How to Establish and Keep a Strong Network Beginning Today

Networking is necessary for any profession, and it's important to take advantage of networking opportunities. Making friends with coworkers can create deep-rooted professional relationships that will help you throughout your career and provide an enjoyable work environment. There are many ways to get to know your coworkers, but here are seven easy steps that can help you build authentic relationships with the people with whom you work.

It's no secret that networking is necessary for any profession. The more connections you have, the better! Making friends with coworkers can create deep-rooted professional relationships and provide an enjoyable work environment--making it crucial to take advantage of these opportunities as they arise (especially if your job doesn't require face time).

There are many ways we could make new friendships at our workplace; however, here I'll share seven steps on how you might approach building authentic links within just one week or less than three months. The time to value will depend upon the dynamics between individuals already existing within departments and organizations and where people are located or reside. The level of interest in forming a productive and meaningful professional relationship also affects the speed at which relationships are formed and networks established.

The Seven Positive Forces for Developing your Professional Network

1. Authenticity is vital. Building authentic relationships with the people you work with is essential in today's business world. Whether you're networking for business purposes or trying to build a rapport with a colleague, being authentic is critical. Being genuinely interested in getting to know the person will go a long way in building a strong relationship. Ask questions about their background, interests, and what they like to do outside work. Showing a genuine interest in someone builds trust and makes them more likely to want to work with you. So next time you're trying to build a relationship, be authentic!

2. Be a good listener. Listening is an authentic way of showing that you value others and are interested in hearing what they say. When you listen attentively, it shows that you are engaged and present in the conversation. It also allows you to connect with the other person on a deeper level. Additionally, listening will enable you to gather information and gain insights you might not otherwise have. Follow-up questions also show that you were attentive to the conversation and interested in learning more. Ultimately, being a good listener is a way to build relationships, learn new things, and show respect for others.

3. Be patient. One of the most important things to remember when trying to build a friendship is to be authentic and genuine. People can sense when you're not being real, and it's a turn-off. Instead, take the time to get to know the person and let the friendship develop naturally. It's also important to be patient. Don't try to force a friendship; just let it happen organically. These authentic and genuine relationships are the foundation of outstanding leadership because people want to follow honest and sincere leaders. So, if you want to build strong friendships, remember to be authentic, genuine, and patient.

4. Offer help. Ken Blanchard, a leadership expert, said, "The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority." I interpret from this that the best leaders are those who can convince others to follow them voluntarily, not because they have some power over them. One way to build influence is to offer help when someone else is struggling. This shows that you're team-focused and genuinely care about others. When people see that you're willing to put in the extra effort to help them, they'll likely want to follow your lead. So next time you see someone struggling with a task, don't hesitate to offer your assistance. It could be the first step to becoming a respected leader.

5. Show interest in their work. People are often more motivated and engaged when they feel their work is appreciated. As a result, one of the best things you can do as a leader is to take an interest in your team's work. You can create a strong sense of authentic leadership by asking about their projects and showing a genuine interest in their work. In addition, this is also a great way to learn more about what your team is working on and how you can better support them. So next time you're talking to your team, show interest in their work and see what amazing things they're accomplishing.

6. Invite them to lunch or coffee - camaraderie. When you get to know someone outside of work, it can help to build connections and a strong working relationship. Having lunch or coffee together is a great way to get to know someone personally. Plus, it's an excuse to get out of the office for a bit! Learning about someone's interests, family, and background can be helpful. This can help you to understand them better and build a stronger working relationship. So, if you want to get to know someone better, invite them out for lunch or coffee!

7. Be yourself. Maintaining a friendship will be difficult if you try to be someone you're not. The most important thing is to be authentic and genuine in your interest in getting to know the person. To build a lasting friendship, you must first be authentic and open with that person. People can spot a fake a mile away, so you must be honest about who you are and why you want to be friends with them. Only then can you hope to maintain a friendship for the long haul.

Authentic, genuine, and sincere. Building friendships at work can be difficult, but it's vital to establish authentic and genuine relationships with your colleagues. These authentic and genuine relationships are the foundation of outstanding leadership because people want to follow real and sincere leaders. So, if you want to build strong friendships, remember to be authentic, genuine, and patient. Show interest in their work and get to know them personally. You'll be more likely to build a lasting friendship by being yourself.