Actively participating in networking events will help to expand your network beyond the boundaries of your own organisation.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I clear on the benefits of actually extending my network? Can I set measurable goals for the benefits I want to achieve? What specific knowledge, contacts and experiences am I trying to collect, and why?

• How much time am I willing to invest in building my external network? Can I allocate a particular amount of time per month or week? How many events will I attend?

• How do I choose events to participate in? Where will I most likely encounter my target stakeholders? What criteria am I going to establish that will help me make a “go” or “no-go” decision?

• What is my follow-up strategy for the people I meet who I think would be valuable to my network? How will I reconnect with them? What value can I bring to them?

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