They say your net worth is your network. This statement is fact, i talked to one of the most senior manager in one of the venerated NGO's in Kenya. He mentioned to me, forget alot on other things if you can but strive alot to sustain your network and build on more eventually within 5 years your more likely to be far in vision, shared passions and as a result in collaborations and constant communication it will land you to more unique opportunities and challenges in your area of expertise.

Networking is key to kickstarting your Nonprofit Leadership career. Attend events, seek mentorship, volunteer, join professional groups, conduct informational interviews, and engage online. Build relationships, gain insights, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.

I recommend to everyone that the key to becoming a successful nonprofit leader is to combine education, transferrable skills from other fields and networking. The easiest way to network in nonprofits is to volunteer, both doing direct service and getting involved as a board member of a local nonprofit. Being effective in these roles will introduce you to the world of nonprofits and provide crucial references and connections that will continue to serve you throughout your career.

Something I was diligent about at the start of my career was sending follow-up notes via LinkedIn or email after discovering new people at events. You can do this with people who speak on panels or facilitate workshops you attend, too. I usually reference something specific: what they shared that shifted my perspective, a role they have/had which I was curious about, or an opportunity for collaboration. This has allowed me to build great connections over the last 15 years, some resulting in enduring friendships! Next time you're at an event, write down the names of the people you feel a connection with and want to follow-up with. Then take a few moments to find them on LinkedIn or another platform and send a note to introduce yourself!

In my experience, reaching out directly to industry professionals on LinkedIn yields great results. Requesting concise 20-minute chats or online meetings and approaching them with clear objectives not only respects their time but also cultivates meaningful connections. Many individuals are eager to engage in and talk about topics they're passionate about or knowledgeable in, especially when the purpose is clearly communicated in the initial message.

Leverage media and thought leadership: Engage with non-profit focused media outlets such as Stanford social innovation review and thought leaders to stay informed about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. Listen to podcasts, participate in Twitter chats, and consider organizing your own LinkedIn Live sessions to share your insights and engage with your network. Being a guest on relevant podcasts or contributing articles to industry publications can help establish your expertise and expand your reach within the non-profit community. Better yet find a gap and create your own podcast and amplify the work of others

Last year, I made a career pivot and transitioned to freelancing in digital marketing. To gain experience and build my portfolio, I began volunteering, primarily through Catchafire, where I have conducted SEO audits, designed newsletter templates, and worked on various website-related projects. This experience has not only allowed me to apply and enhance my skills but also to forge valuable connections. Volunteering has proven to be a highly rewarding way to contribute to causes I am passionate about by leveraging my professional and technical expertise. While Catchafire has been a significant platform for these opportunities, I am also aware that LinkedIn and Taproot offer similar professional volunteer opportunities. Happy Volunteering!

I've always focused on maintaining my brand in both my personal and professional life. I aim to do the right thing, stay accountable, and ensure this is reflected in everything I do. Through freelancing and working with nonprofits and small businesses, I've learned how crucial a strong personal brand is. It should be transparent, aligned with your beliefs, and backed by your actions. I treat each client and connection the way I'd like to be treated, and I want my network, clients, and connections to know they can trust me and my work. I hope my personal brand will create more opportunities for me to make an impact and use my skills for good.

When you meet someone and there's something you connected on, continue to reach out to them about it. When you find a podcast, event, job opportunity, or new project that they might be interested in, send it over! It's a genuine way to continue fostering the relationship and usually makes the other person feel seen and valued. That's a win-win. When you reach out, it also opens the door to reconnect over a call or coffee more frequently. If this doesn't come naturally to you, start to notice when you think of another person but don't reach out, and start to practice send a quick text or note. Even starting with your friends can help build the muscle that will eventually translate to professional communities too!

Like many others, I used to struggle with keeping in touch. Reaching out to people after a long time felt daunting. Recently, I realized that making it a part of my daily routine can make it simple and easy. Now, I connect with at least three people every day, whether through a text, LinkedIn message, or on another platform. This habit has led to some great conversations with people I hadn’t spoken to in a while. I'm also working on reaching out to people I don't know at companies or organizations I'm interested in for informational interviews. While this is more challenging, it can be very beneficial for growing your professional network.

I've always been passionate about continuous learning, and recently, I've focused on understanding nonprofit organizations. I've joined LinkedIn groups, attended webinars, and participated in industry events to dive deep into the marketing challenges nonprofits face. With my tech skills, I'm eager to make a difference and find the best ways to support these organizations. My goal is to help them amplify their voice and mission with effective solutions.

Explore board and committee opportunities: Joining the board of directors or committees of non-profit organizations can significantly enhance your leadership experience and expand your network. Look for opportunities to serve on boards or committees that align with your values and expertise. These roles provide exposure to high-level decision-making processes, strategic planning, and collaboration with influential leaders in the non-profit sector. Utilize resources like BoardSource to find suitable board opportunities.

Explore local nonprofit organizations and start volunteering with those that interest you most. As you get involved, you'll meet new people and expand your local network. Making an impact in your own community is a great place to start. If you're launching a new business, consider joining your local business chamber or another business community. This is a great way to connect with both nonprofit leaders and fellow small business owners in your area.