Building a successful career takes more than hard work. 

From what I’ve experienced in over 33 years in the business world and what I’ve noticed from our talented members, professionals, and colleagues in my circles, building a successful career requires nurturing relationships that enrich one’s experience and helps you expand your knowledge and access opportunities.

During the Women’s Fearless Leadership Masterclass, one of my complimentary leadership development events, I zoom into the four keys to growing and advancing to your next leadership seat:

Key #1: Own your vision and unique value. 

Key #2: Cultivate your support network of allies.

Key #3: Build your action roadmap.

Key #4: Strengthen the bridge to get there (leveraging sponsors)

As you can see, one area of focus is cultivating meaningful relationships with your support network of allies, especially sponsors. 

While I introduce these four critical keys during the Masterclass, I recently launched our latest professional development solution for women, The Bridge to Claim Your Seat Sprint. It’s a four-week leadership development deep-dive in which our talented, high-achieving members implement the four keys.

In this week’s training, my goal is to pull back the curtain and give you an exclusive peek into one of the strategies I double-click on when I talk about strengthening the bridge to get there. 

Why Business Relationships Matter

As leaders, we envision where we want our careers to go. We recognize our qualifications, abilities, and potential contributions. However, we need a robust structure for success in addition to our skills and hard work. 

Success doesn’t happen by accident. 

Success happens through intentional actions, understanding our vision, and enlisting the support of others. One essential aspect of building this structure is cultivating a network of allies and, within that network, forging strong relationships with sponsors.

Identifying Influential Sponsors

In the Bridge to Claim Your Seat Sprint, week 4, I take our members through the Sponsorship Success Roadmap: 10 Tested Strategies to Secure Sponsors Consistently. Each strategy includes what behaviors to avoid and what fears could get in the way so you can mitigate them.

For your exclusive sneak peek, Strategy # 1 of this Roadmap hones in on a foundational step: Cultivating a network of sponsors begins by identifying influential individuals within your organization with a track record of supporting career growth. Both attributes are a “must” to avoid disillusionment over time when you believe you’re building a sponsor relationship and, in reality, you’re not.

These influential individuals who can become your sponsors possess clout and are often in positions of authority. They can advocate on your behalf when you’re not in the room. 

Think about who in your company is well respected and drives or influences significant decisions. You can learn about their track record in helping others move up within the organization. They may not always hold high-ranking titles but are known within the company for their leadership and ability to get things done.

Managers can be a good starting point, particularly if they have a history of supporting career progression. If your manager doesn’t fit this profile, looking for other influencers within your organization is crucial. Don’t limit your search to senior executives—potential sponsors exist at every level and across various departments.

Cultivating a Relationship with Sponsors

Once you’ve identified potential sponsors, the next step is to cultivate relationships with them organically. 

It’s not about directly asking them to be your sponsor; instead, build rapport through genuine conversations around your work, projects, and career aspirations. 

Show interest in their work, get curious about their vision of the company strategy, and demonstrate your eagerness to contribute to their vision. 

This organic rapport-building will lay the groundwork for a robust sponsor-sponsee relationship.

Overcoming Barriers and Fears

One of the fears that can prevent qualified professionals from shying away from approaching company influencers is being perceived as inexperienced or unworthy of sponsorship. Imagine how disempowering this mindset can become and the significant barrier it can create when contemplating approaching potential sponsors.

This fear exemplifies many other potential concerns that can hold you back from having the courage to identify and approach a sponsor. 

What are your fears?

Regardless of which fears belong to you, you can leverage this question for the example above and overcome your specific limiting fears. Ask yourself:

“What do I need to believe about myself to approach sponsors fearlessly?” 

What is your answer to this question? 

For me, the answer is believing in my potential. I have what it takes, and I believe in my unique value proposition. 

Imagine approaching potential sponsors with this emboldened mindset. It will help you break down barriers and open new doors.

During our weekly Q&A and Strategy sessions during four weeks of The Bridge to Claim Your Seat Sprint, our members and I dig into their challenges and unique fears–and brainstorm as a group in a safe space what best practices and tactics have worked, and they can implement right away. What a sigh of relief!

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Avoiding common pitfalls will help you accelerate the nurturing of a support network of allies.

For example, as I hinted at earlier, avoid the pitfall of focusing solely on senior executives while searching for potential sponsors. It’s crucial that you consider your own level. If you’re an entry-level or mid-level leadership leader, you can benefit from having sponsors above your rank.

Potential sponsors and influencers exist at all levels.

Neglecting those in mid-level positions can limit your network. 

Be open to connecting with anyone with a track record of supporting career growth. Their influence and willingness to help can be as valuable from that vantage point within the organization as that of a high-ranking executive.

If you’re already in a senior leadership role, influencers at your level or one or two levels above with a track record of supporting talent’s growth will be ideal targets.

Continuous Growth and Commitment

I know you may be thinking, “Easier said than done, Ginny.” 

I agree with you. Authentically growing your network of sponsors is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and proactive engagement. 

When you’re willing and commit to expanding your network, you will see substantial enhancements in your career trajectory within twelve months. 

Your relationships with sponsors will lead to new opportunities, promotions, and overall career growth, which I have personally experienced and seen our members enjoy.

Building strong relationships with sponsors is about believing in yourself and being proactive in your career development. 

Don’t let fears hold you back. 

Understand your potential and actively seek out those who can help you grow. Your career, earning potential, and ability to contribute meaningfully to your organization depend on it.

We have seen how intentionally cultivating your centers of influence network yields results. That’s why we’re committed to helping you in applying these concepts with strategies, coaching, and a support structure that enables rapid learning and implementation.

The easiest approach to explore the best next step to grow your network of allies and implement the four keys we teach during the Women’s Fearless Leadership Masterclass is to conduct a career assessment/ We’ll surface your top challenges, your 12-month vision, and what’s getting in the way of achieving that vision. 

You can easily take that risk-free first step by setting aside 45 minutes with me during a complimentary Breakthrough Session (a $1,500 value). Let’s get to work and see your career trajectory transform. 

I have been coaching my client and her daughter for years. This is what she shared with me (I’m sharing it with her permission): “Big news! She [my daughter] received a 20% raise and a promotion, and her senior leader arranged a 1:1 meeting to grant her more equity! This is all due to your counsel. She just got the news today. My husband and I were blown away. Every woman should have you as their coach!” –  Kathy

To stay in touch and learn when we’ll host our next complimentary Women’s Fearless Leadership Masterclass and The Bridge to Claim Your Seat Sprint, visit our brand-new website at DrGinnyBaro.com/events.