Professional Networking for Dummies

1. We have a lot of entry level people who don't really know how networks operate in the employment sector. Can you give them an overview of what networks are, and how they operate?

Networks provide you with links to people so that you can more quickly and easily make the connections that lead to the best opportunities for you (and others).

2. Your website says you're an introvert who learned how to network. How did you do that, and what were the challenges?

Yes, I test introvert on all those personality tests and yet I realized that I need to grow and expand beyond my comfort zone in order to accomplish some of the things that I wanted to accomplish in life. I also worked as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization for several years and that's where I first learned about networking because in the non-profit industry you have to ask for everything all the time. You have to be resourceful. And then I noticed the deep quality of the relationships that developed as a result of the networking. The challenge is, just like with anything new, is to practice until something becomes easy and a natural part of who you are and what you do. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert there are challenges and strengths. The main thing is to know your own challenges and strengths. Build on the strengths and grown beyond the challenges.

4. The professions all generate networks, pretty much by nature. In career terms, how do you approach building a network? Pick and choose the people you like, or do you work on the professional contact role, or both?

The first thing is to notice that you already have a vast and powerful network of people that you have known, grown up with, gone to school with and worked with over time. If you've been neglecting your network then just become more aware of the people in your life and start being resources for them. You are going to just naturally meet people; however, you do get to choose who you give time and attention to and where you spend your time and energy. Think about what type of people you want in your life, find them and start making connections.

5. What's a bad network? Is it something that either doesn't work, is unproductive, or are there possible conflicts to consider?

I don't think there is a bad network although there can be a dormant network which just means that you have not be activating the links by staying in conversation with people. A 'good network' has people in it who are there to both give and receive support.

6. If you're part of a network, it's a two way street, you contribute to others, too. What's your role as a member of a network?

Your role is to grow your network so that you can be a great resource for others and to always be on the lookout for opportunities to be of support, i.e. pass along a comment, suggestions, recommendation, word of encouragement, etc. Keep the networking flow going by giving, asking, offering and thanking people.

7. One part of the network image is of a sort of corporate body of individuals, working on a shared agenda. Real, or myth?

A team, community, company, club, organization - can all be considered a network. Some of these entities have a share agenda, purpose or goal. And yet, a network can also simply consist of people who are connected in some way and may find ways to be of value and support to one another.

9. How do you build a network, yourself?

Pay attention to the people in your life. Listen and look for opportunities to be a resource for people. Give and contribute to others. Create visibility for yourself so that people know who you are and what you do that is of value and benefit. Create conversations with people so you learn more about them and what they want and need. Build trust and rapport with people so that you can ask and offer support.

10. Could you describe a network achievement where all members of a network joined together in an accomplishment?

Last year I organized a charity drumming event called the Texas BigBeat. I pulled together people from the community and from the customer base at our store, The Percussion Center. I had a very clear vision of having a fun drumming event to raise money to provide educational opportunities for children that would give them an opportunity to create a positive, productive future for themselves. We were also focused on breaking the current Guinness World Record for the most drummers playing drumsets simultaneously. The vision created the energy to attract the right people. As the core group was established then each of those participants reached out to their network to bring in volunteers, sponsors and drummers. It was truly through networking that we gathered 438 drummers to play 'Deep in the Heart of Texas' simultaneously and raise over ,000 for Cherish our Children International. Networking in Action. Networking for the greater good. I know that some powerful relationships were developed amongst the people who got involved simply because of working on the project together.