Members Share Networking Tips
In the weeks leading up to the spring conference, programming chair Kellie Bray collected networking advice from collegian and alumnae members. The response was overwhelming as members shared the following personal tips and techniques.
If you try to contact someone for advice or help and don’t hear back from them, don’t assume it means they don’t like you or don’t want to help. Of course you shouldn’t make a nuisance of yourself. But realize that most people suffer from e-mail glut and packed schedules. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again through a different medium--a phone call instead of an e-mail message, or a handwritten note (how quaint!) followed by an e-mail or a call. Then make sure any effort you’re asking of them is minimal--go to their office to meet, call when it’s convenient for them, etc. And never fail to send a warm, personal thank-you afterward.
- Karla Taylor
My best professional opportunities and successes have come because I developed friendships rather than an address book full of “contacts.” It is important to me that I am there to help others and I find it comes back to me a hundredfold.
- Tuck VanDyne
Be strategic when you attend each event. Who do you need to meet? What do you need to gain from the conversation/connection? And, don’t just take; give the person something.
- Jackie Clark
Nothing has been more effective for me in networking than the simple brief handwritten note—just a card or sticky color memo or a line jotted beside a clipping about a promotion, a recommendation or a community service—sent to an acquaintance or someone that one would like to know better.
- Betty Cook Rottman
What I have learned from Griffiths is that when you make a contact, you need to follow through with it. Just getting someone’s business card does not make them remember you. When it comes time for you to get out your contacts, your contacts may not be as helpful as you would like them to be.
- Jessica Crews
As for networking, the best advice I ever received was that I can learn something from every person I meet in every circumstances.
- Rachel Bringer
This is advice my Dad gave me a long time ago - Think before you speak! I have found this to be a great piece of advice when meeting new people because you don’t know much about them or their personality. It’s best to think about the joke you might tell or the information you may give before you actually say it. I’ve never regretted taking a second to think about something before I said it and almost always regretted the times when I didn’t think first!
- Kellie Bray
No matter what, you have to get people to talk about themselves. That’s where you learn from people. If you’re lucky, they will say something that really sparks your interest. For example, last weekend I was at an event where I knew 2 of 35 people. I felt very out of place and frankly like it was a waste of my time. It wasn’t my finest moment of confidence. Then, two women next to me were chatting and I overheard the phrase, “and it’s helped my work/life balance tremendously.” So, I invited myself into the conversation and said, “Heidi, I know we just met, but I’m intrigued by what you did to improve your work life balance. What did you do?”
For the next 30 minutes, we clicked. I found out we had the same position at different companies, similar romantic relationships, sorority experiences, and so much more. By the time the event was over, we had connected and I have a new friend in another state!
So, my best grassroots networking advice is to just be confident and speak up - or speak out - get people talking so that you are more comfortable. In my experience, it works 9 out of 10 times. Ask! Ask! Ask questions!
- Kristen Hornberger
When I meet someone new, I like to find out something that interests them (either personal or professional) or something they want to learn more about. Then, when I see an article or read something that applies, I send them a copy or a link to the website with a note saying that I saw the article and remembered that they were interested in - whatever it is. People are very flattered by the fact that you thought of them.
- Debbie Jones
Ask for a person’s business card by offering yours - Then afterwards, write down on the back of the card the date and where you met person and something about them (this is the BEST trick to remember who people are - You can enter all this into a card scan or keep in a file which one cleans out 2x per year). Follow up with an email to someone you’d like to connect with.
Before an event, think of who you’d like to be sure to meet and what you want to ask them and what you’d like to share with them. ALWAYS remember that networking is a two-way street - always offer to help.
- Jill Brown
Get involved in one professional group or organization and also one social organization. Who knows whom you might meet in a social or philanthropic organization that could help advance your professional career? Social and philanthropic groups also help make you a well-round person too!
- Kristie Bray
Most everyone is a potential link to realizing your happiness and all your goals --- including finding the “right” companion, the “right” job or volunteer service, the “right” career direction, gaining wise guidance about raising children, and even the “right” exercise program! This is true because most people derive great happiness from knowing they made a difference for the good in someone’s life. The key is to open yourself up to letting everyone help you --- and that means “talking” to everyone about your interests and always inquiring about theirs. Here’s a partial listing: family -yes, go to family reunions; stay in contact with old and new friends; former and current employers; formal and informal mentors; members of your spiritual community, the neighbor next door; the person next to you on the plane, or on line with you at the post office. This is not about being self-centered. But when you sincerely are interested in others and make inquiry about them, they will, most often, return the favor. And in the course of your conversation, if appropriate, you can weave in one of your goals that fits the occasion. In my life experience, I have been helped in achieving more of my goals using this approach than all of the “formal” routes combined.
- Anne Deaton
Collect business cards and then send follow-up emails if you make a connection you know you want to keep. If possible, go ahead and set up a time for lunch/coffee.
- Cheryl Stephens
Always try to avoid burning a bridge - you never know when you might need to cross it again.
- Jaimie Pfeifer
I never really liked the idea of a “30 second commercial/elevator speech” but I have found it very beneficial to think about how you will describe what you do or what your job is in a few brief sentences. I think it’s also important to have one version for people within your own company (who are probably familiar with the company structure and roles) and one for people who aren’t familiar with your company or business.
- Ellie Miller
At networking events/meeting/conferences:
-make notes on business cards before filing away. If you’re adding them to your contacts (ie. Outlook), make sure to transfer these notes as well. This may come in handy months down the road, when you try to reconnect. (i.e. interesting facts about a vacation they took, kids, spouse, personal connection, funny story, etc.)
-send a follow-up note after you’ve met someone that you really want to stay connected to (i.e. email, note, etc.).
Networking in general:
-On-line professional networking is becoming a hot item = “Linked in” Should considering exploring this as an option, but keep in mind this shouldn’t completely replace face to face networking opportunities. Use your networks to help you to connect or introduce you to others you would like to meet.
-You can network just about anywhere. Keep an open mind, you just never know when you can make a meaningful/worthwhile connection i.e. working out at the YMCA or volunteering at your child’s school. You just never know where small talk may lead you!
-Also, don’t forget about family members. They have great connections.
- Andrea Allison-Putman
Ensure that when you are networking, it is genuine and with a purpose. It’s not just about having lunch with lots of people.
- Pam Oberdiek