How to Find a Sponsor

One of the biggest advantages of building your network of colleagues is having sponsors, or advocates, in your corner. Networking is the process of building and maintaining professional relationships over a period of time. But it takes work and meeting someone at an event and exchanging business cards is not actually networking. When key contacts in your network know, like and trust you, that's when the magic starts!

When a promising position or promotion becomes available, your chances of being considered go up exponentially if a key stakeholder recommends you (some 67% of jobs are filled by referrals). 

I've had several sponsors in my career and I am truly grateful for their advocacy. Here’s what I did to get them on my team.

Industry Organizations
You're probably aware of the importance of joining relevant organizations - but you might not realize how powerful they can be in strengthening relationships you have now. I researched the largest industry organization in my city, only to discover that I was already working with one of the board members! What great luck! He was well-connected to the movers and shakers in town. Since we worked together, I scheduled a lunch and let him know that I was thinking of joining. Once I joined, I volunteered for the membership committee and brought in a meeting sponsor. He noticed my extra efforts right and, nine months later, he recommended me for the board of directors.

When I look back, I was leaning in!

Increase Your Visibility
Your network can't recommend you if they don't know you. Setting coffee meetings is one sure-fire way to get some face time with your key contacts. Don’t stop at a single coffee date, though – be sure to keep in touch. And remember, networking is a two-way street! Make an offer to help them too! Sponsors are more likely to give you a recommendation if they feel you appreciate the help they give you.

Go the Extra Mile
Find situations where you can go the extra mile to lend a hand to your key contacts. This doesn’t have to be a work-related project. In fact, offering to help your sponsor out with a personal project, like fundraising for their favorite charity or non-profit, is a great way to strengthen the relationship. I once offered to manage the office remodel and my boss remembered my extra effort during my annual review. I got a raise and bonus!

You don't have to work for (or even really like) someone for them to recommend you. The easiest way to get noticed is to JOIN. Once I started joining professional organizations, the people I sat on committees with recognized that I was proactive, ambitious, and qualified.

Note to introverts: start small. If you really don't care for networking, I recommend Toastmasters, an organization that can help you become a polished speaker and confident networker.