Relationships Matter: Building a better professional network.

Learn techniques for building and maintaining genuine, positive, strategic relationships and move away from the negative sleazy world of "networking."

Transcript

1. Relationships Matter Building a Professional Network
2. Intro Upma Singh @upmasingh • User experience designer at Digitas Health. • Part of my career transition was learning how to build a better network. • I will share some of my thoughts and findings, then I’d like to hear from you. (Any questions, comments, tips and tricks).
3. Hello. My Name is Upma and I’m an Introvert
4. Schmoozing Sucks • It's a chore • Schmooze fest • Uncomfortable • Icky • Feel fake • Phony people • Feels like you’re using people • Late night drinks or wild happy hours • Sleazy men
5. Let’s Re-Frame It To Something More Positive
6. How Do I Start? 3 Techniques from Mark Horstman of the Career Tools/Manager Tools podcast: 1. Build Volume Indiscriminately 2. Give, Give, Give 3. Stay In Touch
7. Tips & Tricks • Know no one? Find a conversation between two people (that doesn’t look too intimate) and introduce yourself to both of them. They are also there to meet new people. • Noticed someone at an event but didn’t get to talk to them? Start following them on twitter. Next time you see that person, you have a conversation starter: “Oh i follow you on twitter, I saw you said ___. I liked that” • LinkedIn is NOT a dating site. If you want to add someone to your network, add a professional note saying why you want to connect with them.
8. Tips & Tricks (continued) • When introducing two people to each other, ask permission from both parties first. • Met someone or saw someone speak years ago that you could use help from now? Reach out! Tell them when, where and why you know them, and ask if they wouldn’t mind giving you a few minutes of their time. • Have an “advisory board” in mind that are people you can lean on for advice and help.
9. Keep It Real Fostering genuine and healthy relationships is a better way to build and maintain your professional network.
10. Resources: Podcasts: Mark Horstman- Career Tools (and Manager Tools; episode from May 8, 2006 Ashley Milne-Tyte- The Broad Experience; episode 40 Articles: Anthony Gold- Managing Your Advisory Board (Also take any/all of his GDI classes!) Alan Henry- How to Skip the Sleaze and Build a Real Professional Network