Creating Connections Crucial To Developing Your Career

We place significant focus on building a career by developing our skills, acquiring qualifications and putting in the effort in the work we do. While these elements are an important foundation, there is another that is just significant, and that is the power of connection.

Careers are not built in isolation and the connections we build along the way support personal growth, open up (often hidden) opportunities and feed into longer-term success. Careers are a lot about people so creating meaningful professional relationships on the journey does make a difference.

Here’s some key reasons why connection is key.

Connection is more than networking: the mere mention of networking, especially in face to face environments, tends to bring out the sweats in many people and especially introverts. In the interest of building connection, you do have to talk to people and engage in conversation and by taking a genuine interest in others, you build authenticity.

Reputation matters: when professional connections are built on mutual respect, curiosity and a growth mindset, you create a positive vibe and this develops with each of your interactions to help build your credibility and visibility.

Connection opens opportunities: when you engage with your trusted professional circle, you often find out about opportunities that may not ordinarily surface across your desk and before they are ever publicly available. The adage ‘it’s as much about who you know than what you know’ still holds true and your relationships can open career opportunities.

Connection builds community: genuine connections based on trust and respect create a sense of inclusion and build a community where we feel valued and it nurtures well-being. The evidence indicates that human connection reduces stress and builds resilience.

Connection expands your influence: the more you build and expand your professional network, the more opportunity you have to contribute, influence and make a difference. Also your connections enable you to share ideas and learn informally from others, supporting your personal and professional growth.

Connection is about forming genuine professional relationships with people. Whether attending events or engaging through online platforms, take the opportunity to connect. The people you meet and the conversations you have will impact your career journey and build your reputation as much as the work you do.

Feeling unsure on how to build those professional connections; let’s talk it through and work it out together  - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

‍