Building Your Network as a Change Manager (Especially in a New Company)

Networking is essential for Change Managers, especially when starting a new role. Building a strong network can provide you with essential insights, support, and opportunities. In fact, your job relies on it.

A change manager needs to build relationships with key stakeholders, understand their perspectives, and gain buy-in for change initiatives. Networking helps a new change manager to become more native in the organisation much faster. In addition to benefits to working relationships, networking helps to stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends, which can improve your change management strategies.

Here we present some quick tips and reminders about the art of networking.

Internal Networking

Internal networking means building relationships within your organisation and is valuable to understand informal pathways and influence. Beyond this, though, internal networking helps us become connected to our colleagues and the purpose or values of the organisation we now represent.

• Schedule Informational Interviews:  Connect with people of interest, or people who know people of interest, to understand more about how the organisation works, and how they feel about the coming changes.

• Attend Team Meetings and Events:  Participate actively in team meetings and social events to get to know your colleagues.

• Join Internal Communities:  Engage in internal forums, groups, or communities related to change management or your industry.

• Seek Mentorship:  Find a mentor within the organisation who can provide guidance and support.

  
  

• Volunteer for Cross-Functional Projects:  Working on projects with different teams exposes you to a wider range of people and perspectives.

While building your internal network, don't overlook the importance of building strong relationships within your own team. These colleagues are your immediate support system and can provide valuable insights into the organisation's culture and dynamics.

External Networking

External networking means connecting with professionals outside your company and is another way to invest time in yourself and stay interested in your chosen career path. Through external networking, you can quickly get to understand industry trends, topics, opinions and gain access to potential resources that extend your knowledge or open new opportunities.

• Attend Industry Conferences and Events:  Conferences and workshops provide opportunities to learn from experts and connect with other change professionals.

  
  

• Join Professional Organisations:  Organisations like the Change Management Institute and Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) offer networking opportunities and resources.

  
  

• Engage on Social Media:  Connect with change leaders and practitioners on LinkedIn and other platforms. Share relevant articles and participate in discussions.

  
  

• Attend Webinars and Online Courses:  These are great ways to expand your knowledge and connect with people from around the world.

  
  

• Reach Out to Alumni Networks:  If you're a recent graduate, leverage your alumni network to connect with professionals in your field.

• Leveraging your existing network:  Especially valuable before starting a new role. Tap into your existing network for introductions and insights about the company and its culture. This can give you a head start in building your internal network.

  
  

Networking Tips

Maximise your enjoyment and impact while networking by being present and prepared when connecting with others.

• Be Prepared:  Have a brief "elevator pitch" ready that summarises your experience, interests or focus for the event you're attending.

  
  

• Be Genuine:  Focus on building genuine connections rather than just collecting contacts. While it's tempting to collect as many contacts as possible, prioritise building meaningful relationships with key individuals. A smaller network of trusted advisors and collaborators is far more valuable than a large collection of superficial connections.

• Listen More Than You Talk:  Show genuine interest in others and their experiences.

• Follow Up:  After meeting someone, send a personalised email or LinkedIn message to stay in touch.

• Offer Value:  Share helpful resources, articles, or insights with your network. Be aware of your contacts' needs and look for ways to provide or reciprocate value to them. Networking isn't just about what others can do for you; it's also about what you can do for them. Actively look for opportunities to help your contacts, whether it's sharing a relevant article, making an introduction, or offering your expertise.

• Be Consistent:  Networking is an ongoing process. Make it a regular part of your routine.

• Document your network:  As your network grows, consider using a CRM or spreadsheet to keep track of your contacts, their interests, and any relevant information about them. This can help you personalise your interactions and maintain stronger relationships.

  
  

• Networking Etiquette: Depending on where you work, the formality of your industry, your age and experience in relation to your contacts, there may be expectations about etiquette such as being respectful of people's time, actively listening, and sending thank-you notes. You can research these various expectations online and - by asking trusted advisors in your network!

  
  

• Adapting to different networking environments:  Be aware that there may be nuances to networking in different settings, such as online vs. in-person events, industry events vs. work celebrations and so on. When networking within your team, it might seem strange to hand out your business card, but entirely appropriate at an industry event.

Solving Problems

Most people problems have an element of communication breakdown in them. The ability to get into a room with strangers and open up issues for discussion is an invaluable skill in change management. By investing time in building your network, you'll soon develop the credentials to ask people to engage with you in solving problems.

Further, having a broad internal network can help you better understand when change management efforts aren't being well received. Internal networks can provide early feedback and the opportunity to correct course before a more significant problem develops.

Building Your Network as a Change Manager

Building a robust network is not just an advantage for change managers—it's a fundamental requirement, especially when working through the complexities of a new company.

By actively engaging in both internal and external networking activities, change managers can gain critical insights, build essential relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends. From understanding the organisational landscape to gaining buy-in for change initiatives, a strong network provides the foundation for success.

Networking is a continuous process, not a one-time event.

By consistently investing time and effort in building genuine connections, change managers can significantly enhance their effectiveness and impact. There are long-term benefits of networking that extend beyond the immediate job you have now. A strong network can open doors to future opportunities, provide ongoing support, and contribute to your professional growth throughout your career.

Successfully navigating change requires a strategic approach and expert guidance. That's where Agencia Change comes in – we offer tailored services to help individuals like you and organisations like yours effectively manage transitions and achieve sustainable growth. Let's explore how Agencia Change can empower you and your organisation to embrace change with confidence.

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