East Midlands Conference 2012 - Sue Carrette

Professional Gardening – the Art of Successful Networking©

AUA East Midlands Conference

University of Derby

28th June 2012

© Copyright Sue Carrette Training & Consultancy 2012

Introduction

Aims and objectives of the session:– Types of networks and benefits– Face-to-Face Networking– Social Media and E-Networking– Tips for the ‘reluctant networker’– Building and managing networks– Key Issues for the successful networker


What is Networking?

• Using personal networks

• Trust – key aspect of networking–90% trust peer recommendations – only 14% trust advertisements*

• Brainstorming networking activities

*(Source – Marketing to the Social Web 2007)


Networking Benefits

Why do we network?• Sharing information and knowledge• Profile raising• Facilitating collaboration and assistance• Increasing pool of contacts• Possibly find new roles/work – but this is not

the primary initial objective• About what you can contribute to contacts


Mapping Networks

Exercise

Put your name in the middle of a piece of paper and draw lines outward to the networks you belong to

Consider:• What other ‘networks’ you would like to

participate in?• What stops you?• What can you do about this?


Building Networks

• Use existing networks to build your network• Alumni-work-friends-family etc• Look for established referral routes – for your

specialism/area - do your research• Participatory activity (not passive) • Remembrance – Rapport – Referral• Attend events–find out who is attending in advance• Use online tools – join groups


Face-to-Face Networking

• Target people you want to meet at events • Develop ‘conversation strategies’• Be inclusive • Be respectful of everyone you meet • Establish eye contact • Give the other person your undivided attention • Smile - if appropriate • Be proactive - always follow-up• Respect the other person’s space (and online)


Social Media & E-Networking

• What (is it)?– Social networking, Blogging/Micro-blogging,

Conferencing/Webinars, Image or video sharing

• Who (uses it)?– Anyone….and everyone….

• What (is it used) for?– To build ‘social authority’ - developed when an

individual/organization established as an "expert" in their field, becoming an influencer in that field*

*(Source : European Journal of Social Psychology 2006)


Social Media & E-Networking


www.linkedin.com

www.twitter.comwww.facebook.com

http://www.ecademy.com/

http://www.ecademy.com/

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php

Social Media & E-Networking• Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn • Personal account/professional pages/groups• Can add profile info and photo (F and L)• Status updates – and content upload• Use groups/pages/’following’ to link with others • Interactive – recommendations, comment etc• Monitor and listen to your groups• Group discussions / News / Jobs• Participate and contribute (add value)• Use your groups to expand your network

• © Copyright Sue Carrette Training & Consultancy 2012

Social Media and E-Networking

• Manage your ‘Professional Identity’– Who are you?– Is there more than one ‘you’?– Do you have conflicting identities?

• Learn to manage the crossover between personal and professional – overlapping networks

• Google yourself – post-event exercise– What are you expecting to see? Did you see this?– What surprised you? Are you happy with your online

presence?– How do your social media presences relate to each

other and your web presence?


Building Networks (and thoughts for the ‘reluctant networker’)

• Make it easy for people to talk to/contact you • Find easy ways of talking to/contacting others• Have entry and exit strategies• Connect online first? • Relax – be yourself, be authentic• Wear something comfortable (with pockets)• Its OK to be an introvert• Its OK to listen• Focus on others – not on yourself• Give yourself a pat on the back!


Managing Networks• Nurture the network you have! - ‘Professional

Gardening’© • Remember opportunities to re-connect – in

person and online• Contribute to discussion, comment etc – maintain

momentum• Two ears – One mouth• Flag up useful events, articles, projects • Focus on key activities - don’t over-commit• Persevere…


Key Issues for the Successful Networker – Have a Plan!

• What do you want to achieve? Timescale?• Balance between F-to-F and e-networking?• Monitor and manage professional identity • Where and how to ‘grow’ your network?• (Growing and) Nurturing your network – integrate

this into your professional practice• Have Fun!


Key Issues for the Successful Networker - Don’t:

1.Let others down

2.Be indiscreet

3.Contact colleagues only when you want something

4.Treat the internet as a ‘private space’

5.Contravene your institutional IT Policy


Key Issues for the Successful Networker

‘Five Pillars of Networking’©

1. Networking is a long-term activity

2. Good relationships are based on trust – (people want to work with those they trust)

3. Authenticity is key – be yourself

4. It’s about your contacts–what is your contribution??

5. Integration - make ‘network-building – and nurturing’ an integral part of your professional practice


Thank-you !

Sue Carrette Training & Consultancywww.suecarretteconsultancy.com

[email protected]


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East Midlands Conference 2012 - Sue Carrette