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Networking Redefined: How to Create Your Circle of Leaders

Writer's picture: Tina Marie BaughTina Marie Baugh

Updated: Oct 17, 2023


Co-workers out for coffee

You've likely heard the importance of networking, of expanding your horizons, and gaining fresh perspectives. Today, we invite you to elevate your networking game by crafting your own Circle of Leaders—a group of individuals who can serve as mentors, advisors, and sources of inspiration. The idea might seem daunting or labor-intensive, but bear with us. Grab a cup of coffee, and let's delve into the concept of a Circle of Leaders and how they can be a blueprint for professional growth.


The Power of a Circle of Leaders

Creating a circle of leaders around you transcends the superficiality of expanding your LinkedIn connections; it's about nurturing a robust support system.

  • Shared Knowledge Imagine the wealth of technical knowledge you could amass by pooling decades of experience.

  • Diverse Perspectives Picture the ability to convene multiple minds from your circle to sculpt holistic solutions. It's an invaluable resource.

  • Support System Everyone faces challenging times. Your circle becomes a collective shoulder to lean on during such moments.

  • Personal Growth As you collectively tackle challenges and share experiences, personal growth becomes an inherent byproduct.


Cultivating Your Circle

Identify Leaders

First, identify leaders both within and outside your organization. You can engage with seminars, industry webinars, and workshops to discover leaders beyond your immediate work environment. Seek those whose vision aligns with yours. A balanced mix of internal and external individuals is ideal. I've found that maintaining a circle of eight to ten people, evenly split between internal and external connections, works effectively.

Internal leaders bring insights into your organization's history, politics, and unwritten rules. They have their finger on the pulse of current events and can guide you accordingly. External leaders, on the other hand, offer diverse experiences, different solutions, and fresh perspectives for you to consider.

Reach out

Once you've identified potential members for your circle, extend an invitation for a coffee, lunch, or even a casual chat. For in-person interactions with internal connections, seize the opportunity after a meeting to grab a coffee. If your connections are virtual, reach out through your company's chat system like Microsoft Teams or Slack. For external connections, a simple LinkedIn message or an invitation for coffee can kickstart the conversation.

Crafting a compelling coffee invitation in a professional context necessitates clarity, sincerity, and politeness. (See an example below) Many people might dismiss generic or poorly crafted messages, mistaking them for sales pitches. Here are some pointers when reaching out:

  • Be Clear: State your intent without unnecessary verbosity.

  • Personalize: Avoid generic requests. Mention specific aspects of their work or insights that caught your attention. The more precise you are about your discussion topic, the more engaging your request becomes.

  • Be Respectful: Acknowledge the value of their time.

  • Flexible Options: Embrace alternative meeting formats, such as virtual coffee chats, especially in today's global work environment.

  • Follow-up: If they express interest but can't set an immediate date, remember to follow up. Understand that schedules can be hectic, and various factors may influence their availability. Recently someone followed up after an initial few emails. I’m glad she did. Her email had gotten lost in the masses. Don’t assume you are being ghosted.

Engage

Once your circle is established, maintaining it is key. Engaging with members regularly, both one-on-one and in small groups, is essential. People appreciate being part of a curated group of leaders; you're saving them time and energy. Engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and share your expertise. Mark your calendars for monthly or quarterly meet-ups. Set your next meeting immediately after one concludes.

To keep your circle vibrant, consider these principles:

  • Ensure Diverse Thought: Embrace global perspectives. Include diversity across various dimensions, such as gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion, and physical abilities. Diverse backgrounds fuel innovation.

  • Honest Dialogue: Cultivate an environment where ideas flow freely, free from judgment. Your circle exists to provide candid feedback, not to be a chorus of "Yes People." Encourage constructive criticism.

  • Continuously Expand and Refine: Reassess your circle periodically. People change jobs, retire, or experience life-altering events. Your circle must adapt to these changes.


The Wisdom of Shellye Archambeau


Unapologetically Ambitious

In her book, Unapologetically Ambitious, Shellye Archambeau encourages us to find cheerleaders, stay connected with those who matter, and seek mentors. This is precisely what a Circle of Leaders offers. They cheer you on, keep you grounded, share knowledge and diverse perspectives, and push you to grow.



This journey isn't about amassing connections on LinkedIn or garnering likes on social media posts. It's about cultivating genuine relationships with a group of individuals you can call on anytime, share professional knowledge, and even share a laugh. If you're enjoying the insights here, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel for more valuable content. As always, let's continue learning and growing together. See you next time!





Example Email for Reaching Out


Subject: Tech Leader to Tech Leader Coffee Chat Invitation


Dear [Recipient's Name],


I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I work at/in [Your Company or Industry]. Over the past [time period], I've come across your work and perspectives on [specific topic or project], and I've found them to be truly insightful.


I genuinely believe our conversation could be mutually beneficial, and I assure you this isn't a sales pitch. I'm purely looking to understand more about [Specific Idea/Project/Technology] from a leader in the field and exchange ideas. For example, I am interested in learning more about [DETAIL HERE - CRITICAL BE SPECIFIC - ASK QUESTION SO IT COULD EVEN BE ANSWERED VIA EMAIL IF NEEDED].


Would you be open to meeting for a (virtual) coffee sometime in the next couple of weeks? I believe there might be some interesting synergies in our professional goals and values, and I would truly value the opportunity to connect.


Please let me know if you're available, and if there's a specific time or venue that works best for you. I understand that schedules can be tight, so I truly appreciate any time you might be able to spare.


Thank you for considering my invitation, and I look forward to hearing from you.


Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]


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