By Laurie Robinson Haden – Inspired by It’s Time to Shine
Your network can make or break your ascent to the next level. In today’s corporate environment, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who knows you, what they know about you, and what they say about you when you’re not in the room. Building a career-defining network is intentional, not accidental. It’s about planting seeds now that grow into opportunities later. Here are 10 actionable strategies to help you cultivate powerful, authentic connections that accelerate your professional rise.
1. Map Your Network Gaps
Identify five people you admire—within or outside your organization—where you currently have no connection. These are your “aspirational contacts.”
Example: If you want to develop a stronger understanding of tech-sector strategy, identify top in-house counsel at your company’s tech clients and commit to introducing yourself at the next industry mixer.
2. Schedule ‘Curiosity Calls’
Commit to two informal 20-minute conversations each month. These should be discovery-based, not transactional.
Example: Reach out with, “Congrats on your promotion! I’d love to hear how you’re tackling integration challenges—can I buy you coffee or hop on a quick Zoom?”
3. Give Before You Ask
Offer value before requesting anything. That might be a useful article, a referral, or a note of encouragement.
Example: Email a general counsel you admire with, “Saw your recent ESG initiative—this Deloitte report might be a helpful supplement.”
4. Attend Events With Intent
Be strategic about which events you attend. Choose 1–2 per quarter that align with your goals—and show up early.
Example: Volunteer to assist with a breakout session at your firm’s annual summit and introduce yourself to the keynote speaker while helping backstage.
5. Stay on People’s Radar
Nurture your network by checking in quarterly. Share useful information, articles, or personal updates.
Example: Send a LinkedIn message saying, “I came across this FTC memo on consumer data privacy—thought it aligned with your recent project.”
6. Host Micro-Events
Curate small group conversations around shared interests. It’s a great way to deepen relationships.
Example: Host a virtual roundtable with in-house and outside counsel to exchange best practices on vendor risk management.
7. Become a Connector
Look for opportunities to introduce people who can benefit from knowing one another.
Example: Connect the head of privacy at a fintech client with a colleague working on FinReg 2025—then step back and let the value unfold.
8. Track Your Interactions
Create a simple networking tracker with columns for Name, Role, Last Contact, and Next Follow-Up.
Example: If someone left you a voicemail last quarter, note a reminder to reconnect in June and check how their project progressed.
9. Engage in Online Communities
Be visible in professional forums and groups tied to your area of focus. Share insights, comment on others’ posts, and build thought leadership.
Example: Post your firm’s approach to GDPR consent in a LinkedIn group for privacy professionals and invite feedback.
10. Leverage Your Sponsor
Don’t be afraid to ask your sponsor or mentor to facilitate strategic introductions.
Example: Ask, “Would you be willing to connect me with the head of ESG at our parent company? I’d love to learn more about the regulatory roadmap.”
The Takeaway
A career-defining network isn’t just a safety net—it’s your runway. By showing up with curiosity, consistency, and value, you create meaningful relationships that open doors you didn’t even know existed. Remember, in the words of It’s Time to Shine, your light gets brighter when others help reflect it. So step into rooms, build bridges, and own your space—your next opportunity may be one conversation away.
© Corporate Counsel Women of Color 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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