How successful leaders network

 
 
 

Networking is all about building professional relationships or connections and successful leaders forge brilliant connections.  

7 in 10 leaders attribute their career success to networking. For these leaders, networking is categorically not just talking to strangers in a busy room or reaching out on LinkedIn when looking for a job. Networking is not just for job hunters: 85% of roles are filled via networking, but whilst it is crucial for job-hunting, it is also crucial for many other reasons. If you just network when you need a job, you are missing out on so many potential opportunities.

Networking in its simplest form is seeking connections who you are in touch with through regular communication for mutual benefit.  People who network effectively usually don’t think of it as ‘networking’, they think of it as building good professional relationships. And they do this with their teams, their department and their peers, in the same way that they might build connections with people outside of their organisation. Nearly 8 in 10 people consider having good professional connections at work as crucial to a great company culture.

Networking is important at all leadership levels from first manager to CEO. For example, CEO peer networks provide a confidential environment for CEOs to share and seek ideas, experience and advice. Research shows that leaders who are part pf a peer network, outperform those who are not.

Seven useful tips for your networking in 2025

1)    Ask yourself ‘What is it that would be helpful from my network this year? What do I need?’ For example: peer support, feedback, investment, a sounding board, advice, information? Make a plan from there.

2)    Aim for a diverse network. Seek people who challenge your thinking, stretch your capability, offer valuable feedback and develop your ability to think outside of your own experience.

3)    Have cheerleaders in your network. People who inspire, bring positivity, make you feel more interesting, interested, and talented when you are with them.

4)    Do some face to face networking where you can; don’t do it all online. 9 in 10 people say that face-to-face meetings are essential for long term relationships.

5)    Work out what ways you like to network – large in person events? Industry talks? Roundtables? 1:1 coffees? Lunch? Do more of what you enjoy, whilst also periodically going outside your comfort zone.

6)    Always be curious about others. Worry less about what you will say when you meet people, but more about what you will ask. People love people who are interested in them.

7)    Instead of thinking ‘What is my networking strategy or plan for 2025’, ask yourself:

What professional relationships would I like to invest time and energy in over the next 12 months and why? Ensure your ‘why’s are not just for your own gain, there needs to be some ‘whys’ that are also for others - giving back to your network.

The give and take of networking leads to opportunity.

The more you network, the more opportunity you have to help yourself and help others: Benefits to Yourself: win a new client, gain peer support, recruit a new team member, win investment for the business, stay on top of current trends to allow strategic thinking, build confidence, gain reassurance on approach or seek advice.

Benefits to Others: give back to your industry, mentor others, share best practice, contribute to advancing your sector, share your ideas to encourage innovation, reassure and support others, bring positivity and inspiration, or offer advice. Be as appreciative to your network as you would like your network to be to you.

Which relationships and connections will you nurture in 2025? Imagine how this may bring exciting opportunities to you and your connections this time next year.

MARTIN BARNSLEY