Building a Diverse Professional Network

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career, but my approach to building a network of mentors has evolved over time. Early on, I thought the best mentors were those who mirrored my role—essentially a more successful, more experienced version of myself. But I’ve since realized that this myopic approach often misses the mark. Some of the most valuable mentors I’ve had weren’t in venture capital at all. They came from adjacent industries like asset management, tackling challenges that are analogous to mine but offering perspectives I couldn’t see from within my own field. Here’s why this works: 1. Outside perspectives reveal blind spots: Mentors outside your industry can identify dynamics in your business that might be invisible to you because you're too close to them. These insights are invaluable for seeing the bigger picture. 2. Diverse thinking adds depth: A broader, more diverse network of mentors exposes you to new ways of solving problems, offering frameworks and strategies you might not encounter within your immediate circle. Building a mentor base is critical, but diversity is key. Don’t just look for people who are “you in 20 years” with more success. Instead, seek mentors with fresh perspectives and different lenses. That’s where the real value lies.

As former Head of Global Executive Talent at Cisco, I frequently gave the same advice to our rising talent: Build a broad network of sponsors across the organization. The reason for this was simple: When leadership changes, your key supporters are at risk of leaving, and you can suddenly find yourself without the backing you once relied on. Aspiring leaders, you will benefit from ensuring your sponsorship is not concentrated in just a few individuals. You should accumulate a diverse range of advocates up, down, and sideways within the organization. This way, if one sponsor exits, you still have others to carry your career forward. The strength of your reputation within the company and the breadth of your followership will sustain you through transitions. The more people who are invested in your growth and success, the better positioned you will be to weather leadership changes or organizational shifts. Leaders should always think about their support system: cultivating relationships at all levels, across functions to ensure they have a wide range of sponsors invested in their growth. This network, more than any single individual, will be the true foundation of career longevity.

Looking back on my career journey, one truth stands out: the strength of your network can be the difference between a good career and an exceptional one.🌟 Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with remarkable individuals who have not only opened doors but also challenged and supported me in ways I could never have anticipated. These relationships have been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities that might have otherwise slipped by. Cultivating a strong community is more than just collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about developing genuine relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals. For those just starting out, or for those who feel their network isn’t as strong as it could be, here are a few tips: 🎯𝗕𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹: Seek out connections with people who inspire you, challenge you, and can help you grow. Don’t just network for the sake of it; network with purpose. 🎁𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲: Relationships are built on reciprocity. Offer your skills, insights, and support to others. This not only builds trust but also establishes you as a valuable resource within your community. 🌱𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Find mentors who can guide you, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Equally, be open to mentoring others. The act of teaching often solidifies your own understanding and reinforces your network. 🌍𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆: Surround yourself with people who have different perspectives, experiences, and skills. A diverse network is a strong network, one that can offer innovative solutions and new ways of thinking. Building a community doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and genuine interest in others, it can become one of your most powerful tools for personal and professional success. Remember, success is rarely achieved in isolation - it’s the people you choose to surround yourself with that make all the difference. #Leadership #Networking #CareerSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #Mentorship #CareerAdvice #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment

The most important career advice I NEVER got? Relationships unlock opportunity. The difference between professionals who plateau and those who thrive often comes down to one thing: the strength of their networks. Easier said than done. Even if I had understood this, I would have needed guidance on HOW to do it. Real network-building requires intention, generosity, and authentic human connection. After years of trial and error, I've identified 20 strategies that consistently create powerful professional relationships. Here are 10. The rest are in the visual. 1. Practice the 5-minute favor rule ↳ When meeting someone new, ask yourself, "What can I do in 5 minutes that would meaningfully help this person?" ↳ Example: Send a relevant article or make a quick introduction. 2. Follow the 2:1 giving ratio ↳ Provide value at least twice before asking for anything. ↳ Example: Share and comment meaningfully on their LinkedIn posts. 3. Be 'interested, not interesting' ↳ Focus conversations on the other person rather than trying to impress. ↳ Example: Ask follow-up questions about their challenges rather than discussing your own achievements. 4. Leverage commonality ↳ Find unexpected shared interests beyond work. ↳ Example: Discovering you both enjoy pottery or hiking specific trails creates stronger bonds than just industry connections. 5. Practice conversational generosity ↳ Introduce people to others in group settings. ↳ Example: "Sarah, you should meet Alex. You're both working on similar AI ethics challenges." 6. Make specific, actionable asks ↳ Be clear about what you need. ↳ Example: "Would you be willing to review my presentation deck for 15 minutes this week?" 7. Connect with 'dormant ties' ↳ Reconnect with valuable past connections. ↳ Example: Reach out to former colleagues and share specific memories of working together. 8. Diversify your network ↳ Intentionally connect with people outside your immediate field. ↳ Example: A finance professional joining a technology meetup to gain fresh perspectives. 9. Maintain a personal board of directors ↳ Cultivate relationships with 5-7 trusted advisors. ↳ Example: Monthly check-ins with mentors who provide different perspectives on your career decisions. 10. Adopt the sweat equity approach ↳ Volunteer for industry organizations or committees. ↳ Example: Join the planning committee for a conference to create natural connections with speakers and organizers. The most valuable asset in your career isn't your degree, certifications, or even your experience It's the web of relationships you thoughtfully build along the way. What are your successful relationship building tactics? ♻️ Repost to share these ideas with your network. 👉Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more ideas about how to enhance your network and your career. 📫 Subscribe to Women in Consumer Finance to access all of our carousels, cheat sheets, and other content. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0)

>>>Do you have a networking plan? A sponsor? I've always actively supported women in building their networks. I regularly push my close friends to build their networks. Unfortunately, we are far worse at building social capital than men. What is social capital? Put simply, a high level of social capital means having good relationships with many people and access to valuable and diverse resources. A good relationship denotes strong norms of trust and reciprocity. You could think of this as goodwill, favors, obligation, or solidarity. Women typically have narrow and deep networks, while men have broad and shallow networks. Broad networks help find and spread ideas, while narrow networks provide close support. High-achieving women often have both. Here are 8 strategies to honour March 8 and help women combine local contact with global reach in professional networking: 1️⃣  𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 - instead of aiming for a vast network, focus on being strategic with a smaller group of people. 2️⃣ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 - determine what you want to achieve through networking 3️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 - map out how often you want to network and stick to your plan, balancing broadening your network and deepening existing relationships. 4️⃣ 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Meeting industry professionals at local events can help expand your professional network. Face-to-face interactions are invaluable. (We are running #LinkedInLocal on March 25! You're welcome to join us in person.) 5️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 - start with LinkedIn. Join an online community. 6️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 - Find sponsors in your location to gain face time and access to global high-status networks. 7️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 - volunteer for local events, shop at local markets, or participate in local groups or clubs to build bridges across cultures and languages. Everybody needs friends close by. 8️⃣ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 -  provide assistance, share insights, and support your network. When I contact my female friends and acquaintances, I'm sad about how little progress they have made in a year. Why don't we prioritize networking? Time constraints, family obligations, and the mode of a single married parent are the top 3 reasons. That puts us at a disadvantage in accessing career advancement, mentorship, and professional support. I want to know your why? If you have the answers, tell us below.↓

The idea of "six degrees of separation" (SDOS) is totally real. The pic accompanying this post is real-life proof of it, and it's not AI-generated✌🏻🙂 SDOS is a powerful way to understand how our professional and personal networks are interconnected. This concept suggests that any two people on Earth are six or fewer social connections away from each other. When applied to your career, this means your network is far more extensive than you might think, and it can bring you into a "full-circle" of networking. This "full-circle" is when a connection you made long ago, perhaps in a different context, unexpectedly becomes relevant again later in your journey. And because I feel that it has helped me a lot in my professional journey, I put up some key pointers that might help my Linky communities navigate this SDOS ⬇️ 1. Maintain Connections Authentically 🤝 --> Don't just collect contacts; build "genuine relationships". The people you meet today—a former colleague, a classmate, a mentor, a mentee—could be the very people who help you land a future opportunity or become a crucial partner in a new venture. The goal isn't to network with an immediate agenda (e.g. hard selling), but to foster authentic connections. This means staying in touch without a specific need, celebrating their wins, and offering help when you can. A simple "congrats on the promotion!" message can keep a connection live for years. 2. Widen Your Circle Intentionally 🗺️ --> Your professional journey is not linear. You'll move between industries, roles, and even countries. Every transition is an opportunity to expand your network. Be proactive about meeting people outside your immediate professional bubble. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and even engage in hobbies that attract people from different walks of life. The person you meet at a volunteer event could be the one who knows someone in the company you've always wanted to work for. "Diversifying your network" is key to unlocking the full potential of the "six degrees" concept. 3. Trust the Full-Circle Journey 🔮 --> Embrace the serendipity of your professional life. The person who was your first intern could one day be a senior executive at a company you're targeting. A friend from college who started a different career path might become a client or a collaborator down the line. The professional world is a small place, and the relationships you nurture early on have a way of "coming back around". Don't burn bridges (if possible), and treat every interaction with respect, because you never know when or how those paths might cross again. ✨️ This full-circle phenomenon is less about a calculated strategy and more about a mindset of long-term relationship building ✨️ Wishing y'all find your value-add "six degrees" 🎉 #Humpday #NotJustNetworking 📷 The "proof"; from APP Group to KPN Corp . SAP to Strada . ELSA, Corp to #HRBTI.

15 years ago, LinkedIn had a network visualization feature that color-coded your connections by company. Mine was solid blue. All SAP contacts, mostly at my level or below. That was a wake-up call. I was living in a professional echo chamber. Today? A beautiful spread across industries, from CEOs to junior professionals, customers to colleagues. The shift happened when I started asking: "Who do the people I know... know?" 3 practical steps that transformed my network: 👉 Connect with customers, not just internal colleagues 👉 Ask for introductions to people one degree away 👉 Join communities like Chief that cross industry lines Your network's diversity directly impacts your decision-making quality. Different perspectives from different industries add color to everything you do. #Networking #Careergrowth

🚀 The Power of Networking: How One Message Can Change Everything Let’s be real—landing opportunities isn’t just about having the perfect resume or a high GPA. In today’s world, it’s about who you know. Networking can open doors that a cold application never could—whether it’s referrals, expedited applications, or career-changing advice, one conversation can make all the difference. For me, networking isn’t just about sending DMs—it’s about putting myself in spaces where opportunities exist. Here’s what has worked for me: ✅ Attend Career Fairs, Networking Events & Conferences – One of the best ways to expand your network beyond your school and community is by attending events where recruiters and industry professionals are present. I’ve attended NSBE, AfroTech, and various advocacy-focused conferences, and each has connected me to new people, career opportunities, and mentorship. These spaces allow you to meet professionals in different industries, learn about new roles, and even secure internships on the spot. ✅ Build Multiple Networks – You don’t have to limit yourself to one professional space. I have a tech & innovation network that helps me grow in my career, and I also have an advocacy & community service network that aligns with my passion for youth empowerment. Both have led to meaningful opportunities because of the relationships I’ve built. The more diverse your network, the more opportunities you create for yourself. ✅ Utilize LinkedIn, Handshake & Career Services – These platforms are more than just job boards—they are relationship-building tools. Your next opportunity could come from a LinkedIn connection, a recruiter reaching out on Handshake, or a career counselor introducing you to an employer. Use every resource available! ✅ Ask for Virtual Coffee Chats – A simple 15-minute conversation with a professional can lead to mentorship, a job referral, or even an unexpected opportunity. The hardest part is reaching out, but most people are willing to help if you ask. A message like, “Hey [Name], I admire your work in [Industry]. I’d love to learn more about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick virtual coffee chat?” can go a long way. ✅ Take That First Step – I know it can be intimidating, but DM that person, introduce yourself at an event, ask that question. You never know where it could lead. Every opportunity I’ve had came from simply putting myself out there. Networking has allowed me to integrate all my passions—tech, advocacy, and even traveling. And the best part? It all started with a single conversation. 👇🏾 What’s one opportunity you’ve landed through networking? Drop your story in the comments!

🔗 Unlocking Professional Opportunities: Building Your Network 🌐 As a transitioning service member, your LinkedIn network is more than just a digital Rolodex—it’s your lifeline to career success. Allow me to dive into the battle-tested strategies that worked for me in creating a robust network that opened the doors: “Show, Don’t Sell” Approach 📈 Forget the sales pitch. Instead, showcase your talents, skills, and accomplishments. 🌟 Share brief stories, snapshots of your work, and insights into your journey. Authenticity resonates. Master the LinkedIn Search Ops 🔍 In the search box, type your field of interest (e.g., “Cybersecurity”). Click on “people.” Follow fellow enthusiasts. Send personalized connection requests. Engage with their posts. Join relevant groups. 🚀 Deploy at Symposiums and Conferences 🎙️ Engage with 10 attendees. Keep it simple: say hello, remember names, and ask questions. Before parting ways, request a LinkedIn connection or snag a business card. Within 72 hours, send a thoughtful follow-up. Remember, #networking isn’t a mystical ritual—it’s two humans connecting over shared interests. No pedestals needed. Now, veterans and network ninjas, your mission: critique, enhance, and share your wisdom in the comments. 🤝🔥 P.S. If networking were a combat zone, consider this post your tactical pre-mission briefing. 🎯🔒 #networkingnavigator #LinkedInStrategy #CareerConnections #professionaldevelopment #personaldevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #militarytransition #Veterans #S2StalkerSolutions Tomorrow's content: #StrategySaturday

August is the month when many parents drop off their college children. While I was helping mine to move in, I asked what are some of the life principles that I have taught them. One of these principles they learned is the importance of networking. Networking needs two components. 1️⃣ It needs to be a net. 2️⃣ It needs to be working. In the fast-paced world of tech, networking is often equated to collecting business cards or LinkedIn QR code. But it's more than that. It's about weaving a strong, supportive net that can catch you when you fall and propel you forward. Like any net, yours needs to be carefully crafted with your chosen threads. Intentionally build relationships with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. A diverse network is essential for innovation and growth. Secondly, it needs to be working for you...and for them. It's not only about who you know, it's critical who knows you and what they know about you. Building your personal brand, and keeping your network updated about what you do and how you do it is essential for them to be able to advocate for you. A strong network is a two-way street. We give away what we want. This is the law of reciprocity. We pay forward. We give back to our communities. We become a mentor of someone else. We help others succeed. By nurturing these connections, we will not only strengthen our own career but also contribute to a more inclusive and thriving environment. Creating and maintaining a strong network can be particularly challenging for women in tech. Implicit biases, underrepresentation, the pressure to fit in, and additional domestic responsibilities can create additional hurdles. But it is possible. It's crucial to find supportive communities, seek out mentors, and amplify the voices of other women in the field. Build your network - one connection at a time. What's your view and experience of building network?