The Hidden Leadership Advantage: Why Top Executives Master Networking Using 7-Steps And How You Can Too

Have you ever noticed how the most successful leaders seem to create opportunities out of thin air? This hidden advantage is often their mastery of networking - a skill separating the exceptional leaders from the competent.

Years ago, I discovered how critical this skill is when speaking at a British Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on this topic.

When 30 Became 120

I arrived an hour early that morning, as I usually like to for speaking events and training programmes to check everything is working.

The organisers mentioned there would be around 20 attendees, or possibly at a stretch 30, so I was mentally prepared for an intimate meeting.

As I arrived at the hotel conference floor, I noticed all the small conference rooms were in darkness, but there seemed to be a big event about to happen in the ballroom.

I wondered if I had the wrong date and asked a staff member if they knew where the networking event was.

"It's in that room," she responded, pointing straight ahead.

"But that's the ballroom," I exclaimed.

She nodded in agreement.

"How many people are confirmed?" I asked, my heart beating faster.

"120," she said matter-of-factly.

My mind momentarily turned blank at the thought of such a large audience.

When 8am arrived the ballroom filled with professionals, and I took my position at the front. Despite my initial nerves, luckily my confidence flowed naturally as the topic of networking is one I've become passionate about.

Interestingly, when I asked the audience who believed networking was important, every single hand went up without hesitation.

And yet, when I asked who actively networked as part of their leadership practice, barely a third of those same hands remained raised.

This gap between knowing and doing represents the single greatest missed opportunity for most leaders today.

The Executive Edge: Building Authentic Connections

Why am I so passionate about this subject? Because my husband Martin Cropper and I have built our company, NoLimits, through the power of strategic connections over the last 19 years. We've consistently observed how leaders who master networking outperform their peers, not only in advancing their careers, but also in achieving business results.

Even to this day with hybrid working and digitisation, face to face networking remains one of the most powerful advantages leaders can develop to professionally grow and transform their organisational culture.

Why You Need to Prioritise Networking

In our increasingly competitive and complex business environment, the most successful leaders understand that, who you know and who knows you, often matter more than what you know.

When you master networking it will:

• Create opportunities that would otherwise remain invisible.
• Provide access to diverse ideas and fresh perspectives.
• Build a resilient support system for both your professional challenges and personal growth.
• Enhance your reputation, credibility and leadership brand
• Open doors to new partnerships, clients, and collaboration both within and outside your organisation to drive breakthrough results.

The Real Reasons Leaders Avoid Networking

Despite its importance, many of us avoid networking or approach it with dread. The common objections I hear most include:

• "It feels fake and transactional."
• "I'm introverted and find it exhausting."
• "I don't want to impose on others."
• "I'm not good at small talk."
• "I don't have time for it."

And perhaps one of the most limiting beliefs of all - one I've said to myself in the past:

“I don’t know anyone.”

The good news is that when you know how to network it doesn’t have to feel like this.

What Strategic Networking Means

Networking isn't about collecting business cards or making as many connections as you can – this will turn out to be superficial.

It's about:

• Building genuine relationships based on mutual value and trust where you can help one another.
• Cultivating a community of like-minded professionals who have similar interests, as well as diverse perspectives to you.
• Creating a support structure where everyone involved benefits.
• Exchanging knowledge, experiences and ideas that help us all grow, as well as our businesses.
• Creating opportunities to contribute without expecting anything in return

The most valuable networking isn’t forced - it evolves organically and with trust when you interact with authenticity, genuine interest and generosity.

How to NETWORK - The 7 Step Approach

Stop seeing networking as a dreaded chore and turn it into a fulfilling part of your professional life:

N - Nurture Relationships: Don't wait for networking opportunities to randomly happen. Be intentional by scheduling time for relationship-building, follow up consistently and maintain connections even when you don't need something.

E - Engage Authentically: Bring your true self to every interaction, show genuine interest in others and focus on quality conversations rather than superficial exchanges. People can sense insincerity, so always be genuine in your relatioships.

T - Target Strategically: We all have the same number of hours in a day and although it’s good to be open to all connections, align professional relationships with your interests, values and goals. Know where to invest your limited time and energy.

W – Work on Your Plan: Be clear about what you bring to the table. What expertise, perspectives, or resources can you offer others? How can you be of service?

O - Open up and Listen: Networking is less about talking and more about listening. Ask thoughtful questions about the other person's challenges, aspirations, and interests. For example:

• "What exciting project are you working on right now?"
• "What challenges are you facing?"
• "What opportunities do you see on the horizon that you're most enthusiastic about?"

Remember, openness creates deeper connections.

R – Reciprocate Generously: Look for ways to help others without expecting anything in return. Make introductions, share resources, offer insights – give before you get.

K - Keep in Touch: Consistency matters. Follow up and build your presence in your network. Trust, respect and recognition develop over time.

Your Leadership Multiplier Effect

When you embrace networking as a strategic leadership practice rather than a self-serving activity, connecting with others becomes much more meaningful. Your influence will multiply and create a ripple effect extending beyond your immediate team and organisation.

At NoLimits, we've seen this effect happen consistently. The leaders we partner with accelerate their career growth and transform their organisational cultures not only through our leadership training, but also through the strategic connections they build participating in learning and mentoring programmes. They learn to understand the importance of being leadership role models in their organisations and by understanding the importance of cross-functional collaboration, as well as building strategic alliances externally.

In our business environment where our technical skills are quickly becoming commoditized, the ability to create authentic human connections is an increasingly valuable leadership differentiator.

It's more than advancing your career or growing your business – it's about creating positive impact through a network of meaningful relationships that will multiply your leadership influence and results.

What one networking step will you now commit to?

For more information about our Executive Coaching and Leadership Development Programmes, please contact me Janet Cropper or NoLimits www.nolimitspartners.com

Janet Cropper is the Founder of NoLimits, helping leaders and executives transform organisational cultures through powerful leadership development programmes. With over 19 years running NoLimits and over 30 years corporate experience, Janet and her husband Martin, have built their business through the power of authentic connections and relationship-building.