Welcome back to Lead with Intention! How’s your August going so far?
If you’re here and you’re in a transition period in your career, or perhaps you’re actively searching for that next senior role, or perhaps neither of those things BUT you do want to feel more confident and more “networked” as you navigate professional life, then today’s topic is for you.
Yes, we’re talking PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING.
The phrase that strikes dread into the heart of most of us. Myself included!
But, i’ve had to learn how to network in a way that works for me - during my 20+ year in Corporate Communications and as the owner of a leadership and career coaching business.
And now I do it in a way that reflects who I am, my values and the VALUE I offer those in my network.
And I’m so glad I made the leap into what I call “intentional networking”. You get so much out of the investment of your time, energy and effort (but beware those boundaries being crossed, we cover that below too!) and it can lead to your career blossoming in wonderful new ways.
In today’s newsletter for premium subscribers, I’m going to help you:
Reframe networking as an authentic exchange, not a transactional task.
Identify the key principles of intentional networking that align with your leadership values.
Explore practical steps to build your network without feeling like a ‘networking robot’ (no awkward small talk required!)
Set boundaries to protect your time and energy while still reaping the benefits of connection.
So. We know we “should” be networking.
But so many of us just don’t want to. Why is that?
Let’s be honest: networking often feels like a transactional task, something we "have to do" to climb the career ladder. We imagine it as a never-ending cycle of shaking hands, exchanging business cards, and navigating small talk, often wondering if it’s even worth the effort.
But what if we reframed networking entirely? What if instead of seeing it as something you “have to do,” you could view it as an authentic exchange of ideas, experiences, and opportunities? And a way to hone your leadership presence and help others feel connected to you?
The first step in shifting your mindset is recognising that networking isn’t about ‘collecting’ people; it’s about building meaningful relationships with those who share your values, vision, and aspirations. When you approach networking as an authentic exchange, you stop focusing on what you can ‘get’ from others and start thinking about what you can offer.
This isn’t about having a sales pitch ready; it’s about engaging in real conversations with people who resonate with you and the work you do. Think of it as building a network of individuals who genuinely complement your goals, skills, and aspirations.
Key Principles of Intentional Networking
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