Your network matters.
In an example from my own life, I was recently able to respond to a large RFP because I had maintained a relationship with a former client.
That former client has complementary skills to mine and is now working as a consultant. So we partnered up to put together a strong response to the RFP.
That level of partnership probably wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t made a point to keep in touch with him over the past few years.
Your network isn’t valuable just because of business partnerships, of course. People you know can give you real-time insight into your industry, sound advice on a confusing situation, new ideas and perspectives, access to jobs or opportunities, or even just reassurance or some laughs.
We all know that our networks matter. So this is more of a reminder than a lesson.
Keep in touch with your network. Grow your network. Help your network whenever you can.
Try this – Coffee Chats
Keeping your network active takes work. Are you doing enough to keep up with yours?
One simple tactic I love is setting up virtual coffee chats every 3-4 months. I can’t do this with everyone in my network, of course, so I prioritize the folks I think I can help, people who I enjoy working with, and people doing interesting work and making interesting moves in my field.
On these calls, we’ll catch up. Sometimes that takes up the whole time. If the conversation slows, I have a few favorite questions in my back pocket:
- What is something you changed your mind about in the past year [or since we last spoke]?
- What is something you’ve learned since we last spoke?
- What is one of the hardest things you’ve done since we last spoke?
- What’s something new that you want to start?
- Is there an area of your life that you need help with? How can I help?
These questions often get fascinating conversations going!
Join Us – September Talent Roundtable
September is a great time to take stock of where we’ve been and plan for what’s next!
So at the next Talent Roundtable, we’ll discuss trends in the 2025 talent market.
Join us on Wednesday, September 10 from 12 to 1pm Eastern.
In case you missed it – Recent LinkedIn headlines
One thing good leaders do differently
Some first steps for developing career pathways
Some first steps for designing or redesigning your organization
Work with us — A case study from District Management Group
This client engagement is a testament to the power of talent work!
A few years back, we stepped into an outsourced talent leadership role with education consulting firm District Management Group (DMGroup).
They brought us in because they were having trouble retaining staff and didn’t know why. They also wanted a diverse team but didn’t know how to attract those candidates.
We worked with senior leaders to develop and implement organizational health metrics and ongoing professional development opportunities aimed at addressing DEI and management skills. We also worked with managers to provide targeted learning supports and coaching.
We built out organizational career pathways, redesigned compensation structures through an equity audit, and played a strategic role in designing and rolling out a reduction in force.
Within 6 months, their Employer Net Promoter Score (eNPS) improved from -18 to 35. That’s a complete turnaround in employee satisfaction and loyalty!
If you’re a nonprofit that needs expert talent support, book a free, no-obligation call so we can explore your goals and see if TalentED is a good fit to help. Currently booking into Q4.
