The Power of Networking: Why It Matters and How to Do It Effectively

Happy Fall, Lovely Leaders!

Are you enjoying the cooler temperatures and pumpkin flavors at almost every coffee shop? I walked into one the other day and noticed the sign saying, "We don't serve any pumpkin-flavored drinks." However, the time there was spent with great company and that brings me to the topic of networking. 

In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, your network can be one of your most valuable assets. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, launching a business, or just trying to expand your influence, networking is essential for personal and professional growth. It opens doors to opportunities, provides valuable insights, and fosters connections that can propel your career forward. And at the heart of networking, what we are truly doing is building relationships.

Why Networking Is Important:

1. Opens Doors to Opportunities
   Networking allows you to tap into resources, knowledge, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether it’s a job lead, a mentorship opportunity, or an invitation to collaborate, connections are key to unlocking new possibilities.

2. Builds Support Systems
   A strong network offers emotional and professional support. Whether you're facing a challenge or celebrating a win, having a circle of trusted colleagues and peers can make all the difference. These relationships provide advice, encouragement, and even constructive criticism when needed.

3. Expands Your Knowledge
   When you network, you're exposed to different perspectives and ideas. Conversations with people outside your usual circle can spark creativity, offer new ways of thinking, and help you stay updated on industry trends.

4. Strengthens The Services You Offer
   Your reputation often precedes you, and the relationships you build through networking play a significant role in shaping the credibility of the services you offer. A strong network ensures that your reach moves beyond the people that you know and into other spheres that could benefit from the services you bring. 

Effective Ways to Network

1. Attend Events
   Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide great opportunities to meet like-minded professionals. It doesn't have to be formal events, even casual meet-ups, and coffee visits can be productive!

2. Leverage Social Media
   Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram can be powerful networking tools. Connect with peers, follow industry leaders, and engage with content that’s relevant to your field. Virtual networking groups and online communities are also great ways to expand your network without leaving the office or your home!

3. Engage in Volunteering and Mentorship
   Giving back to the community through volunteering or serving as a mentor is a great way to expand your network. By offering your expertise and skills, you’ll meet new people and enhance your reputation as a leader in your field.

4. Master the Follow-Up
   Networking doesn’t end after the first conversation. Be sure to follow up with a personalized message or email to solidify the connection. Whether you met at an event or online, nurturing relationships over time is key to maintaining a strong, effective network.

Networking is about building meaningful connections, not just collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It often takes time and effort, but the rewards are invaluable. Remember, your network is an investment into your future and into someone else's future —it will provide you and others with opportunities, support, and knowledge throughout your career and in life!

This month, I encourage you to take time to invest in the relationships of your network! Whether it’s attending that virtual conference you’ve been considering, or reaching out to an old contact for coffee, the small touch points have great value. 

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Book Launch Update: 

We had such a wonderful time at my virtual book launch for "Mommy, Am I Indian Today?" Thank you so much to everyone who participated and attended the event! We had such a fun and meaningful time together! If you missed it and would like to go back and watch it and hear from myself and Tori, click the link below!

I have also included the link for the free coloring pages if you have children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren would might enjoy them!

 Watch Virtual Book Launch here: https://vimeo.com/1019285972?share=copy

Download Free Coloring Pages: http://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-eq-4GvBjXtFFDz8HHj4jI_3JfNo5mSz

 Click here to get your copy of the book on Amazon!

Leadership Spotlight: Gitanjali Rao 

Gitanjali Rao is an inspiring teenage scientist and inventor who was named Time Magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2020. At 15 years old, Gitanjali is passionate about global issues like clean water access for people as well as cyberbullying prevention.

Her work shows how young leaders can harness the power of technology to solve real-world problems and inspire future generations.

Read more about her incredible journey here: Gitanjali Rao: Kid of the Year

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influence that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Sheeba works with: 

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact, and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your self-awareness, and progress your career, or aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, by phone, or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating, and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.