It's February, so let's talk networking and making connections!
I’ll start this post by saying that I am no expert on networking. The fact of the matter is, we live in a society that is dominated by electronic communication. The professional connections we make are often virtual, whether it be through email, phone calls, LinkedIn, or any other form of social media; we rarely see their face. Networking is evolving as we speak - as I write this post! So, how do we connect with people in 2017? How do we form valuable and meaningful relationships in the age of technology? How do we network?
Right here is actually a really great place to start - the Women’s Professional Network blog. This site is here to virtually bring all of us together and inform ourselves on topics that matter to us. If you’re reading this post, you’re probably interested in the subject of networking. How, then, do you take what you’ve read and use it to connect with people?
Well, you could start by commenting below your thoughts, reflections, questions, etc. Then, start a conversation! Chat with people who are also interested in networking strategies (or goal setting - see January’s post!). Make a plan to get coffee and share tips, tricks, and stories. Networking all starts with a single, common interest and then talking and learning from each other.
I recently read a really cool blog post by Erin Loechner (check her out!) about a unique way to network and learn about other people’s interests and skills. I introduce to you: the Resource Party. Basically, you gather together some of your peers (or fellow WPN members!) to drink coffee, eat food, knit - whatever you choose to do - and share experiences. Each guest writes down a small list of, say, three things they’d like help accomplishing or learning about. You then take turns readings items off of your list and if any other guest feels that they have an experience they can share to help that person, they’ll raise their hand. The lists promote conversation and connecting in a both professional and personal manner - plus, it’s a great excuse to get out and treat yourself to that delicious-looking croissant you’ve been eyeing in the coffee shop window!
If throwing a resource party is not up your alley, take a look at the WPN LinkedIn page! There are always interesting articles being posted that you can chat about with your fellow members who you might not know so well.
Speaking of not knowing people well…
Read our featured members of the month posts! Each member is selected because they have incredible skills and talents to share - so take advantage! Their contact information is provided at the end of each post and I can assure you that these women are more than willing to share their insight with you.
Now, these tips have all been more geared toward inter-departmental networking, so you might be asking: what about conferences? What about strategic partnerships? What about vendors? Ellevate lists 5 strategies that could help:
1. Talk to yourself in the mirror…
...or in the shower, or in the car or wherever you feel most comfortable. It’s cheesy, yes. But it works. By talking to yourself, you’re ingraining those words into you and building your confidence by knowing what you want to say.
2. Know your career goals.
It’s hard for someone to know who you are and what you’re about if you barely know yourself! Take time to reflect and think about what you want to get out of the situation you’re in and what kinds of skills and experiences you could benefit from.
3. Listen.
This honestly might be the hardest part about networking. So often, we want to talk and talk and talk about ourselves and then when the other person starts speaking, we’re too busy formulating our response to even take a minute to listen to what they’re saying. I know that I’m a huge culprit of focusing so much on what I’m going to say that I don’t even listen to the person’s name! Listening is a skill and it takes practice. So, instead of focusing so much on how you want to respond, give your peer the time of day and hear what they’re saying - you’ll earn their respect, plus you’ll be able to respond naturally.
4. Research.
Just like how it’s important to know yourself, it’s also important to know your “audience”. Research the companies involved in the event so you can be confident and knowledgeable in your conversations. This way, you'll know what kinds of questions to ask.
5. Follow up.
Whether it’s giving out your business card, connecting on LinkedIn, or updating your contact list on your phone, it’s important to follow up. Shoot your contact an email, share an article related to your conversation, plan to meet up and chat - if the connection is valuable to you, you have to make sure that you stay in touch and don’t wait for them to initiate!
Networking can be awkward, weird, and uncomfortable. In professional settings, you are basically marketing yourself as a useful connection for the people you interact with. So at the end of the day, knowing yourself is equally as important as knowing your audience. Your two key questions to ask yourself are:
Why do I want to connect with them? andWhy would they want to connect with me?
So go, be bold, be confident, and listen! If you’re in the Women’s Professional Network, you already have tons of women with all kinds of interests, skills, and experience at your disposal who are excited to share with you.
Share the love! What are your tips and tricks for networking? Comment below!
Plus, check out some of these articles on networking, communicating, and listening:
VeryErin: How to throw a Kickin' Resource Party
BlogHer: 5 Effective Ways to use Business Cards for Network Marketing
Harvard Business Review: Learn to Love Networking
BrightHub: 10 Barriers to Effective Listening and How to Overcome Them
HubSpot: 9 Inspiring TED Talks That Will Make You Rethink Effective Communication
Book (available on Amazon): Craving Connection: 30 Challenges for Real-Life Engagement
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