Networks matter for career success. They help you find people who can assist you with projects, refer you to new employers, and make connections to new and bigger opportunities. In a famous study by Ronald Burt, people who made efforts to improve their networks were 42%–74% more likely to be promoted than those who didn’t.
Making Time for Networking as a Working Parent
It’s about maintaining connections, not just finding new ones.
May 23, 2018
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Summary.
We all know networks are an important career asset. But it can be a challenge for working parents to make time for networking, since networks often seem to grow during after-hours activities — like after-work drinks, weekend off-sites, or far-away conferences. But there are ways that working parents can fit networking into their busy lives. First, remember that networking isn’t just about meeting new people; it’s about maintaining connections with people you already know, by staying in touch or making introductions. Use video conferencing to meet new people “face to face” if you can’t travel. And talk to the other parents you meet about non-kid stuff; research shows “multiplex” ties, where we have many things in common, tend to be stronger.
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Leveraging Your Networks Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leveraging Your Networks. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Map, assess, and strengthen your professional relationships.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Leveraging Your Networks Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leveraging Your Networks. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Map, assess, and strengthen your professional relationships.