Page 135 - Free Yourself From

118 It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor

• Gain access to stretch projects that make you more visible
in your company or industry
• Identify and groom a successor to you
• Stay abreast of market trends
• Share and celebrate your successes
• Act as a mentor when you need it

Your answers to these granular questions should help you answer
these big-picture questions: How effectively are you using your exist-
ing network? And, what opportunities are you missing? How impor-
tant are they to you?

Putting Your Web of Connections to Action

There are probably people in your network who you respect, who
you know have been generally helpful to you, or people with whom
you’d like to have a deeper relationship. Take it to the next level and
think really strategically about those folks.
For some help, take a look at Table 6-1, Growing Your Strategic
Network.
Start with the first column, Sphere of Relationship. This breaks
down your life into three basic areas: your job, your career, and your
extracurricular life—for example, your involvement with professional
groups, not-for-profits, community organizations, or church.
Now look across the column headings and attack each sphere in
four steps.

Areas of Focus: My number one rule is to have a goal before you decide
who to engage with. In each sphere, jot down the top priorities or
goals you are focusing on right now. For example, at work you
might be trying to get a new project off the ground, whereas in
your career, you’re thinking about how to position yourself for your