Tonight Jeff and I went to our only work-related holiday party. It was sponsored by AMA (American Marketing Association, not that other AMA), Public Relations Society of America and Connecticut Digital Association (I think that's the correct name.)
I used to be active in the AMA local chapter; I was on the Board of Directors for several years and served as President and Vice President Communications.
It was good to reconnect with some colleagues and meet a few people as well. I haven't been an active networker recently. I guess last night's party was my way of putting a toe in the water. Maybe I'll be ready to dive in next month.
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Networking Blues
Those in the know say that most jobs are found through networking. Want ads and job postings are passe.
But what exactly is networking? How do you know that you're doing it right?
In the past, I've been good at cocktail parties--meeting new people and making small talk. But networking events are something different. There's this constant pressure--God forbid you make small talk. You can't just introduce yourself. You have to sum up our essence in a sound bite. It used to be a 30 second pitch--now 30 seconds is too long--it has to be a 15 second pitch.
At the same time, there's pressure to be likeable and trustworthy so people will want to help you, while at the same time being open to help others.
While I understand the theory of networking, current practice is especially tough. I remember how annoyed I was when someone I hardly knew called me up and asked who did I know in big companies.
"No one," I said. She never called me again.
I don't want to be that person. When I ask for help, I want it to be meaningful.
But what exactly is networking? How do you know that you're doing it right?
In the past, I've been good at cocktail parties--meeting new people and making small talk. But networking events are something different. There's this constant pressure--God forbid you make small talk. You can't just introduce yourself. You have to sum up our essence in a sound bite. It used to be a 30 second pitch--now 30 seconds is too long--it has to be a 15 second pitch.
At the same time, there's pressure to be likeable and trustworthy so people will want to help you, while at the same time being open to help others.
While I understand the theory of networking, current practice is especially tough. I remember how annoyed I was when someone I hardly knew called me up and asked who did I know in big companies.
"No one," I said. She never called me again.
I don't want to be that person. When I ask for help, I want it to be meaningful.
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