Jaclyn Joworisak is the Donor Relations and Advancement Associate in the Office of Development. This position calls for a great deal of networking skills, as she is regularly communicating with the University's generous donors to thank them in meaningful ways and inform them about the importance and impact of their gifts. While Jaclyn is extremely outgoing and easy to get along with, she says that networking is no easy task, even for her! So, what are Jaclyn's tips and tricks for networking?
Number one: Start internally
Jaclyn has been with the Women's Professional Network since its inception. She's explained that joining the board allowed her to meet people in other departments who she otherwise may not have connected with, saying that "building your network is like a job in itself and takes time and effort; so it's convenient that we offer opportunities [WPN events] here, so you can build your internal network at the University".
Through the WPN, Jaclyn has been able to connect with influential women who have been brought in for the Story of Success series as well as interact with more women outside of her beloved colleagues on the fifth floor in the Kelsey building. She explains that what's so great about joining the WPN is that is makes networking accessible.
"Everyone's busy, personally and professionally. So I think the importance of the Women's Professional Network is being able to provide professional development and networking opportunities at your lunch hour, where you don't have to go that far."
Aside from the Women's Professional Network, though, Jaclyn is also a member of the AFT Holiday Party committee and she is a part of the Human Resources Ambassador program, which allows her to meet new employees and be a resource for them as they get settled in their new job.
Number two: Maintain your relationships
Now you might be asking yourself: but how does Jaclyn keep in touch with the people she meets in all these different organizations? Well, she humbly admits: "I don't think I do that well and could improve". But, she certainly tries. Jaclyn is kind and adamant about forming personal relationships not only with donors, but with her coworkers and other connections, as well. One of her top tips is to find a common interest and pay attention to the little details.
"Everyone is struggling with something...and that can be a way of networking."
She stresses the importance of checking in personally with your connections without overthinking it. Often, we can get too in our head and stress about what to say or ask; but when we're the recipient of a "Hey, how's ______ doing?", we appreciate the fact that they were thinking of us. Keeping these relationships could be as simple as a short text or email checking in, or sharing an article, video, picture, etc., that reminded you of that person. It's quick, simple, and shows the person that their relationship is important to you.
It's also extremely important to follow up and remind your connections that you value them. Jaclyn's preferred method of following up is writing a handwritten, personalized "thank you" note to her donors. "I want you [the donors] to know that we know who you are." She then likes to explain what their money is going towards so that they can understand the impact of their gift.
Number three: Be kind
Being kind might seem like a given, but what's important is that you're kind to everyone. Anyone can be a useful and important connection, Jaclyn explains:
"It doesn't matter what someone's level or role at the organization is; they are all important and can all be helpful to you."
Number four: Learn what it means to adapt
It's especially easy with social media to compare yourself to other people and how they do things, like make connections. Social media can be a useful tool in networking when used correctly, but finding that balance between useful tool and down-the-rabbit-hole obsession can be difficult these days; and while Jaclyn shares that she still hasn't found that balance, she can at least admit that it's something she knows she needs to work on. And really, that's the first step: admit that something needs to change. The second step is experimenting. You might make a total mess trying to do things that don't work for you - but that's okay! You pick yourself up and learn from your experiences. You can learn a lot from other people, and while you can't do everything they do, you can try to adapt these different skills into something that works for you.
Jaclyn explains that in the Office of Development, they are continually researching strategies that peer organizations use in their fundraising efforts; and while we [TESU] aren't exactly the same as another institution, we can be open and try new things that have worked for others:
"We might be different than them [other organizations], but maybe I can apply something that they do to what I do and try to make it work for us."
Jaclyn's final tip? "Find something that interests you and don't be too intimidated to join." Learn to play golf if you're athletic; join a book club if you like to read; go to Tech Tuesdays or Lunch and Learn events...do what works for you!
Jaclyn has been a member of the Women's Professional Network at Thomas Edison since its inception in 2012. Jaclyn lives in Yardley, PA with her husband Dan and is a passionate and loving mother to her two sons, Spencer (4) and Nolan (2). She likens networking to being a mom - she is always trying to find a way to stay relevant and important in her children's lives; for example, she recently was the assistant coach for Spencer's basketball team! Jaclyn can be reached at jjoworisak@tesu.edu.
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