“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.”
– Confucius, Chinese philosopher
“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
– Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter
Whether it’s 500 B.C. or the present day, change is a constant presence in our lives. All we know for sure at the start of a new year is that we’ll encounter changes ahead. So let’s start 2025 by accepting that change is a given — and, just as importantly, by inviting everyone we know to help us make the most of it.
We’re All in This Together
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
– Jane Howard, American journalist
Strong networks can help spark the change you want, as well as help you adapt to change that shows up without an invitation.
As marketing expert Porter Gale wrote, “Your network is your net worth.” The connections you make provide many forms of value that can help keep you afloat in a changing world:
- Sharing Knowledge: Relationships can help you appreciate different perspectives, gain insights and stay updated on industry trends.
- Building Capability: Crowdsourcing, brainstorming and collaborating with others allows you to do more — and do it better.
- Providing Inspiration: Surrounding yourself with motivated, creative and successful people can spur you to set higher goals and do your best work.
- Offering a Support System: Whether it’s through mentorship, advice or simply being there during challenging times, a strong network can offer emotional and practical support in navigating obstacles and staying resilient.
- Creating Possibility: Networking can open doors to new opportunities, such as job offers, partnerships and collaborations.
- Paying it Forward: Sharing what you learn from colleagues and friends will build deeper personal and professional relationships and create a satisfying sense of contributing to others’ success.
How to Work Your Network
“For the boat to make it to its destination, everyone must paddle. You can’t change the world alone — you will need some help.”
– Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy
Human connections help us weather change by building a stable foundation of mutual trust, respect and benefit. Most of us instinctually understand this, but it’s not always clear how to make it happen. As with most human relationships, it’s important to begin with the basics:
- Be genuine and genuinely interested
- Listen actively and engage with what people say
- Show up consistently and reliably
- Offer value to create a two-way benefit
Here are some additional ways to build your professional connections:
1. Make the First Move: Don’t wait for an invitation to expand your connections beyond your own team. Set up time to talk with people you admire or whose work interests you, both inside and outside your organization. Get in the habit of checking in with colleagues to ask what their typical day looks like or the challenges they’re facing; remember birthdays, and ask about their last vacation or kids’ soccer game. Building relationships and initiating conversations with people you may not regularly interact with can establish your reputation as a connector while simultaneously expanding your own productivity.
2. Forge a Virtual Link: Platforms like LinkedIn provide great opportunities for connecting with colleagues and industry leaders. Share your achievements and engage with others’ content. Posting congratulatory notes when colleagues and peers achieve professional milestones can provide an opening to strengthen your connection to them.
3. Get an Education: Working with a mentor can be invaluable to career growth. Find people who are willing to provide guidance and support that can help you navigate workplace challenges, expand your knowledge and skills, and discover professional opportunities. And be open to sharing your experience and perspective with those who can benefit from it.
4. Meet and Greet: Like reaching out to people directly, interacting with peers in group settings can open many doors. Consider attending an industry conference where you can come into contact with people who have similar interests while building your own skills and knowledge. Events like ROI Forums and ROI Tech Talks can give you a chance to interact with new people in a virtual environment.
5. Keep It Real: Set achievable goals for connecting, like attending one networking event per month, reconnecting with an old colleague every quarter or checking in with a different friend each week. Be deliberate and consistent about the process so you don’t burn out. Along the way, be realistic about the quality of your connections. If you regularly walk away from an interaction feeling diminished rather than enhanced, it may be time to reassess that relationship.
The More Things Change, the More We Need Each Other
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
– John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the U.S.
The inevitability of change means opportunities will abound in the coming year. A conscious approach to building connections can reap tremendous rewards in managing the change that shows up unannounced and, more importantly, creating the change you want to see in 2025.
If you’d like to benefit from decades of communication and change management experience, the ROI Partner Group can support you with a personal strategic advisor, insights into the latest trends and access to peers to help you along the way.
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Christy Lang
Vice President, Strategist
Christy has spent more than 25 years helping organizations communicate more clearly and collaboratively. An organic gardener and runner, her expertise in strategic planning, change management and cultural transformation has benefited numerous companies in streamlining their operations.