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How do you feel and what do you think of when I say "networking"?
For me, it's thoughts of being in a dated event space, having an awkward conversation with a middle aged dude in a bad suit who's trying to sell me insurance while I'm plotting how to politely leave the conversation and hoping my face isn't showing my true level of disinterest.
Oh, and powdered eggs.
Like the bad ones from hotel breakfasts.
And yet, I love networking.
But not the old school, 'what are you trying to sell me?' type of networking.
I'm creating a 'Not Your Dad's Networking Guide' specifically for busy Millennial Women to teach you what, how and why I love networking.
So tell me.
What are you networking questions you're dying to have answered?
What blunders have you experienced that you wish you could go back and redo?
How can I solve your networking awkwardness?
Katrina SHuman Resources | Employee Experience
56
08/02/20 at 6:58PM UTC
Hi Aly - This sounds like it would be really helpful! For me personally, networking has always been a little awkward, especially because I am more on the introverted side. I've been to many in person events where I tried leaning into it, striking up conversation with other people to learn more about them and their experiences, and even online as well, but for me, nothing ever went beyond some initial polite conversation. Or, if we did exchange information, never really kept in touch after that.
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
08/03/20 at 1:02AM UTC
That's a great thought. You do typically have to actively engage a connection after an event, if you felt there would be a worthwhile relationship there. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.Administrator | Educator | Intrapreneur
1.04k
07/29/20 at 9:49AM UTC
The best advice I have heard around networking is to stop thinking of it as something you do at a networking event. Networking is simply how you nurture your connections. Networking events is a whole different pill to swallow, but you can train yourself to get better at it. Practice at non-industry events where you don't know many people. Don't take it too seriously. And don't act like you need a job :-)
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
08/03/20 at 1:01AM UTC
Love this. Networking is totally just having a conversation and connecting with another human being.
Kimberly LudwigGraphic Designer (Adobe CS)/ Technical Writer
161
07/22/20 at 1:43PM UTC
Hey this is great! I am an introvert at times of networking, or just meeting people. I am NOT a millennial though, but think having something like this would be beneficial for someone like me. I am currently a job seeker and a lot of advice given to me on this forum is to network. Well COVID kinda squashed the in-person networking events.
Most say use LinkedIn to network which means research companies, find someone in with the job title you are looking for, and connect, ask for an informational interview, then see if they are hiring. This seems like it takes a lot of time to do. It may pay off, but like I said I'm an introvert, and my mind set is these people are busy...
So for me I would be interested in your guide as well.
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
07/22/20 at 2:09PM UTC
No worries about not being a Millennial, my work is targeted at Millennials but as long as you can handle some phrases like "adulting" and a few references to Taylor Swift, it'll be helpful for any one!
Yes, utilizing networking when you actively need a new position has a bit of a different nuance to it. I tend to recommend reengaging your current network first (because in theory, you've been actively networking before you needed a job!) then diving in with creating the new one. I tend to lean towards starting with the LinkedIn alumni tool to search for folks that you have something in common with to start with mutual ground, they could be working at the company you're looking to get into as well but people want to feel connected to you and having that alumni tag right off the bat can help!
Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Maggie BBusiness and Data Analysis Consultant
983
07/21/20 at 6:53PM UTC
I have a lot of trouble opening up at networking events. I've found that it's helpful to go in with a goal, an "ask me about," or a question to ask people beyond "what do you do?"
At my last networking event, I asked what companies and individuals were doing to support career transitions for women returning to the workforce after taking time off to have and care for a baby. So many companies have internship positions and growth roles for recent college grads, but mothers returning to the workforce is such a source of untapped potential!
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
07/22/20 at 2:04PM UTC
Yes, absolutely. Going into any kind of networking with a purpose is critical and can help ease your nerves!
I love that point about returning moms to the workforce. As someone who worked in HR previously, I would agree. There's a lot of potential there.
Thank you for sharing!
Lauren CastelluzzoA bicoastal creator of brand experiences
72
07/21/20 at 5:53PM UTC
This is great Aly! I think it would be helpful to know more about the networking follow up. Once you've made a new connection, had a coffee date or initial chat, followed/engaged with their posts, how do you stay top of mind over time?
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
07/22/20 at 2:03PM UTC
For sure. There's definitely an art to keeping your network engaged or reengaging them. Thank you for your feedback!
NAJA-MICHELLE INNISFlexible and resilient, and eager to learn!
112
07/21/20 at 4:43PM UTC
Networking makes me wildly anxious. It sometimes feels like posturing, and throwing yourself into conversations with professionals feels intimidating.
I feel like they can smell the fear on me haha
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
07/22/20 at 2:02PM UTC
Yes! So you'd be looking for how to be more confident approaching networking situations as well as how to make networking feel less scheming?
Anonymous
07/17/20 at 5:51PM UTC
Aly, sound like a great opportunity to initiate creative business relationships for the benefit of all. If you ever expand your focus to include a broader age range, let us know. There's a wealth of knowledge out there that we could contribute to your project.
Aly BrineHelping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
1.59k
07/22/20 at 2PM UTC
Hi there! Just because there's a Millennial target, doesn't mean we can't learn from any and every age range! I'd love to learn more about your knowledge and experiences. Feel free to shoot me a message!
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