Take the DARE 

Over the past few months, I've been approached by several leaders and organizations wanting to talk about how to build strong professional networks. Many of us would rather complete a report or spend the day pouring through spreadsheets than go to an event and make awkward conversation. 

I know networking isn't easy, so I use a simple process; I call it the DARE. Why the DARE, you ask? Well, to dare someone is to defy or challenge someone to do something. So often, that's how building our networks feel. To make progress, we may have to disregard our feelings of discomfort or defy our schedules because there is never enough time. Four simple steps form the foundation of the DARE. 

Define the relationship
Activate to stay connected
Reach out and invite connection 
Examine motivations 

Today, I want to add another layer on top. To learn more about the DARE, revisit February and read the blog. Now that you have the basic steps, what are some practical actions you can take to build your network?

8 Tips for Networking Success

1. Set Goals: Before setting out to build your tribe or attend a networking event, define your goals and what you hope to achieve. Who do you need to add to your network right now? A coach, mentor, peer collaborator, or target client? When you are clear about your goals, this will help you to focus on the right people and conversations.
2. Inventory so you can activate: Time is the #1 barrier to relationship success and network building. So the first thing you need to do is figure out how much time you can carve out to invest in building your network. This is not the time to get overly ambitious. There are only 24 hours a day. How much time can you realistically invest?
3. Get to organizing: Defining what you want and figuring out how much time you can commit are often the easiest. Scheduling can be a beast. That lengthy back and forth as you struggle to get the connecting time on the calendar. Try to schedule your next meeting when you are in the meeting to avoid the timely back and forth. Want to save time? Set aside time to do some batch scheduling or if you have an assistant, solicit their support to help you organize your schedule. 
4. Attend relevant events: Attend networking events pertinent to your industry or profession. This will help you to meet people who share similar interests and goals.
5. Be approachable & listen: Make yourself approachable and easy to talk to. Smile, make eye contact, and be open. Listen actively to what people say, and be genuinely interested in learning more about them. This will help you to build stronger relationships.
6. Be respectful & generous: Respect people's time and don't monopolize the conversation. Show interest in what others say and ask questions to learn more. Relationships thrive on reciprocity. Be generous with your time and resources. Be a connector. Offer to introduce people to others in your network who can help them.
7. Follow-up: After meeting someone at a networking event, it will be essential to follow up with them to establish a relationship. This could be a phone call, email, or even a text message. If you want to stay connected, you'll have to activate it. 
8. Be authentic: Sometimes, meeting new people is painful because we are trying to be someone we're not. Be professional and approachable, but be you. People are more likely to trust and respect you when open the door to who you really are. Don't forget; you don't have to be transparent about EVERYTHING! Choose an area where you are comfortable being transparent and let them in. 

Why does it matter?

There are extensive research and resources available, my book included, that expound on the fact that we need people, and they need us. High-quality relationships are not optional if we want to live longer, healthier, and happier. From a business perspective, relationships are the currency of success. So whether you are looking to advance your career, find a support network to talk about marriage, child-rearing, or evening exploring a hobby, it all comes down to people. We need multiple tribes at different points in our life and leadership journeys. If you want to live your best life, build your tribe today. 

Meet The Author

Leah JM Dean is a leadership strategist, tribe formation expert, certified strengths coach, best-selling author, facilitator, speaker, and founder of the women's leadership program, the Tribe Advantage. She is on a mission to help women and organizations all across the globe transform their tribes in life and leadership. To learn more about Leah's work, her best-selling book Assemble the Tribe, or join The Tribe Advantage Leadership Program, visit www.leahjmdean.com. Leah lives in Bermuda with her husband and two children.