In any workplace, having a good number of contentions helps in career growth. Internal networking refers to building connections within the organization. It might either be in the team or other departments. Believe it or not, maintaining good bonds and strong internal networks will open doors to new opportunities. They also support you in challenging times and enhance your job satisfaction.
Many people face problems in building a good network. It is because they are either introverted or have shy personalities. Being in the corporate sector one has to overcome their insecurities to grow. This article provides strategies that will help you to expand your network within the organization and increase your professional circle.
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Importance of Internal Networking
A good internal network will help you get information about job openings, projects, and other opportunities. Even during the internship training period, be active and make friends. Also, colleagues who know about your skills and talent might recommend you for roles that will help in your career growth.
Internal networking provides a collaborative work culture. When you have a broader connection, you can approach the right person to seek solutions and this provides a better outcome. Networking will also lead to innovative solutions, as it provides a platform for sharing new ideas, practices, etc.
How to Build Broader Connections at Work
Attend Business Events
The best opportunity to connect with people is to attend all the organizational events. Participate in company functions, workshops, seminars, team-building activities, etc. Take the initiative to talk, learn the company’s workplace culture, and show genuine interest in their work experiences. This helps build rapport and establish meaningful connections.
Work in Cross-Functional Teams
Working with different teams and projects is one of the easiest and most effective ways to build your internal network. This will provide an opportunity to work with colleagues from different departments and you can learn from their experience. This will also build trust and respect among your colleagues.
Internal Social Platforms
Connect with different team employees via social platforms and groups. One can also use other digital communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, LinkedIn, etc. Be updated and feel free to share about your projects and achievements. This keeps your colleagues informed about your contributions and can initiate conversations and connections.
Seek Mentorship and Provide Support
Look for senior employees who can guide you and support for career development. They can also introduce you to their network and help you with their experiences. On the other hand, offer your support and mentorship to others. When you are helping others, you can also expand your network and learn new perspectives.
Arrange Informal Meetings
Initiate conducting an informal meeting like a coffee chat or lunch meeting with colleagues. These small interactions will help you exchange thoughts, share experiences, and get to know about each other. This helps to get updates about other departments in the organization.
Share Knowledge and Expertise
Sharing your knowledge and experience will help others to know more about you. Provide workspace-training sessions for freshers, be present at company meetings, or contribute to internal newsletters and blogs. When people come to know you are knowledgeable and helpful they will initiate to connect with you.
Be Open Minded
Being open-minded and approachable will help you to build a broader internal network. Be positive, polite, and humble towards colleagues, this fosters a better inclusive and collaborative work environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, building a border network within the organization is essential for professional growth. One can build and expand their internal network by participating in business events, functions, seminars, etc. In a remote work culture, it is a bit difficult to create connections, but you can use digital platforms to overcome that. Building meaningful connections with your colleagues will enhance your overall work experience.