Making Connections

The age old adage--networking is still a popular and critical topic. However, the paradigm and art of making connections with people for the purpose of collaborating later has changed dramatically. With texting, social networking, direct messages on Twitter, etc networking looks drastically different from conventional methods.

This morning Black Business Works hosted their Monday morning power call and invited me to be a guest. The topic, "How to make your network increase your net-worth," is timely with the continued inconsistency in our economy and job market.  The shift in both makes our society ideal for entrepreneurial creativity and start-ups, which means networking is hugely important.

Here are some nuggets we shared:

• Don't expect to network at a function and do business right away. This usually happens over time. 
• Go to events with a purpose. Separate social events from networking. When networking, don't focus on eating and drinking. 
• Approach networking with a can attitude that seeks to give and not just get from a potential connection.
• Observe the room first to avoid having to "work the room"
• Be willing to do a good faith project for a potential client.

Harvard Business Review has this to say about networking:

Network Beyond Your Bubble:

• Revise your conference calendar: Attend at least one conference a year in a field that you make have interest in, but little experience.
• Talk to the loners: At social events, don't just spend time with your friends and colleagues. See out the people that don't fit in and strike up a conversation.
• Find diversity within: Reconnect with passions that you may have ignored because they didn't fit into your life. In doing so you'll encounter people far removed from your daily experiences who may provide you with new self insight.

 Don't wait for 2012 to build your network and increase your net-worth!

Kristen