You may already be aware that diversity leads to bigger and better ideas, but many people are lacking much diversity within their own networks. Diversifying may seem challenging, but the rewards are worth the trouble. Here are four simple ways to diversify your professional network.
1. Focus on the Outliers
People naturally tend to gravitate towards people who remind them of themselves. Yet whatever industry you’re in, it’s bigger and broader than you might realize. Seek out those in your field who aren’t just like everyone else. Find the unique stories and voices, and be ready to listen and learn. This means becoming an explorer, harnessing your own curiosity and interest to build a stronger network.
2. Find Disagreement
To truly diversify, you’ll need some voices in your network that disagree with you. Rather than shying away from dissent, or allowing it to devolve into confrontation, seek the lessons in it. Look for people with a strongly different worldview from your own, and ask purposeful questions that can help you learn and grow.
3. Build Bridges
Many of today’s industries are incredibly siloed, cut up into different job descriptions that don’t have much to do with each other. Reach out not only across your own industry, but into different industries that complement yours. Find ways to build bridges, learn from each other, and work together.
4. Make It a Habit
You’ll never meet new people or diversify your professional network if you don’t put in the time and effort. Make reaching out a habit rather than an obligation. Set a goal of meeting four new people per month or one per week, and in time it will just become part of your routine. Fortunately, virtual meetings work just fine.
Striving to diversify your professional network can take a bit of effort on your part. But reaching out will soon become second nature, and you might just find that the benefits are worth the trouble. Follow the tips above, and you can develop a more diverse network than you ever thought possible.
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