TIN #117 - The One Key Question That Can Transform Your Career
How to Use Internal Networking to Fast-Track Your Career
Hey Introverted Networkers,
When it comes to professional development, most people think of courses, certifications, or industry events.
But there’s one activity that’s often overlooked—internal networking.
That’s right, building relationships within your organization can set your career on a trajectory you never thought possible.
Let’s explore why internal networking is essential, how it drives success, and how you can start today.
This issue takes about 6 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started…
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Why Internal Networking Matters
Internal networking isn’t just about making friends at work; it’s a strategic career move that can impact everything from promotions to salary increases and bonuses.
Here's how internal networking helps your career:
Increased Visibility: Doing great work isn’t always enough.
You need others to see your contributions.
Organizations often have formal processes for determining promotions and bonuses that involve input from multiple leaders, not just your boss.
When other leaders know you, they’re more likely to support career-enhancing opportunities for you.
If you remain a well-kept secret, your chances of getting promoted or moving into new roles diminish.
Faster Career Growth: Having a network of colleagues and leaders who know your strengths means you’re more likely to hear about new opportunities first.
If you aspire to take on more significant responsibilities, get promoted, or explore new opportunities within your organization, you need to be on the radar of key decision-makers.
People prefer to work with those they know and trust, and internal networking is your ticket to building those relationships.
This can open doors to roles and projects that help you advance faster.
Real-World Proof: A Success Story
Recently, I met with a former co-worker who shared how internal networking changed her career.
When we worked together, she was trying to figure out where she wanted to go in her career. She knew she wanted to get more exposure to the senior leaders in our company, but wasn’t sure how to do it.
I advised her to build relationships within our organization by asking leaders one key question (more on that soon).
This tactic worked so well that when one of those leaders moved to a new company, he reached out and offered her a role.
This opportunity led her to a whole new area of work she never expected.
What’s The One Key Question To Ask?
What you really want to know is what was the advice I gave her that changed her career?
Here’s what I told her to do:
Choose 3-5 People to Connect With: Start with leaders or experienced colleagues you admire.
They don’t have to be top executives—just people who know the ins and outs of the organization.
Send a Simple Email: Here’s a template:
“Hi [Name], I’m working on a professional development activity and would love to ask you one question about your career. Could I set up 15 minutes with you to hear your answer to the question?
Leaders will be intrigued because no one sends them an email like this and they want to know what the one question is?
If someone doesn’t respond, move on to the next person—don’t chase it.
For those leaders that respond, move on to the next step.
Set up the 15 minute meeting: It can be on the phone, or online, or in person.
Make sure you don’t have to run to another meeting at the end of 15 minutes.
That way, if the person wants to talk longer, you are available to keep going.
Ask The One Question: During the meeting, ask:
“What’s the one thing you believe has contributed the most to your career success so far?”
Then, just listen.
Let them talk, ask clarifying questions, and keep the conversation natural.
You might get some great insights, but the primary goal is to build rapport.
Be ready for them to ask you questions like:
What do you do?
Who do you work for?
What are you working on?
These questions are opportunities for them to get to know you, which is exactly what you want.
Build Relationships Over Time: After the meeting, find opportunities to talk to this person again, but don’t try to follow up too frequently or unnaturally.
Let things develop at their own pace.
Over time, people will start to see you as a valuable and trusted colleague, which will positively impact your opportunities.
If you want to hear the whole story and all the details, be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The Hidden Benefit For Companies Who Encourage Employees To Do This
This helps the employees in companies with their individual careers, and it benefits the companies who teach their employees how to have these conversations.
These types of conversations build relationships.
Relationships within an organization increases trust.
Trust boosts employee engagement and makes people want to stay.
When employees trust each other, they collaborate more effectively, leading to faster decision-making, improved processes, and better business outcomes.
Taking It to the Next Level
When this approach works, keep it going!
Use it to connect with more leaders.
They don’t have to be top executives. Leaders of departments and teams will be great partners to connect with.
The more people know you and what you contribute, the more your name will come up in discussions about talent and opportunities.
You’ll also develop a reputation as someone who’s engaged, interested, and eager to grow—without ever having to “brag” about your achievements.
Challenge for the Week
This week, I want you to try this internal networking strategy.
It might be intimidating at first, but the potential rewards are worth it.
I’d love to hear how it goes, whether you experience a breakthrough or hit a roadblock.
Drop me a comment with your stories, and let’s strategize together if needed.