7 Simple Ways to Boost your Internal Networking Skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many people think, mistakenly, that since they do not have to go outside the company walls to do their job, then they do not need to network.

Even if your job rarely requires you to interact with other people outside your company, you still need to know how to interact and network internally with your colleagues.

This is nothing to do with the scope of your job and your responsibilities, and it is actually a must behavior within organizations, small or large.

I believe that your ability to network internally will make your working environment much more pleasant and will influence dramatically the teamwork spirit within the organization and your career.

Moreover, internal networking means creating value, caring and giving authentic attention to others.

The 7 simple ways to boost your internal networking skills:

1. Have lunch with others

Lunch is a great opportunity to try your internal networking skills.

Make a plan to  regularly have lunch with another colleague or colleagues.

This short time can be very valuable in building strong relationships with your colleagues, discover what are they busy with, add value to them and try to help solve their needs. Try not to eat lunch with the same people each time.

I guarantee you that if you are sincerely interested in your colleague stories, you will often find these lunch meetings the most enjoyable and interesting part of your week.

Remember, to be interesting be interested.

If lunchtime can’t work, do not try to find excuses, schedule a coffee/tea break together with your colleague.

2. Participate in internal and external training and events

Try to participate in any training programs and events that the organization offers.

In a case of a large organization this training is usually a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other departments, divisions or geographies.

If your organization is small and no internal programs are offered. I consider joining with other colleagues in a external event or training also as internal networking.

During the intense days of participation in the event, you will see your colleague much more often than in the office and you will interact with him also on a personal level.

This will help you to learn much more about your colleague and it definitely part of the internal networking process.

3. Become a project leader

Many people do not embrace the golden opportunity given to them by their employer and develop a unique project within their company.

Start your own project within the company and involve as many colleagues as you can to support you and take leading roles.

In the first instance, it seems like a time-consuming activity with no immediate benefits.

But this kind of volunteering has many benefits to you and the organization.

For me, as far as I remember, I developed new projects in most of the companies where I worked. Thus, I got to learn more about my colleagues and was much more appreciated by my colleagues as well as my employer.

4. Be a supporter

Some of your colleagues have other activities outside of the office, e.g. volunteering in a non-profit organization; helping special institutes etc.

You should try to find it out and support your colleagues' good causes by attending, volunteering or donating to the other nonprofit organizations.

This behavior surely shows commitment and real interest to build a relationship with your colleague.

5. Be a connector

An easy and rewarding way to practice networking internally is to act as an internal connector.

 I  believe that contacts you share you do not own.

Take every chance to introduce people from different parts of your organization.

You can also introduce your colleagues to your external network and vice versa.

It’s amazing how many relationships will deepen once you have helped people to connect.

I want you to understand that these connections do not need to have a direct link to your organization or job.

For example, you may introduce your colleague to a great doctor to take care of her health problem; you may help your colleague’s son land an interview for a job.

Your connecting efforts will be highly valued and surely remembered!

6. Be the first during moments of joy and sadness

Celebrate with your colleagues their moments of joy! And be with them in moments of sadness.

When your colleague is promoted, receive an award, got a new child or got married, send congratulations.

While on the other hand, if your colleague experiences a very sad moment in his life, be there for them. I mean physically, in real life (not only via social networks).

A quick hand-written card to someone (even if you don’t know them well) will go a long way towards showing that you care, you are paying attention
 

7. Praise others.

 How many people in your organization talk about other people’s accomplishments?

Most of the people talk naturally about their own achievements. But what if you start to praise other colleagues’ achievements and really mean it?

As a matter of fact, if you turn it into your habit your will create yourself a name as a real team player and everybody would seek your company.

Learn not to be afraid to share credit.

Remember – your internal network and the authentic relationships you build within your company will go with you forever!You will probably develop a different sort of relationship with them than with external parties.

If you keep others’ interests in mind, you will be seen as genuine relationship builder; an authentic attention giver; someone who’s willing to lend a hand.

The well-connected person creates value for all.

Many of my ex-colleagues and clients are still a great source of continuing friendship and inspiration. These are relationships that I will always cherish.

Remember, it's called net-working, not net-setting. Set a goal and go for it.

To your greater success and fulfillment,

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

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