Hey there Impact Maker!
Remember back in the day, when the most common form of networking was to shove your business card in people’s faces at Happy Hour events or to offer to buy them a cup of coffee, so you could “pick their brain”? (Ewww.)
Of course, that was never an effective way to build relationships, but in today’s digital world, gone are the days of forced interactions and awkward coffee meetings. Today's networking landscape is all about building genuine relationships and offering value.
So, how can you connect with new people and build relationships that matter in an increasingly digital-first world?
Focus on Giving, Not Getting — Instead of collecting contacts, share your expertise and insights online. Engage in industry conversations, offer thoughtful comments, and participate in discussions happening in the comments section. Be a source of value, and people will naturally be drawn to you.
Be a Social Butterfly, But Smarter — LinkedIn and other online platforms can be goldmines. Share your expertise by actively participating in industry conversations, not just lurking! Like posts that resonate with you and comments that you feel add something of value. Engaging in a meaningful way can prompt others engaged in the discussion to want to connect with you.
Be Intentional and Authentic — Personalized messages go a long way. When reaching out to someone, mention something specific you admire about their work or a shared interest. Show genuine interest in connecting, not just adding another number to your network.
Embrace Virtual Learning Opportunities — Online events and webinars are goldmines for networking. Participate actively, ask insightful questions, and engage with others in breakout rooms or chat sessions. Remember, it's about quality interactions, not just quantity.
Follow Up and Keep in Touch — Building connections takes time and effort. Follow up with people you meet online, continue the conversation, and offer your help or support whenever possible. Remember, meaningful relationships are two-way streets.
Networking in the digital age is about authenticity, adding value, and building mutually beneficial relationships.
Focus on creating a network where support, knowledge exchange, and opportunities flow bi-directionally, and you’ll get much farther than a cup of coffee or a brain-picking would ever have gotten you before. 😊
From the Impact Makers Podcast Archive
🎧 Listen to: The Power of Human Connection: Lessons Learned on a Mission to Meet 10,000 New Friends With Rob Lawless
Level Up Your Recruitment Game with Employer Branding
In a recent study by the Top Workplaces Research Lab, a noticeable divide emerged between employers and job seekers during the recruiting process:
While 80% of employers believe they effectively convey their company culture to job seekers, only 30% of candidates share the same perception.
The key to closing this gap? Your employer brand.
What employer branding is and why it matters
Employer brand is the secret behind attracting top talent. It’s about crafting an irresistible culture story for job seekers and setting your company apart. Research shows:
- Companies with a strong employer brand are three times more likely to secure top-tier talent.
- Candidates are three times more likely to believe employees’ perspectives than a corporate pitch.
Elevate your brand with employer recognition awards
Employer recognition awards play a critical role in building a compelling employer brand. Key benefits include:
Credibility — Credible recognition awards are based on research-backed employee surveys and robust benchmarks. Evidence-based recognition distinguishes your organization and communicates trust to potential talent.
Authenticity — Employer recognition awards such as Top Workplaces spotlight your organization’s strengths through the eyes of your most valuable critics — your employees.
Media exposure — Employer recognition awards tell a story that resonates with a broad audience. Sharing your success on a larger stage attracts potential employees naturally drawn to successful companies.
Build a credible employer brand
Let your employer brand story resonate with talent that aligns with your company values. Top Workplaces starts with a simple, research-based employee engagement survey.
To participate, nominate your organization here.
3 Resources For You This Week
My friend - and my favorite writer - Laurie Ruettimann is back sharing regularly on her blog, and I really enjoyed reading her thoughtful approach to crafting a personal Mission that is aligned with her Values to approach the new year with an aligned Purpose.
Even if you've already set your intentions, crafted your resolutions, and/or established your Goals for 2024, I think that using Laurie's process will help to ensure that you are focused on what truly matters most to you - and to those that matter to you.
✏️ Crafting a Year of Purpose: Your Guide to Mission, Values, and Goals by Laurie Ruettimann
In late 2023, the Achievers Workforce Institute released the Belonging Blueprint report, which offers guidance on creating a culture of belonging at work. Through their research, they identified five pillars of belonging, provided information related to the business case for belonging at work, and shared six questions to measure belonging in your organization. Check out the blog post, and download the free report to discover practical strategies that will enhance workplace culture and boost employee engagement.
🗄 The Belonging Blueprint: Your detailed plan for creating a culture of belonging for every worker in your organization
My friend and organizational culture expert - Angela R. Howard - will be hosting the first Culture Impact Lab in May, and registration is now open. This event will bring people together who are interested in solving the biggest workplace culture challenges. The goal is to re-imagine the organization's role in social change while creating more conscious leadership and culture changemakers from the inside out.
Participants will also get 3 months of implementation coaching and consulting support following the event, and a lifelong connection to the community.
[Fun Fact: I met Angela when I asked if I could join her for lunch during a Workhuman conference years ago. We had a great conversation, and have stayed connected since that time. See, even introverts can benefit from intentional networking! 😊]
📆 Culture Impact Lab | A Call for Culture Experience - Chicago, IL | May 15 – 16, 2024
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