Speaker 1: Helping leaders motivate their people to a higher level of
Speaker 1: performance through strong human relations, team building, and goalajieving. This
Speaker 1: is the seven Minute Leadership Podcast with your host Paul Fellovaledo.
Speaker 2: Hello everyone, and welcome to the seven Minute Leadership Podcast.
Speaker 2: It's episode two ninety. Today we're diving into an essential
Speaker 2: leadership skill, building a strategic network. I talked about strategic
Speaker 2: partnerships a few episodes ago, but building and identifying your
Speaker 2: strategic network is a bit different. So whether you're an
Speaker 2: emerging leader or a seasoned executive, your network is a
Speaker 2: powerful tool that can help you solve problems, seize opportunities,
Speaker 2: and grow as a leader. But networking isn't just about
Speaker 2: collecting business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It's about building
Speaker 2: meaningful relationships that provide long term value. So why do
Speaker 2: leaders need a strategic network? As a leader, you don't
Speaker 2: have all the answers and you don't need to, but
Speaker 2: you should know who to turn to when you need insight,
Speaker 2: support or new opportunities. A strategic network can provide mentorship
Speaker 2: and guidance from experienced leaders, help you spot trends in
Speaker 2: your industry before they become mainstream, and create new opportunities
Speaker 2: for partnerships and career growth, and strengthen your credibility by
Speaker 2: associating with trusted professionals. So here is where partnerships differ
Speaker 2: from a strategic network. A strategic network isn't just a
Speaker 2: list of contacts. It's a well thought out and planned
Speaker 2: system of three layers that serve different functions. You have
Speaker 2: to identify them, so after the episode it would be
Speaker 2: a great little task to write these down as they
Speaker 2: apply to you. First is your inner circle. These are
Speaker 2: your trusted advisors, and this is a small group maybe
Speaker 2: three to five people you turn to for honest feedback
Speaker 2: and strategic advice. They know your strengths, weaknesses, and goals,
Speaker 2: and they challenge your thinking and push you to be better.
Speaker 2: Next is your industry network. This is your professional community.
Speaker 2: These are colleagues, peers, and influencers in your field. They
Speaker 2: keep you informed about industry trends and best practices. Engaging
Speaker 2: with them through conferences, webinars, classes, or online discussions helps
Speaker 2: you stay relevant and visible. And last is your extended
Speaker 2: network your growth network. This includes people outside your immediate industry.
Speaker 2: These are business owners, investors, community leaders, and innovators. They
Speaker 2: introduce new perspectives and unexpected opportunities that can help you
Speaker 2: innovate and grow. So those three layers, your inner circle,
Speaker 2: your industry network, and your extended network make up your
Speaker 2: strategic network. You've always had these people, you just might
Speaker 2: not have known or recognized that they all fall into
Speaker 2: one of those three layers or categories. And now that
Speaker 2: you know the layers, let's talk about how to build
Speaker 2: and maintain your network. Number one, be intentional about who
Speaker 2: you connect with. Don't network randomly. Seek out relationships that
Speaker 2: align with your goals. Look for people who inspire you
Speaker 2: with their work, ethic and leadership. Have expertise in areas
Speaker 2: where you want to improve and share similar values, and
Speaker 2: a commitment to excellence. And number two, give more than
Speaker 2: you take. Great networking isn't about asking for favors. It's
Speaker 2: about adding value. First, offer help, share insights, and connect
Speaker 2: people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other.
Speaker 2: When you give first, people are more willing to help
Speaker 2: you later. Number three, stay engaged and follow up. Networking
Speaker 2: is not a one time event. It's an ongoing effort.
Speaker 2: Stay engaged by checking in with your contacts regularly and
Speaker 2: sending articles or resources that they might find useful in
Speaker 2: congratulating them on milestones and achievements. A simple email or
Speaker 2: a quick message on LinkedIn keeps relationships warm and active
Speaker 2: and diversify your network. Avoid the echo chamber. Connect with
Speaker 2: people outside your industry, your age, group, and background. Different
Speaker 2: perspectives lead to more creative problem solving and better decision making.
Speaker 2: And show up in the right places. Be present where
Speaker 2: high value connections gather. This could be industry conferences, leadership roundtables,
Speaker 2: local business events, and even on online communities for professionals,
Speaker 2: if you want to be influential, you need to be
Speaker 2: visible so your network can open doors that you never expected,
Speaker 2: but only if you build it with intention and care.
Speaker 2: So make your list of layers that I mentioned earlier
Speaker 2: and fill in the names of who belongs there. Surround
Speaker 2: yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and help
Speaker 2: you grow. Invest time in building relationships before you need them,
Speaker 2: because when the time comes, your network will be your
Speaker 2: greatest leadership asset. This has been the seven minute Leadership
Speaker 2: podcast and I thank you for listening.
Speaker 1: For more Paul Fell of Alito Podcasts, visit Paulfellowalito dot com.