These two articles on network focus on the importance of networking - and how best to go about making those connections and building professional relationships.
4 networking lessons I learned at BlogWorld- by Arik Hanson blogging on Communications Conversations
Last week, I spent five days in sunny Las Vegas at
BlogWorld—one of the foremost industry events in new media across the U.S. I was there as an organizer this year—co-organizing the Social Media Business Summit with my friend and colleague, Chuck Hemann.
Over the course of those five days, I listened to a lot of people much smarter than me talk about issues, topics and concepts I care about. I was inspired. I learned. And now, like many who experienced BlogWorld last week, I’m exhausted.
But, the biggest benefit of the trip to Vegas each fall is without question the networking. The opportunity to meet people I’ve been talking to online for years. And, this year was no different.
Now, I know many people think networking is a dirty term. But, that’s not the way I look at it at all. I look at networking as relationship building. I don’t think about networking as a way to extract information and resources from a person. As a way to take advantage of a personal rolodex, so to speak. But instead,
as a way to help others—and maybe some day,
they might just help me. And if they don’t, that’s not a big deal. Because, chances are, in the process of giving to them, I’ve probably learned a new skill or made another new friend along the way. Don’t believe me—I’ve seen it play out in real life may times before.
For me, BlogWorld is a networking mecca. Each year, this is the one national industry event I don’t miss. And, the chance to catch up with so many others is the number one reason.
So, today I thought I’d share some of the networking lessons I learned this year from my BlogWorld experience. Why? Because I think networking is a learned behavior. And one that’s critical to our professional success in many ways. So, learning how to network is crucial. I hope some of these lessons can help you as you plan for the conferences you want to attend in the year ahead.
* Don’t be afraid to shake a hand. At industry events like BlogWorld, the worst thing you can do is to be a wallflower. Don’t be afraid to approach people, extend your hand and introduce yourself. You’ll be surprised how friendly most (not all) people are. One strategy that has worked well for me in the past: Approach speakers after their panel. Tell them you enjoyed the session. Ask one relevant question. And then build one additional “ask” into the close (a guest post, coffee the next day, etc.). Again, it never hurts to ask.
* Keep your energy level high. I learned this one of the hard way this year. The BlogWorld schedule can wear you down—and it was taking it’s toll on me early in the week (travel and the time zone change don’t help either). So, when I had the opportunity to meet a few key people during the course of the week, I found my energy level waning. And, I think it showed to a few folks I met for the first time. Make sure your energy is high for those key moments. Maybe you don’t attend every party or meet-up during the week—you can’t hit everything. Save your energy for those moments that matter most for you.
* Don’t get caught up in celebrity. BlogWorld is one of those odd events where you see a lot of different people you’ve only read or watched online for years. Some of which have reached “celebrity” status. Don’t get caught up in the hype. At the end of the day, they are just people—just like you and me. So, don’t be afraid to approach them, introduce yourself and chat. But, maybe more importantly, instead of focusing your time and energy on trying to meet internet celebs, focus on meeting and talking with people just like you. For me, that meant spending a lot of time at this year’s BlogWorld with people like Heather Whaling, Justin Goldsborough, Kellye Crane, Jen Wilbur and Sara Meaney. We all work in digital PR and have been talking online for years. And going in to the event, I knew I wanted to spend “quality time” with this group (and a number of others). Mission accomplished.
* Have a game plan and stick to it. I learned from last year’s event that I wanted and needed a game plan heading into the event. Who did I want to meet? What sessions did I definitely not want to miss? And, what business did I want to get done at the event? Ask yourself how you can best use your time at the event. You don’t want to leave on Sunday wishing you would have met that one person or that you would have attended that one session.
The Power of Networking- by Gina Abudi on the blog Strategic Communications
Networking is essential in today’s world. (How’s that for stating the obvious!) Regardless of whether you enjoy networking or not – and many people just don’t enjoy it – it is important for your career growth and advancement to develop strong networking skills. You are not necessarily going to find your next job via a headhunter or in the newspaper (though I am not saying that it never happens this way).
Most likely, you are going to find your next opportunity via a network you have created – a network of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances – who have access to companies and know about opportunities that you couldn’t find out about any other way. Or…if you did find out about an opportunity through a newspaper want ad – you likely have a better chance of getting noticed among the many resumes received when you are introduced through a network connection. However, networks can help in ways other than helping you find a new job.
Your network can be a sounding board to help you solve a particularly difficult problem. They can help you further develop an idea or concept you have and can assist you in understanding market trends and help keep you updated on current business topics.
(Social) Networking Tools and Groups
There are some great tools available for social networking. One popular tool is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch with individuals you have worked with before or know from college. It is also a valuable method for sharing your expertise and knowledge in discussion groups and/or responding to questions from others on LinkedIn (“Answers”).
LinkedIn enables you to expand your network and meet others by asking for introductions from your current connections to others to which they are connected.
Twitter is another tool for networking. Through Twitter you can share information with others and learn from them. With Twitter you don’t need to have a prior relationship or know someone in order to follow them. This enables you to reach individuals you may not otherwise ever have the opportunity to reach. Specific topics of interest on Twitter, such as #projectmanager or #leadership, enable you to connect globally with others who share your specific interests.
There are other groups you can likely find to participate in with like-minded people. For example, I belong to the
Employee Engagement Network. This is a global group of individuals who are interested in and involved in employee engagement. Another group I belong to is
Business Exchange. BusinessWeek’s Business Exchange allows users to create business-focused topics and share information with other business-focused users who are interested in the same topics.
I’m sure you know of other networking tools and/or groups that you have found of value – please share in the Comments field below.
Networking Events and Conferences
Attending networking events is another way to meet others. You can find professional networking events in nearly every city. These events are sometimes focused on a specific topic or group such as for marketing specialists or individuals who are unemployed and job searching. In addition, conferences offer the opportunity for building your network also.
For example, PMI® Global Congress is a great conference to attend to network with other project managers and increase your skills and knowledge around project management-focused topics. Most conferences provide networking sessions during lunch or in the evenings – another great way to meet others, make connections and share information!
Networking isn’t Easy! It’s Work!
Networking does not come easy to many people – you have to work at it. You can’t just expect someone who you met once to recommend you for an opportunity or to share information with you unless you work on maintaining and building the relationship with that person. The ability to nurture relationships is a key component of building and maintaining an effective network.
Also key is remembering that networking is bi-directional. Your network is just not a group of people who are there to help you find your next opportunity or introduce you to someone who may have a job for you. Basically, they are not there only for when you need them. These are individuals you need to be actively interested in and involved with – people you want to keep in touch with and share information with.
You need to devote time to your network on a regular basis. Bottom line – don’t just contact your network when you are in desperate need for help. Keep in touch with them regularly and be interested in what they have going on themselves – not just what they can do for you.
For example, let’s assume that someone in your network is interested in coaching others. Maybe you just came across an article on the benefits of hiring coaches. Why not share this article with that individual? Include a short note that the individual may find the attached article of interest. Ask them how they are doing in finding coaching opportunities. Maybe someone else in your network is already a coach – connect these two individuals. They have a lot in common! Or maybe someone in your network just moved to a new position in their company or took a new job – send them a note to congratulate them on their new opportunity. I regularly share white papers, articles, and interesting books I have read with my network.
Broaden your network. Don’t just network with others in your specific industry. Networking outside your specific job function or your specific industry is a more creative approach and helps you to gain a broader perspective on the opportunities available and on business in general. What you learn from others in your network can help you grow professionally and personally.
Ask for help in building your network. Your network members can introduce you to others. For example, if you are interested in understanding more about the manufacturing industry, ask individuals in your current network if they have any connections in that specific industry. Ask them to make an introduction for you. Similarly, if someone in your network mentions that they are interested in a specific industry or company, and you have a contact in that area – offer to make an introduction. By sharing your resources, you become a valuable partner in the network and help you broaden your network.