Black woman networking – Photo: madamenoire.com
Our dear reader “The Girl” asked us about networking tips for the corporate sister, and in response to her question and just in time for a new year hopefully filled with great networking prospects, we’ve concocted our very own 360 degree approach to networking for the corporate sister. As corporate sisters faced with some unique challenges we encounter on a day-to-day basis, we’ve found that we also do need a tailored approach to networking. Not that the general networking wisdom is not enough, but we do believe that a little twist to conventional wisdom does not hurt…If anything, it might actually give us a competitive advantage by helping us capitalize on what makes us unique and building effective, long-lasting connections with our network:
- Every opportunity is a network opportunity! This is one of the most valuable lessons taught to us by many a corporate sister out there. Don’t wait for the right time, opportunity or setting to network. While the corporate jungle may be a hostile setting at times, it also rewards those who seize the moment! Stuck in an elevator with the big boss? Accidentally bumped into the CEO at the office holiday party? Or even in the process of washing your hands in the ladies’ room alongside the District Manager? Seize the opportunity and introduce yourself, right then and there. Forget about hierarchy, “political correctedness” or the fact that you’re having a not-so-good hair day. You don’t know when such an opportunity to network with someone who could potentially be influential to your career will present itself again, so just go for it!
- Every person is a networking opportunity! Gone are the days when you tried to get close to the bosses to work your way up the corporate ladder. In the era of lateral moves, corporate reorganizations and non-traditional careers (even within corporations), an increasing number of people within the organization may prove to be influential in your career. While these may certainly include your direct supervisors and managers, they also can (and should) include people in lateral departments of the organization who can provide information on other career avenues, place a word in for us, or even be informal mentors to our careers. Even outside of the organization, giant networks such as Linked In for instance also offer the opportunity to connect with a wide array of professionals in a wide array of fields and disciplines, each of which could possibly be an invaluable resource in our careers.
- What makes you YOU? I once asked a dear big corporate sister of mine what the REAL secret of successful networking is. When she responded “YOU”, I smiled and asked again “Seriously, what is it?”. Turns out, she was correct…Through our years in corporate, we start learning that cultivating yourself and your own unique talents is really what sets us apart from the crowd. It’s our competitive advantage! Whether it’s your ability to provide solutions to existing problems, or your talents at managing projects under pressure, or even the precious gift of bringing people and ideas together, one of the first questions to ask yourself when ready to network is this: “What makes me ME?”, and capitalize on your strengths to build strong connections.
- Reach out and build a connection! As we found out through our careers, professional networking is not easy! Neither is it for the faint of hearts. As profitable and even enjoyable as the process may turn out to be, it also requires quite a bit of time, investment and willingness to reach out and build our own networks. You will find that as some connections occur naturally throughout your career, others have to be initiated, worked on, and maintained with a certain amount of effort and consistency. And it’s up to us to reach across the table many a times, find some common ground and build up from there.
- Run with it! Last but not least, successful networking requires ongoing upkeep. It’s one thing to build a solid network, it’s another one to maintain it. Networks such as Linked In allow us to do so by being connected most of the time. Other more informal, traditional networks require more follow-up effort, and a genuine commitment to cultivate professional relationships in and outside of the corporate environment. So whether it is through a yearly holiday card, an occasional check-in email, or even just frequently updating your Linked In profile, once you’ve put out the time and effort to build these professional connections, run with it and keep them for life! You never know when you might receive a call for a great position or opportunity just because your holiday card reminded someone of how great a professional you are…
What are you thoughts on networking?
The Corporate Sister.
