In the fast-paced realm of Corporate America, establishing robust professional relationships can be a game-changer for career growth. For women of color navigating this landscape, strategic networking and relationship building are particularly essential.

If you work in an environment where there aren’t a lot of people that look like you or share your personal experiences, it’s important to find ways to connect with your environment, build strong working relationships, and do so without sacrificing your own boundaries or authenticity. The better the relationships the greater the trust, and the greater the trust the more rewarding your work becomes, which contributes to a healthier and happier work-life experience for everyone involved.

Here are a few thought-starters to help get you thinking about how you can grow your working relationships both on and off the clock.

1. Authentic Networking:

Genuine connections start with authenticity. Embrace your unique identity and experiences and take time to share things from your perspective. This allows you to form more meaningful working relationships that are grounded by your values and promote clarity, education, and understanding.

2. Seek Mentorship with Purpose:

Just because they are a mentor and great at what they do doesn’t mean that they should be yours. Be intentional by identifying mentors who understand your journey and aspirations. Study their background to make sure that the path they’ve traveled is one that you could benefit from knowing more about. Study their current activities to see how and where you can help contribute and add value to what they are focused on most. Mentorship should be reciprocal, and an apprentice would be remiss to not have contributed to the success of someone who is invested in theirs. Study up and make sure that your mentor can provide invaluable insights into the corporate world, personal growth, and business, thus aiding in your professional development in a cyclical manner.

3. Masterful Communication:

Effective communication is a cornerstone of relationship building. Take some time to develop, refine, and enhance your verbal and nonverbal communication skills by practicing the art of articulating your ideas clearly to establish rapport and respect with colleagues. Becoming masterful in this area can unlock doors and elevate your life and career in more ways than one.

4. Networking Events with Impact:

Attend networking events strategically. If you live in a major city like Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta, it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity by selecting events aligned with your career and high-level social goals. It’s easy to get burned out trying to attend every networking event while staying on top of your day-to-day, and if you are more selective in where you go and who you are attempting to connect and share energy with, you’ll preserve what you need to address other priorities in life and at work. This approach ensures that you connect with like-minded professionals who can contribute to your growth and align with your core values without fueling the need to be everywhere at once.

5. Leveraging Intersectional Allyship:

Fostering connections with allies who appreciate your unique challenges is a must. Collaborating with individuals who understand intersectionality can lead to stronger support networks and better career opportunities, where your name is mentioned in positive ways when you’re not in the room and you are brought onto projects that stretch and grow your capabilities. These individuals typically make themselves known early on in the workplace because they have made it their business to see you and elevate your talents with their power and influence. The only catch is: be damn good at what you do and give them a reason to stand behind your name and work with vigor and confidence.

6. Shattering Stereotypes Through Success:

Challenge stereotypes by excelling in your field and delivering every time you’re passed the ball. If they don’t believe what you can do, say less and show them. Your accomplishments speak volumes and dismantle any preconceived notions by showcasing the competence and professionalism you bring to the table. This doesn’t mean doing all the extras and going overboard to the point of burnout. But rather being selective and intentionally focused about what you are delivering each day and why.

7. The Collaborative Approach:

Cultivate a collaborative mindset. Engage in team projects, share insights, and support your colleagues if you see they need a boost. Building relationships through collaboration enhances unity and mutual respect amongst your peers and demonstrates your understanding of collective group success.

8. Use Feedback as a Growth Tool:

Both seeking and providing constructive feedback is instrumental in fostering great working relationships with others. Be transparent, non-judgmental, objective, and open, using this two-way feedback to refine your communication and interpersonal skills. Seeking and providing feedback also showcases your dedication to personal and professional development and wanting to see the best in yourself and others. It also demonstrates your propensity for leadership and a desire for true mastery.

9. Empowerment as a Catalyst:

Empowerment is a two-way street. Elevate other Black and brown women and men around you every chance you get by acknowledging their accomplishments and amplifying their voices when the opportunities arise. This cultivates a culture of support within the workplace and others of all races and backgrounds will begin to follow suit. Lead by example and be the change you wish to see by lifting others up.

10. Emotional Intelligence is key:

Emotional intelligence is a major key to navigating workplace dynamics. Understanding and managing emotions effectively can lead to healthier relationships and a more positive work environment. Stay in tune with your body and feeling first. Respect them and manage them, and naturally you will begin to apply that same skill in your interactions with others. Reading the room is an important superpower that can either make or your break your career. The great part is that by reading and know this you now get to choose.

Our journey in this game must be enriched by deliberate networking and relationship building. It’s the only way to thrive, build, and foster growth in the spaces we call work and beyond. By authentically connecting with mentors, utilizing effective communication, and leveraging your intersectional identity, you can ascend to greater heights in your career and life while staying true to who you are, which is the most important feat at the end of the day.

Choose to be a part of a movement that embraces collaboration, challenges stereotypes, and champions empowerment to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. And lastly, with emotional intelligence as your compass and guide, these strategies will not only amplify your networking prowess but also pave the way for sustained and rewarding career success.

Elevating Your Career: Networking & Relationship Building Advice for Black & Brown Women in Corporate America