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Blog Post: Grapevine News Update: Networking Challenged? Ideas on How to Connect!

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posted Thursday, January 1, 2009 1:34 PM

by Nathan Colbert, Da Vinci Management Services

Grapevine News Update

1/1/09

Heard around town (Denver, Colorado) in 2008.

Networking Challenged?

I hate networking, but I have to do it if I want to find another job and/or be successful. How often have we heard this lament? Usually, I have only heard this type of comment from the introverts; the extroverts seem to thrive in this arena. If you are not one of the gifted, consider the following options to improve your networking opportunities and skills:

Join a local professional organization that affords structured, networking activities. For example, I am familiar with the Colorado Human Resource Association (CHRA), and they offer networking before the monthly program; moreover, they have formal greeters at almost every event to help introduce participants to each other, and during the meal, they have formal table hosts that facilitate introductions and discussion. I am confident that there are many other professional organizations in the Denver Metro area that offer similar opportunities to network, and whit this structured approach, even folks who are not very comfortable in large groups can be successful at networking.

Before Your Arrival

Baber and Waymon (2002), suggest that before you arrive at a networking event, consider what you have to offer to the other participants.

Methods: How can you make life easier for your contacts? For example, my expertise on change management, or my expertise on career planning and career exploration.

Opportunities: Are there opportunities that you might make your colleagues aware of? For example, this might include a position opening at XYZ Corporation or an open board position.

Resources: Can you offer someone or something? For example, can you offer information or guidance on a given topic?

Enthusiasm: Are you excited about something? For example, a new skill you have learned or presentation you recently attended.

Expertise: Do you know something that might be useful to your contacts? For example, knowledge of a new position opening at XYZ Corporation or a contract opportunity (p. 124-125).

New Beginnings

Even if I attend a networking or professional development event, I don’t know what to say? How do I introduce myself, and how do I start a conversation with complete strangers?

It’s simple, ask parties already in a conversation, if you may join them? For example, say something like, “excuse, do you mind if I join the conversation?” or, “excuse me, do you mind if I join your group?” Usually, the answer will be, “yes.” If the answer is, “no,” move on to the next group. In preparation for your joining a discussion group, ensure you have your 60 second elevator speech ready. This will ensure that when you join the discussion, you obtain the audience’s attention and convey something about yourself, and your goals in the context in which you find yourself.

Communicate what you have to offer to the other discussion participants. For example, if you are a graphic designer, what guidance might you offer? If you are not able or willing to do contract work, do you know someone who is? If so, offer to make an introduction. This serves a twofold purpose. First, you are creating a win-win situation. Second, you are serving as a “connector”.

Be prepared and willing to talk about the following to get a conversation started:

Books: consider opening with recent books you have read first.

Food being served: Discuss the food being served, but in a positive noncontroversial way.

Local events: what other, local activities and events are taking place in the near future?

Movies: discuss recent movies and any reviews you might have seen.

Issues of Common Interest: Noncontroversial Internet blogs or resources that may be of use to your peers.

A success story: Use a success story to convey what’s new; however, ensure your story enhances your agenda.

Fisher and Villas (2000) suggest starting conversations with the following:

How did you become involved with this organization?

How often do you participate in their activities?

What a beautiful facility for a banquet!

I hear the speaker for today is an expert on . . . .

Can you tell me a little bit about this organization?

This is my first time to attending “A, B, or C”, what are the people like here.

One might also consider the following opening lines:

I am looking for . . . can you help me find?

I didn’t realize there would be such a crowd?

Be a connector: If you are a frequent participant of an event, offer to introduce your colleagues to others at the event.

Weather? Nooo! I’d suggest avoiding the topic of weather. In fact, I’m getting bored just thinking about this as a possibility.

Talk about other people: Yes, but keep it professional. Personally, I think talking about others is far more interesting than talking about the weather or oneself.

Warning: Avoid telling jokes at all costs because one can never tell how they will be interpreted.

For those of you who do not know, the term grapevine means “an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip” or “a secret source of information”.

Finally, welcome to 2009.

Sincerely,

Nathan Colbert, MA, MAED

Principal & Sr. Consultant

Da Vinci Management Services

ncolbert@nsr-davinci.com

www.nsr-davinci.com

Tags job search, networking, career exploration

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About This Author

Nathan Colbert

Senior Consultant, Da Vinci Management Services

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About Me

I am a fervent coaching, learning, and organizational development professional steeped in team and individual skill development.