Alumni Today
How to network with purpose and strategy By Janet Johnson
I
n the age of instant connections—where everyone is meeting and tweeting online—we often think we’re establishing important contacts for our future. But are we? The art of networking requires more strategic thought than friending someone on Facebook for it to be the effective and imperative tool necessary in your professional future. If approached wisely, however, networking can deliver new jobs, establish contacts, or develop client/customer bases. Doing this requires thoughtfulness, so here are some tips to networking with a purpose.
Connect Connect… with… • Anybody and everybody • People in your professional field • Fellow alumni • Committee members • Parents of your children’s friends • Members of organizations you belong to—religious, fraternal, private clubs, etc.
Attend Attend… events… • Go to industry-related events, conferences, and workshops. • Join philanthropic organizations. • Attend USI Alumni Association events. • Volunteer for nonprofits that interest you.
Network… Follow-up… • Update your contacts after each networking activity. • Add relevant notes to help you remember important details about each person you meet. • Call, email, text, and meet face-to-face to stay in contact. • Send a hand-written (legible) note to someone once in a while to build stronger relationships. • Following up immediately when you are invited to do so is easy and essential.
• All the time. It’s a process that is ongoing and growing. • Build networking opportunities into your schedule before it fills up with other activities.
Network Prepare… preparation… • Ask to be introduced to others at gatherings. • Ask to connect with professionals on LinkedIn. • Have an online presence that maintains a high level of integrity and professionalism. • Request the registration list prior to an event, and study the list to see who you would like to meet.
Proper networking is an ongoing investment we make in ourselves, so make the most or your time and contacts as you build your professional future. 26 august 2013 USI Magazine