By Paul Wesselmann, The Ripples Guy

The purpose of professional networking is to build and maintain relationships that are MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL. Successful network accomplishes three main goals: the exchange of information and ideas, the exploration of future possibilities, and engagement in satisfying connection.

To help you accomplish these goals, below is a summary of the tips I share in networking workshops I present at professional development conferences. I hope this helps get you ready and excited for #NIRSA2015!

Strategies

  1. Practice frequently: Use every opportunity to PRACTICE the art of chit chat and relationship building and management. Standing in line, waiting for a meeting or presentation to start, any time you bump into someone around your building, campus, and community—these are all times when we might talk on the phone or tune out when we could be PRACTICING!
  1. Predict mutual commonalities and mutual benefit: Assume that EVERY person you cross paths with has something in common with you, some way to help you, and some need that you can help them with.
  1. No deposit, no return: Relationships are like emotional bank accounts that go bankrupt if you’re not making deposits. Spend a few minutes every day thinking about what relationships might benefit from a teeny deposit: a quick email, a postcard, a favor. If we get better at making TEENY deposits in relationships, we’ll eventually experience a GIGANTIC return on investment (ROI).
  1. Weakness is strength: Your “weak ties” are your more distant connections; they’re the people you don’t interact with regularly. They are valuable because they have different ideas, perspectives, contacts, and backgrounds than you. Use social networking—Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.—and other methods to maintain those connections. They don’t have to become your best friends, but don’t let them fall out of your network!

Be an ambassador everywhere you go

If you want to magnify the networking potential of an event or meeting for yourself and others, consider the following actions:

  1. Meet new people: Approach individuals and groups and introduce yourself. Need a boost? Ask questions. If you notice a lull in the conversation or would like to talk with someone, feel free to use a question to engage them. Here are a few from 75 Cage-Rattling Questions to Change the Way You Work by Dick Whitney and Melissa Giovagnoli:
  • What is a typical day or week like in your work?
  • What are you working on now that is either horrible or exciting?
  • What might you do with a $10,000 professional development grant?
  • If you could create a new, unique job for yourself within your current workplace, what might it be?
  • What is the most likely reason someone would want to JOIN (or LEAVE) your team?
  • If someone burst into your workplace and shouted, “I’ve got GOOD news and BAD news,” what do you think those two pieces of news might be?
  • What intangible benefit makes your work worthwhile?
  • What would your workplace be like if you had never worked there?
  • What would appear bizarre, shocking, or amazing to an alien visiting your workplace?
  • What incredible invention would make your job much easier and you much more productive?
  • What unwritten rules at work make it difficult to get things done quickly, efficiently, or profitably?
  1. Encourage mingling: If you encounter a group of people from the same organization—or a group of people who already know each other—chat with them briefly and then challenge them to break up and seek out new people. Or at least encourage them to welcome some fresh faces to their circle.
  1. Approach soloists: If you see someone sitting or standing alone, introduce yourself. Connect them to people you know. Alternatively, as a pair approach another group.
  1. Play host: If someone seems lost or if something seems to be going wrong, please jump in and help! Seek out conference or hotel staff and help us ensure a smooth event!
  1. Have fun: Make sure this is an enjoyable experience for YOU—that will rub off on others!

Please feel free to share this information freely. You can find more information on my website. Oh, and check out the Facebook event for the Closing General Session where we’ve been gathering some REALLY cool images I’ll be using in my address!

Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy