Maria Tedesco, President and Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Union Bank.
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In my recent article, I shared that, as women, we need to support each other and help one another achieve success. Building a broad network of women you admire is one more way to do that. Making connections boosts confidence, fosters a sense of camaraderie and empowers us to look for new opportunities. And in the workplace, it’s one of the best ways to get noticed.
In the digital age, connections on LinkedIn matter but not as much as you might think. More than 70% of all jobs are never posted publicly and a large percentage are filled through a professional connection. I remember one time in my career when I found myself newly hired at an organization in significant need of additional talent. Within six months, I filled 28 roles exclusively from my network. These incredibly talented individuals followed me because of previously built relationships that were developed over time.
Networking isn’t just a means to an end; it's a transformative pathway that empowers women to meet their professional goals and thrive in the workplace. Through networking, women can gain insights, advice and guidance from experienced professionals and amplify their chances of discovering unadvertised positions and gaining referrals from supportive mentors.
Build A Diverse Network
When building your network, it’s important to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Be open to learning about different perspectives, experiences and opportunities. Collaboration with individuals beyond your industry can lead to innovative thinking and inspiration. Engaging with professionals at all levels is also important and can provide invaluable insights and mentorship opportunities.
As you build relationships across gender, ethnicity and professional industries, you not only amplify your own voice but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. This may be difficult to do at first, but your confidence will increase as you watch your network grow into a powerful force of positive change.
Develop A Strategy
Relationship building requires intention, planning and a clear sense of purpose. Begin by setting well-defined goals that outline the connections you want to make. This may include professional mentorship, cross-industry collaboration or expanding your personal network. Once you’ve defined your goals, create a flexible plan that outlines specific actions and milestones. Allocate time to attend industry events, engage in networking forums and initiate one-on-one interactions. Remember, relationships do not happen by chance; they require consistent effort and nurturing.
Focus On Personal Growth
Personal development fuels professional success and personal fulfillment. Attend a conference in your field to keep up with the latest trends and insights. Enroll in classes that expand your skill set. By participating in experiences like these, you will increase your opportunities for meeting like-minded individuals who can become valuable additions to your network. Align yourself with people who not only provide valuable network connections but also contribute to your growth as an individual.
Be Confident
Reaching out to new people and leaders within professional settings requires confidence, but it is worth the effort. Approach each interaction with authenticity and remember you have a unique perspective that you also bring to the table. Your voice matters, and you have the potential to share insightful conversations and forge meaningful relationships.
Finding my voice and learning to speak up took many years. I want to give other women the confidence to feel empowered and supported in the workplace, so I started an employee resource group (ERG) at Atlantic Union Bank called the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN). We meet twice a month to highlight opportunities for personal development and networking. But, more importantly, we meet so that women can come together to share their stories and know they have a supportive network behind them as they build confidence, find their voice and use it.
The Power Of Networking
In 2018, I decided it was time to pick my head up and look for a new opportunity. I called on my network and initiated every avenue I could. I posted on LinkedIn, set up one-on-one meetings and called people I knew with influence and connections. I was immediately overwhelmed by the amount of support I received, and soon I had more interviews and opportunities lined up than I’d ever had.
One of those interviews came from a long-time former vendor who shared with me that Atlantic Union Bank was in search of a new president. It turns out a key decision maker was a gentleman I had known 20 years earlier when we met at a conference and agreed to co-present at a couple of speaking engagements. He recommended me to the CEO, who remembered working with me on the Consumer Bankers Association board of directors. Knowing that I would be hesitant to relocate, they reached out to our mutual acquaintance who eagerly connected with me to set up the interview. Thanks to this trifecta of contacts in my network, today, I am not only the president of Atlantic Union Bank but also the chief operating officer, and I am happier in my career than I ever have been.
You may not know the value of your network until you really need it. Then they show up, and you realize what a powerful tool connection is for women.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
