Sep 2025

The Leadership Lens - Edition 3
Sharpen your view, elevate your impact—one edition at a time.

Networking isn’t selling—it’s serving.

Early in my career, networking was my biggest challenge. I had developed a misconception about networking and viewed it as a waste of time. As an introvert, I often avoided networking opportunities and events, convincing myself that my work alone would speak for me. But reality taught me otherwise—visibility mattered, and staying in my comfort zone was holding me back.

Over time, I chose to confront this challenge head-on. I began attending networking events, even when it felt uncomfortable. At first, I focused simply on showing up. Gradually, I reframed networking—not as “selling myself,” but as an opportunity to be curious, learn from others, support them, and serve where I could. That shift made all the difference.

Today, I see networking as a leadership skill: it’s about building authentic relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. If I could transform my approach from hesitation to genuine connection, so can you. Remember—networking isn’t about being extroverted, it’s about being intentional.

 

Series 3/6: Strategic Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You

Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever

We’ve all heard the saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But in today’s hyper-connected world, that’s only half true. A better version is: “It’s not who you know, but who knows you—and remembers you when it matters.”

I’ve coached senior managers who were brilliant at their craft, yet invisible outside their immediate teams. When promotion discussions came up, their names were absent. Not because they weren’t capable, but because they weren’t visible.

Strategic networking isn’t about collecting business cards or pinging random LinkedIn connections. It’s about being top-of-mind when opportunities arise. The best talent doesn’t always get the opportunity—the most visible, trusted talent often does.

Reflection Point: Who are the five people that need to know your value today, but don’t?

Building Relationships Without “Selling Yourself”

One leader I coached—let’s call her Meera—confessed: “Networking feels fake to me. I don’t want to push myself onto people.”
Sound familiar? Many professionals equate networking with schmoozing, self-promotion, or worse— “selling” themselves.

But effective networking is not about broadcasting your achievements; it’s about building genuine relationships. When Meera shifted her mindset from “What can I get?” to “How can I add value?”, things changed. She began offering insights during cross-functional meetings, mentoring younger colleagues, and connecting peers who could help each other.

Six months later, she didn’t just feel more comfortable—she had built a reputation as a connector. And when a new leadership role opened, her name was one of the first suggested.

Practical Tip: Start small. In your next meeting, instead of talking about your product, ask: “What’s your biggest challenge right now, and how can I support?” That one question positions you as a collaborator, not a salesperson.

Simple Ways to Stay Top-of-Mind with Key Stakeholders

Being known once is good. Staying remembered is better. Visibility is not a one-time event—it’s a rhythm.

Here are some simple, authentic ways to stay top-of-mind:

  1. Share insights, not just updates.
    Instead of sending a generic “Here’s the report,” say, “Here are 3 key patterns we noticed that might help with your decision.” That small shift makes you memorable as a value-creator.

  2. Celebrate others.
    One executive I worked with built influence simply by spotlighting others’ achievements in leadership meetings. Ironically, it made him more visible too.

  3. Stay in touch outside the crisis.
    Too often, we reach out to our network only when we need something. Flip the script. Drop a note of appreciation, share an interesting article, or just check in. You’d be surprised how far a genuine “thought of you” message goes.

  4. Be consistent on platforms like LinkedIn.
    Posting once every six months won’t cut it. Share your perspective regularly—not just what you do, but what you’re learning. One senior leader I coached started posting once a week about lessons from her team. Within a year, she became recognized as a thought leader in her industry.

💡 Humor Insight: Networking Lessons from Netflix

Networking events can feel a bit like speed dating—lots of small talk, awkward smiles, and the occasional exchange of business cards that mysteriously vanish into the abyss of your drawer. The funny thing is, just like dating, most of us overthink the “perfect line,” when all it really takes is showing genuine interest in the other person. Remember, no one has ever complained, “Wow, that person asked me too many thoughtful questions.”

A Coaching Story: From “Invisible Contributor” to “Trusted Leader”

Let me share the story of Arun, a highly skilled technical manager. His work was exceptional, but he struggled with recognition. In his words: “I feel like the invisible man—people know my project, but not me.”

Through coaching, Arun realized he was letting his work speak for itself—without giving his voice a platform. We worked on small but consistent actions:

  • Volunteering to present key project updates to senior leaders.

  • Taking 10 minutes weekly to write a thoughtful email highlighting his team’s wins.

  • Building informal connections by inviting colleagues for coffee chats.

Within months, Arun noticed a change. Leaders began reaching out to him directly for input. His peers looked to him for guidance. Most importantly, his name started surfacing in succession planning conversations.

The truth is—Arun’s skills didn’t change. His visibility did.

Reflection Point: If tomorrow your leadership team was making promotion decisions behind closed doors, would your name come up? If not, why not?

Turning Networking into a Habit (Without Burning Out)

For many professionals, the biggest barrier to networking is time. “I already have back-to-back meetings—how am I supposed to network on top of that?”

Here’s the secret: networking doesn’t require grand gestures. It thrives in small, consistent actions:

  • 10 minutes a week to write a thoughtful LinkedIn comment.

  • 1 coffee chat a month with a colleague outside your team.

  • A quick voice note to congratulate someone on their success.

Think of networking not as an extra task, but as part of your leadership practice—just like strategic thinking or performance reviews.

Strategic Networking Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to reflect on:

✅ Do I know which stakeholders need to be aware of my work and value?
✅ Am I adding value in interactions, not just reporting updates?
✅ Do I stay connected when I don’t need something?
✅ Am I consistent in showing up (meetings, LinkedIn, conversations)?
✅ Am I known for just my work—or also for my perspective and leadership?

Closing Reflection

Networking isn’t a side hustle—it’s a leadership muscle. And like any muscle, it grows with practice, not just intent.

The most effective leaders I’ve coached aren’t always the loudest or the most extroverted. They’re the ones who intentionally build visibility, consistently add value, and stay remembered when it matters most.

So, the next time you hear, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” pause and smile. Then remind yourself: "It’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you, trusts you, and remembers you when the spotlight is on."

Closing Question: Who needs to know you better in the next 90 days, and what’s one step you’ll take to make that happen?

  

A COOL RESOURCE

 🌟 Unlock Your Networking Potential

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, random, or transactional. The Strategic Networking Blueprint is your step-by-step guide to making connections that truly matter. Inside, you’ll discover the right mindset to approach networking with confidence, the 3 Networking Circles to map out your relationships with clarity, and a set of practical conversation starters to break the ice naturally.

Think of it as a roadmap to turn “networking” from a dreaded chore into an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and create impact. Whether you’re an introvert looking for structure or an experienced professional wanting to expand influence, this tool will help you approach networking with focus and purpose.

 

IN OUR NEXT EDITION

Leadership Brand: What Do People Say When You’re Not in the Room?

Your leadership brand is more than a title—it’s the story others tell about you when you’re not around. In the next edition, we’ll dive into how to craft a compelling leadership narrative, align your strengths and values with your communication style, and avoid the common pitfalls that weaken executive presence. Think of it as building your reputation intentionally—before others define it for you.

Stay tuned—this one could change how you’re remembered.

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CONNECT WITH ME

As a Leadership & Career Coach, I help professionals like you go from stuck to strategic.
If the content of this Newsletter resonates, share what you are reflecting on by booking a complimentary "Stuck to Strategic Discovery Call" to explore your path forward.

Until next time,
~ Amazing Coach Sri
Transforming Lives through Coaching

✉️ Email: contact@amazingcoachsri.com
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