You’re driven, curious, and committed to making an impact. You’ve put in the work to grow your skills and show up with excellence. But here’s the thing: in today’s complex and fast-moving professional world, it comes down to who knows you, and how far your relationships reach.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of only networking with those closest to us, our colleagues, peers in the same profession, or people who share our location. But that approach can create blind spots and limit your long-term potential. 

To future-proof your career and grow your influence, it’s time to think more expansively. 

The Three Dimensions of a Smart Network

In my keynotes and courses, I often share this framework, one that’s helped leaders across industries rethink how they build community and visibility:

→ Inside Your Organization + Outside It

You need visibility where you work, but also beyond it. Whether you're in a health system, an academic medical center, or a private business, being well-networked internally is essential. But so is being known in your industry or field at large. That outside perspective can offer both protection and opportunity, especially in times of change.

→ Inside Your Geography + Beyond It

Your local network may be strong, but are you plugged in regionally? Nationally? Even globally? Building visibility outside your zip code can open doors you didn’t even know existed and give you a broader view of your industry.

→ Inside Your Profession + Outside It

Your expertise is your foundation, but your next insight might come from someone in a totally different field. Being connected with people across diverse disciplines (think: engineering, law, finance, the arts) fuels creativity, resilience, and relevance in ways that siloed networking never could.

A Risk of Staying Too Comfortable

If your network is made up mostly of people just like you, you may be missing out on valuable opportunities and insights.

According to Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam, we all need a balance of:

• Bonding capital: relationships based on commonality (think colleagues or peers)

• Bridging capital: relationships built across differences (think cross-functional or cross-industry peers)

Without “bridging,” our thinking can become narrow, and our careers more vulnerable to change or disruption.

Ready to Expand? Here Are Three Ways to Get Started:

→ Broaden Where You’re Known

Think beyond your department, organization, or even your geographic region. Strategic visibility means being recognized inside your company and beyond it, locally, regionally, and nationally.

Put it into practice: Map your current influence zones. Where are you well known? Where are the gaps? Identify one internal and one external space where you want to be more visible this quarter, and look for opportunities to contribute.

→ Diversify Your Professional Circles
Most people network within their own field, but growth often happens when you connect across industries. Exposure to different ways of thinking can lead to innovative ideas, unexpected partnerships, and new possibilities.

Put it into practice: Choose one adjacent or unrelated field that piques your interest (e.g., design, tech, public health, education). Attend an event, follow thought leaders, or invite a cross-industry colleague for a virtual coffee.

→ Reevaluate & Refresh Regularly
As your career evolves, so should your network. Regular check-ins help you stay intentional and aligned with your goals.

Put it into practice: Set a quarterly calendar reminder to review your network and note where you need to add depth, variety, or visibility. Are there communities or conversations you’ve outgrown, or new ones you’re ready to join?

One Final Thought

When you approach networking strategically, intentionally, and with a mindset of service and curiosity, it can transform your career in surprising and meaningful ways.

So ask yourself: Where am I most connected right now, and where could I stand to expand?

I’d love to hear your reflections. Drop me a comment or share your networking goals.

Here’s to growing inside, outside, and beyond!

I'm rooting for you!

CURATED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

for the leader who wants to dig a little deeper

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, by Keith Ferrazzi

 

The Hidden Influence of Social Networks, Nicholas Christakis' TEDTalk

 

“Networking is the #1 unwritten rule of success.”

Sallie Krawcheck