5 key things you can do right now to start building a better, and more beneficial, personal support network.

1. When
Networking,
Don’t Overlook
Your Personal
Network

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The advent of social media has made
networking a hot topic, but networking
has been around much longer than the
Internet. Has the Web made it easier? Of
course it has. On-line networks are not
only more accessible, but they’re
“available” 24/7, grow exponentially and
can even be laid out in an easy-to-see
diagram, complete with photos and
bios, if necessary. And that has many
advantages. But don’t overlook the
old-fashioned network—those personal
contacts you see and speak to every
day. Those who have some stake in your
success—whether they know it or not.
We give you five key things you can do right now to
start building a better, and more beneficial, personal
support network:

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1 Expand your own
interpersonal power
• Develop your skills and expertise.
Developing new skills and expertise will
increase your value in the company.
• Determine the most effective way for
you to communicate within your
organization. Does upper
management prefer to correspond via
e-mail, phone or written memo?
• Raise your “likability” level. Your ability
to get along with others is an important
factor in growing a network. If you’re
known as a “people person,” the word
gets around.
• Learn to manage conflict by involving
others in the process, thus making the
solution more acceptable to them.

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2 Get others on
your side
• Select those people you can count on
to support you
• Develop good listening skills, and then
be willing to listen
• Use the corporate grapevine to your
advantage. Make your
accomplishments known to others—in
a non-boastful way—and the good
word about you will spread.
• Help others achieve their goals. This will
create positive relationships.

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3 Cooperate with your
peers and form alliances
• Do favors for others, and they’ll be
more likely to do them for you in return
• Help out in ways you aren’t formally
expected to. If you have a special skill,
share it with others who may benefit
from it.
• Compliment your peers, but be sure
your compliments are sincere and
thought out—not off the cuff

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4 Support your
own supervisor
• Honor the chain of command. You
cannot expect respect if you don’t
show it yourself.
• Help your supervisor reach his or
her objectives
• Give credit when it’s due. Taking credit
for someone else’s ideas or work will
create hard feelings. You end up losing
more than you gain.

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5 Make yourself visible to
top management
• Take initiative. Look for ways in which
you can shine.
• Use sensitivity and good judgment, and
you’ll always be noticed for your
positive outcomes
• Look the part. Dress for the job you
want—not the job you’re in.
• Think creatively. Learn to be a problem
solver who’s not reluctant to take on
issues and challenges.
• Volunteer for special projects, then roll
up your sleeves, jump in and make
them successful

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