Career Development Tools: Self-Development

NETWORKING

Introduction Definition Building Your Network Working Your Network Tips E-Networking Links

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INTRODUCTION

Networking is a critical skill for employees at all levels and in all job roles. It is often said "It's not what you know, but WHO you know." This maxim is not completely true - skills and knowledge are also critical for job success, but there is a ring of truth to it. The people in your network can:

 

• Help you solve a difficult problem
• Provide perspective
• Teach you new things
• Support your efforts
• Inform you of new opportunities
• Celebrate your successes
• Give you valuable feedback
• Help you relieve stress

As a cartoon character once explained, "What I lack in know-how, I made up for in know-who."

 

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DEFINITION

• "Networking is the art of building alliances." The Riley Guide
  
  
• "Networking is the act or process of informally sharing information or support, especially among members of a professional group. Networking is a reciprocal process, and an exchange of ideas, leads, and suggestions that support both our professional and personal lives." -Webster's Unabridged Encyclopedia Dictionary

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BUILDING YOUR NETWORK

Your network should include people with a variety of connections to you, and who serve you in different ways, such as:

• People with technical knowledge you need
• Social contacts
• Peers
• People with external perspective
• People with business knowledge
• People with organizational awareness
• People with knowledge of your customers
• People with backgrounds different from yours (cultural, educational, occupational, etc.)

 

Building a network can be done in many different ways. These include:

• Attending meetings and events on campus to meet new people
• Attending meetings and events of your professional associations
• Joining an Internet network, such as Linked In
• Getting to know the colleagues in your department
• Inviting colleagues to lunch, coffee, etc.
• Working on cross-functional or cross-departmental teams
• Attending training classes and programs
• Volunteering to work on projects where your specific expertise is needed
• Creating or joining communities of practice

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WORKING YOUR NETWORK

Networking is a two-way street: you want to solicit your network to get the information and assistance you need.

You also need to be a source of information back to your network:

• Share what you know
• Share resources you are aware of
• Offer insights, perspective, and feedback
• Offer your skills and expertise
• Look for opportunities to make offers and contributions
• Maintain regular formal or informal contact with key members of your network, including when you don't need anything from them
• Ask associates if they are aware of individuals with similar interests or who have what you are looking for, and ask if they would make an initial contact on your behalf

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TIPS FOR NETWORKING

• Carry business cards with you
• Introduce yourself to people you come across
• Ask people about themselves
• Thank people who have given you ideas, leads, advice, and time
• Use people's names in conversation with them
• Mingle in settings with a number of people (walk around; talk to many different people)
• Never assume that someone can or cannot help you
• Treat people with respect, integrity, truth, and honor; use good manners
• Smile; exude confidence
• Don't overindulge in alcohol at events
• Make nonverbal connections (eye-contact, leaning in, etc.)
• View networking as an investment

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E-NETWORKING (VIRTUAL NETWORKING)

• What is it?
  E-networking combines the traditional networking you do with the power of the Internet. It allows you to create a community of virtual contacts; people you never would have met any other way.
  
  
• Where can I do it?
  There are many sites devoted to business networking, and other sites that have a strong networking component, such as professional associations, alumni organizations, message boards, and on-line communities. Examples of networking sites include Fast Company Community of Friends, and Yahoo Groups.
  

 

Advantages:

• There are thousands of discussion groups and community forums covering just as many subjects
• Some people feel more comfortable, since the interaction is not face-to-face
• Your contact may expand exponentially through the Internet
• You get immediate responses
• Everyone on the Internet is accessible to you
  

Pointers:

• Initiate widely; continue selectively: cast a wide net for what you are looking for and then follow-up with the best prospects
• Do not use an alias
• Follow standard business etiquette
• Bookmark favorite sites

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LINKS

UC Berkeley: Professional and staff organizations

http://www.rileyguide.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.susanroane.com/
http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/
http://www.fastcompany.com/cof/
http://www.quintcareers.com/tips/career_networking_tips.html

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