Building a network for career advancement in leadership can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try. Firstly, consider joining professional associations or groups related to your field where you can meet like-minded individuals and expand your network. Additionally, attending industry events, conferences, and seminars can provide valuable networking opportunities. Don't hesitate to contact colleagues, mentors, or even alums from your alma mater for advice and connections. Finally, could you cultivate genuine relationships by offering value, being proactive in your networking efforts, and following up with contacts regularly? You can gradually build a solid professional network with persistence and a strategic approach.

1. Leverage LinkedIn & industry events to connect with leaders you admire. Engage in thoughtful discussions, not just collecting connections. 2. Offer your expertise, share valuable insights on social media, or volunteer for industry initiatives. Build trust and demonstrate your leadership potential. 3. Rekindle relationships with former colleagues or classmates. Stay relevant by sharing updates and offering support. They can be valuable advocates on your journey.

There are 3 key values that a professional network brings to one's career advancement in leadership - build visibility (on your abilities), raise awareness (inform others that you are looking for career advancement) and inspire promotion (so others want to spread the word about you). So approach this networking by looking for people, places and opportunities where you could tick one or more of the above. Also understand that this approach brings maximizes efficiency for time on networking, but it is actually quite complex at the level of execution. Importantly it requires a clear and consistent story to anyone you meet, anything you decide to participate in for career advancement and the credibility you claim to possess before you start.

Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn, industry forums, and social media groups related to your field. These platforms are great for connecting with professionals worldwide. Make sure your profiles are up-to-date, highlighting your achievements, skills, and areas of interest. Engage with content by commenting on posts, sharing relevant articles, and publishing your insights to increase visibility and attract connections.

When struggling to build a network, you have to revisit your process. Two ideas: 1. Find a mentor who is doing it well, talk with them on their process, what they are doing and why. Observe their efforts and the results. 2. Leverage a coach to think into how you can improve. Doing the same thing will yield the same results. We have to find new honking and create new habits to create new results. We can only do so much by ourselves. The real successful people have a network of mentors and coaches. The natural tendency is to hold back and not bother people, wanting to do it ourselves. But those successful people love sharing and helping others achieve as they have. Take advantage of this knowledge and expertise.

Conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events are excellent opportunities to meet professionals in your field. Even virtual events can be beneficial. Before attending, set clear goals for what you want to achieve, such as making a certain number of new contacts or learning about specific industry trends. Don’t forget to follow up with the people you meet to solidify the connection.

In-person interactions at industry events like conferences and workshops can strengthen your network. Prepare an elevator pitch for these occasions and follow up with new contacts afterward to deepen connections.

Volunteering in professional groups or industry-related causes showcases your skills and commitment, helping to build your network and reputation. These collaborative efforts lead to meaningful, lasting professional relationships.

Offering your time and skills to industry associations, non-profits, or community projects can expand your network while showcasing your leadership qualities. Volunteering positions you as a proactive and contributing professional community member, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals.

I love this quote from Dale Carnegie “To be interesting, be interested.” Instead of focusing on ourselves, we can genuinely be interested in the other person; we will discover that everyone has a story, and we can learn from him or her. And, as a subproduct of our curiosity, we will at the same time develop a better relationship with the other person. The crucial word is "genuinely": we can't fake curiosity, and if someone reach out with a hidden agenda, we can sense it.

Networking is more than just extracting  value; it is also about exchanging values. It helps the network thrive. Building a network involves deliberate  effort.

Devoting scarce time to your network is a series of choices. In the beginning the hit-miss ratio is generally very low. Yet nurturing relationships, equally contributing to it, can vastly improve that ratio to the point where your evolved network (those with staying power, trust and integrity) is truly supporting your advancement.

Periodically assess the state of your professional network. Reflect on the quality of your connections, the diversity of your network, and whether it’s meeting your current career needs. This reflection can guide you in adjusting your networking strategy and efforts as your career progresses.

Get out into the field, and when I say that I mean, go to conferences for example and talk to people and be interested in what they’re doing. The idea of building a network is being open and honest in how you build those relationships, it’s not about what you can get, but it’s about listening and what potentially you can give.

"collecting contacts" is meaningless and leads to seeing all interactions as transactions. Thinking instead in terms of relationships is much more rewarding and fun. I strongly advocate being intentional in creating "circles" of people with whom we want to keep in touch. This is a much more deliberate approach, and also ensures that these people are "top of mind", so when we see something that might benefit them, we realize it much more easily and may share with them.

1. If you’re a qualified accounting or Investment professional find relevant networks eg CA, CPA, CFA, CMA. 2. If you’re from a reputed medical or engineering college or business school connect with the alumni in your area. 3. Attend conferences where people in or near the C suite congregate & you’ll meet others with leadership ambitions. 4. Enroll for an in person course to upgrade your leadership skills and you’ll also meet like minded people. 5. Learn the science of relationship building which is to be patient, to connect based on values and not just interests or goals and to give & not just take.

In this era of fierce competition, a robust professional network is not a luxury - it's an absolute necessity. Embrace networking not just as a career strategy, but as a mindset of perpetual growth and connection. Your leadership potential expands exponentially with every resilient bond you forge. Most critically, banish any self-limiting doubts or impostor syndrome. You belong at the leadership table as much as anyone else. Walk into every networking opportunity radiating confidence, authenticity and an unshakeable belief in your own worth. Those drawn to true leaders will gravitate towards you.