The Connection Code

Networking is a critical skill in the business and financial world and navigating the complex world of professional connections can be daunting. “The Connection Code” provides practical strategies and expert insights to help you build a powerful and profitable network. From mastering the art of the introduction to cultivating meaningful relationships, this column will guide you through the essential steps to leverage your connections for career advancement, business growth, and personal success. We’ll explore everything from online networking etiquette to the power of in-person events, ensuring you’re equipped to make the most of every networking opportunity.

Mapping your professional network

Networks…Everyone talks about them these days. We’ve all heard the saying “Your network is your net worth.” But before we can even think about that ‘net worth’, I believe it’s crucial to know exactly who makes up your network.
I like to think of mapping your network as creating a personal roadmap of your professional relationships. It’s just about getting clear on who you know and how they’re all connected. For me, visualizing it as a series of circles works best – picture yourself at the center, surrounded by your closest professional allies (you know, those mentors who’ve guided you and the collaborators you work with regularly), then expanding outward to those conference connections and LinkedIn contacts you touch base with occasionally. Here’s why I find this exercise incredibly valuable:

I find that mapping your network this way helps you:

● See the full picture of your connections (trust me, you probably know more people than you think)

● Spot gaps where you might want to build new relationships (maybe you are strong in creative connections but light on technical ones)

● Remember to stay in touch with valuable connections (we have all had that moment of “Oh, I haven’t reached out to them in ages.”)

● Strategies for career advancement: How can you leverage your network to achieve your career goals?

● Make meaningful introductions between people who could help each other (I love being able to connect dots between people in my network and pay it forward!)

Imagine drawing circles of relationships, starting with your closest professional contacts in the center (like mentors or frequent collaborators), then moving outward to include people you know less well or interact with less frequently.

How to map your professional network:

● Use a digital tool: There are many online tools and apps (like LinkedIn) that can help you visualize your network. Some even allow you to categorize your contacts and track your interactions with them.

● Create a spreadsheet: You can use a spreadsheet to list your contacts, their roles, their industries, and your relationship with them.

● Draw a mind map: This can be a more visual way to represent your network, with you at the center and your connections branching out. Microsoft PowerPoint is a great tool for this.

The beauty of network mapping is that it turns something that feels overwhelming (all your professional relationships) into something tangible that you can actually work with and grow strategically. It’s not about having the biggest network, it’s about understanding and nurturing the one you have.

About The Author

Aramide Abe is a networking expert and super connector. She is Founder of Naija Startups, a business leader network focused on building African business leaders. She works for a Development Finance Institution on international development projects across Africa and is passionate about people, business, access to finance and leveraging opportunities for growth and success.