the art of networking. That said, lots of people are not naturally social but they can become a Connector by learning the main skills. This can range from emailing or calling colleagues in other areas of the organisation who they have not seen in a while and organizing a lunch or coffee catch up to update them on various activities which may be of use and/or interest to them.
2. Focus on giving versus getting – internal networking is an investment for yourself and your organisation hence try to adopt an attitude of giving to your network. This should ultimately be a “give and take” relationship not just “take”.
3. Constantly add value to your network – Think about the ways you can add value to your network and continue to do this on a regular basis. It is important that you are playing your part and not just turning up every day to do the bare minimum. If you work in the finance industry, you could email your own area or another internal area about the latest news in the trading market or various banking regulations which are fast and flowing at the moment. Hence, who do you think they will approach should they need advice on trading or banking regulation information? I hope you are beginning to see the value in this personal branding through your internal network which could be extended to your external network. This links into my next tip where your knowledge can make you powerful within your organisation.
