We obviously talk a lot about networking - we’ve covered how to keep your network from growing cold, building your network offline vs. online and given you tips to increase your network.  But all of that advice was focused on building an external network.  Building a network outside of your company is incredibly important, but it can’t be at the detriment of building an internal network.  Both are of equal importance.  

I recently spoke to a CEO of a large company, and she explained that one of the biggest mistakes she made early on in her career was not networking within her company.  I have to admit that she did a better job than most people, but with that said, her internal network was isolated to the people that worked for her, aka her direct reports.  Her thought was that those people would help advance her career by showing what a capable manager she was, and they would also do good work for her in return.  Unfortunately, the focus of her internal network lost her a large promotion because her managers felt that she did not extend her reach within the company enough, and that she was aloof with them.  She explained that the reason she gave them that impression was because she assumed they were too busy with their own jobs to want to build a relationship with her.  She ultimately learned that it was an oversight on her behalf and she now encourages people to build a network along a vertical within their company. After all, you never know who is going to help you get that next promotion or new job.

Recently, we came across a good article by Itzik Amiel, a professional coach and networker, that gave some great tips on easy ways to improve your internal network.  The advice is solid, and he has some effective ways to make building that network lass daunting.    

7 Easy Ways to Improve Your Internal Network:

1. Never eat alone:

Take lunchtime to expand who you know and try to eat with a different colleague everyday.  If you work at a small company, rotate who you eat with and when.  This is the easiest way to expand your network because you need to eat anyway and it gives you an opportunity to talk about personal interests.  This is a great break in the day and allows you to get to know people on a new level. 

2. Participate in internal and external training and events:

Participate any training or extended education that your company offers and if it is a smaller company step up and organize events.  Not only is this a great way for you to extend your knowledge in your industry but it is a platform to meet people outside of your normal circle.  

3. Become a project leader:

Embrace a new project that a supervisor is proposing, or suggest your own and take the initiative to get it off the ground.  Again this is great for your career because it shows your leadership, and as bonus you get to know people from other departments with different expertise.  

4. Be a supporter:

Support your coworkers interests outside of work.  Volunteer with them at an organization they are passionate about.  Support them by donating to their next 5K.  Or attend the big fundraiser they are planning.  It shows a genuine interest and commitment in your colleagues.

5. Be a connector: 

We talk about becoming a connector in your external network, but the same skill set can be just as effective to your internal network.  Remember, similar to when you introduce people in your external network how you benefit in the long run may not be a direct quid pro quo.  But by sharing your contacts you could help help someone get a promotion, find a doctor, or help someone close to them get a job. You will feel good about helping, and it will also benefit you in the long run.

6. Be the first there during moments of joy and sadness:

When someone has good news to celebrate, be a real friend and celebrate with them.  On the other hand if it is not so good news, be there like you wish people would be there for you in a similar situation - write a quick email or note or ask how you can help.

7. Praise others:

Congratulate people when they achieve something (and really mean it).  People will see how genuine you are and will in turn think of you as a team player.

As you can see a lot of these tips can also benefit you in external networking, but make an effort to network internally and it will help your career soar to the next level.