Fifteen years ago, I left my corporate life at nab (National Australia Bank). After 17 years working in the banking industry, my professional network mostly consisted of my nab or former nab colleagues. At the time I hadn’t invested much in the concept of networking, letting it evolve organically.

Comparatively my attitude to networking has dramatically changed as a result of the challenges and opportunities of running my own practice over the past 15 years. Overall, I have become more and more deliberate with my approach to both networking and nurturing my network.

Career Supports

At different stages of my practice, I have needed a variety of people supporting me. At times, this has included various mentors to help me with my immediate goals. These people could also open doors for me or introduce me to others. Now and again, I needed people to hold me accountable to what I said I wanted to achieve or to give me a hug when it all felt too hard and things didn’t go to plan.

Janine Garner

One person that entered my close network was Janine Garner. When she wrote her second book, It’s Who You Know, it provided me with a brilliant structure for being strategic with my networking. Janine’s mantra is:

“Networking matters but your network matters more”.

She helps you identify the key four and then twelve people you need in your network. This includes your promoters, pit-crew, teachers and butt-kickers.

While networking will always have an element of organic growth, I truly believe that being more strategic with your approach has a positive impact on your career success. Combined with communicating in a way that is more effective and using engaging stories, it is a recipe for success.

Core Skills

Although we may be completely biased, it’s not just Janine and I that think networking and storytelling are critical core skills. In a recent HBR white paper titled IT Talent Strategy: New Tactics for a New Era, storytelling and networking were in the top eight core skills identified for 2020 and beyond.

The Winning Formula

So, Janine and I have teamed up to run a one day workshop that we appropriately called The Winning Formula – strategic networking and strategic storytelling for success.

The previous year’s workshops in Melbourne and Sydney have been a tremendous success (it would be ironic if they weren’t!). As a result, we are excited to add another location to Melbourne and Sydney. Sorry Brisbane, Perth and other Australian cities because London is calling!

To find out more and register check out the following link.

• LONDON – 13th May (cancelled due to COIVD-19 restrictions – stay tuned for future dates!)

Hold the date – registration details coming soon!

• SYDNEY – 15th September
• MELBOURNE – 15th October

Early bird options are still available for London until 1st April.

Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it, this is what some past participants had to say:

A fantastic workshop that provides you with real skills to take into your work life. Helpful to all regardless of level and industry. I would highly recommend this program.
Rebecca Aylward Program Manager, Telstra

 

The best investment of my time and money this year!
Marc Pavillard Chief of Staff, Australian Defence Force

 

The Winning formula with Gabrielle and Janine was really wonderful. I loved the day and took away far more than I was expecting.
Kim Cox General Manager Thought Leaders