THERE IS POWER IN OWNING A NETWORKING NICHE

As a seasoned finance industry professional, I believe that nurturing and maintaining a strong network is the key to having a successful career. Forging authentic, enduring and strategic relationships can have great benefits for professional women. Women are naturally intuitive and have the advanced social skills required to get to know people and to build the strong relationships needed to support our careers, especially in today’s demanding business environment. At the same time, we should challenge stereotypes and any received wisdom that does not serve us, such as ‘build an army’ or ‘attend every event because you never know who you might bump into.’

I HAVE FELT THE NEED TO BRING STRUCTURE TO THIS IMPORTANT BUSINESS ACTIVITY

The pandemic has curtailed many in-person networking opportunities. This has placed an onus on clear thinking, frequent communications, and bonding with a diverse range of people as we look to develop a well-rounded outlook on the challenges and solutions of contemporary business life.

Now that networking requires more effort, it is vital that we do it with intent and have a clear purpose that drives our investment in both our professional and personal relationships. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” resonates strongly with me as a working mother – a position that many professional women find themselves in.

As an Associate Director at AFA, I have always known that client relationships are the foundation of our organisation’s success. Our collective achievements can be largely attributed to networking and building meaningful and authentic relationships, founded on trust.

In his insightful article on the Power of Networking, Mario Peshev lists seven characteristics of a great networker. You can learn more about what makes a successful networker:

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THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, I HAVE CARVED OUT A NETWORKING NICHE WHICH NEATLY COVERS THE NINE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE THAT SHOULD IDEALLY BE REPRESENTED IN YOUR NETWORK:

PeersPersonal and professional peers can offer mutual support and encouragement as you all work towards a common goal and form a meaningful bond based on shared experiences.PeersPersonal and professional peers can offer mutual support and encouragement as you all work towards a common goal and form a meaningful bond based on shared experiences.The ConnectorThe Connector knows everyone, and they know her. This person can always make an intro to the “right people”. If they are in your networking niche, you’ll have access to influential people who you might not otherwise be able to reach. The ConnectorThe Connector knows everyone, and they know her. This person can always make an intro to the “right people”. If they are in your networking niche, you’ll have access to influential people who you might not otherwise be able to reach. The CheerleaderSomeone who believes in you, and will mention your name in a room full of opportunities. The Cheerleader is always in your corner.The CheerleaderSomeone who believes in you, and will mention your name in a room full of opportunities. The Cheerleader is always in your corner.The Energizer BunnyThis high-octane contact gives you energy when you need it most, and lifts you up when you’re feeling down. The Energizer BunnyThis high-octane contact gives you energy when you need it most, and lifts you up when you’re feeling down. The MentorA true Mentor has walked your path and can share experiences and knowledge that will help you grow. I find it is important to have many mentors – they can share on the job-advice and support your career growth. The MentorA true Mentor has walked your path and can share experiences and knowledge that will help you grow. I find it is important to have many mentors – they can share on the job-advice and support your career growth. The SponsorThe Sponsor will advocate for you in your career, something that’s especially important for aspiring women leaders looking to develop their careers.The SponsorThe Sponsor will advocate for you in your career, something that’s especially important for aspiring women leaders looking to develop their careers.CommunityCommunity is a place where you feel a sense of belonging and emotional security. Communities are built on common ground and shared bonds, with friendship group, class moms’ group, and gym being excellent examples.CommunityCommunity is a place where you feel a sense of belonging and emotional security. Communities are built on common ground and shared bonds, with friendship group, class moms’ group, and gym being excellent examples.A Tough-Love CoachSomeone who will hold you accountable by holding up a mirror to you with uncompromising honesty. Their “love” may be tough, but it’s necessary and will help you keep your commitments. Accountability partnerships are often founded on reciprocation.A Tough-Love CoachSomeone who will hold you accountable by holding up a mirror to you with uncompromising honesty. Their “love” may be tough, but it’s necessary and will help you keep your commitments. Accountability partnerships are often founded on reciprocation.The Polar OppositeThe Polar Opposite is a master of her trade, but she differs from you in terms of her background, occupation and network. We each come with a certain set of personal biases and tend to unconsciously associate with people who share our world view. Having a Polar Opposite in your network is a great way to gain exposure to a more diverse pool of people.The Polar OppositeThe Polar Opposite is a master of her trade, but she differs from you in terms of her background, occupation and network. We each come with a certain set of personal biases and tend to unconsciously associate with people who share our world view. Having a Polar Opposite in your network is a great way to gain exposure to a more diverse pool of people.Once you have found your networking niche, you need to be intentional about making connections. This is where your calendar is your best friend – formalise these relationships, know their purpose, and set the intention. Proactively schedule these meetings into your diary over a period. Sharing your goals with your networking niche will ensure that you explore their goals, too – which is important, given that the best relationships are reciprocal. The value that you bring to the relationship needs to be considered – remember, networks grow through people sharing and connecting, so make a habit of sharing YOUR relationships with the people in your networking niche, too.

ABOUT JULIA

Julia Christelis is a Chartered Accountant who is an Associate Director of Accounting and Financial Advisory (Pty) Ltd and was formerly a Senior Manager at Deloitte with over 12 years’ experience. Julia has significant experience in financial advisory, mainly within the operational aspect of finance. She leads large projects with big teams and effectively manages all the elements of change to optimise finance operations.