latte feb Page 14

business chicks latte magazine

the hard question

networking effectively

iana Ryall suggests you identify what
you want out of this new and exciting
focus on networking. List 6 things

that you would like to get from your current
network and new network members.

First look at your current network.

Often women have broad networks but
talking about career progression seems to be
taboo. Suggest that when you get together
you spend the first few minutes talking
about your career; both the work you do and
your aspirations for the future. You may be
surprised at the other connections that they
can offer. This is a fabulous way to extend

your network through personal referral.
Men are masters at this and it seems to be
totally natural to them.

Secondly, look at your work network.

What do you know about them and their
aspirations? Are your conversations limited
to the work at hand or do you take the time
to have 10 minutes or so talking about work
in general, the organisation's directions
and priorities and where the greatest
opportunities are. You will be surprised
how many new thoughts and ideas can come
from simply extending the conversations you
already have at work.

Consider every time you meet

with someone else it presents a
networking opportunity. Take a few
minutes to hear about something they are
working on and make a note for yourself
so that you remember it. See if there is
some way you can help maybe a personal
connection, an article you have seen,
or an idea.

Take on an event or charity project

at work. This allows you to make contacts
throughout the organisation at all levels.
Being seen to be involved and interested in
organisational activities gives you profile
and presence. Keep in touch with those
influencers you have met.

Join an industry group and offer to

be on the committee. There is no need to
feel nervous, as you will have lots in common
with others in the industry. If you offer to be
on a committee, you can talk and meet with
others with a clear goal.

Attend networking functions. I put

this last on the list, as this is probably the
most challenging and if you have not been
working on your network for some time just
getting in the door may be daunting. When
you arrive look for a small group probably
3 or 4 to join. Avoid the twos; they are
often deep in conversation. Be ready with
you name and a phrase about you that gives
them a chance to ask a follow-on question.
Have ready a few starter lines: Where do
you work? What do you do there? Have you
been here before? Do you know any more
about the speaker? etc. Frame your goal
event as meeting one or two people that
you would like to see again not how many
cards can you can collect!

Diana Ryall is the founder and
managing director of Xplore for Success,
www.xplore.net.au

Why not pass this magazine to

someone in your network you can
send them the link to the electronic

copy and suggest they join or meet

to discuss an article or idea.

You've decided that your network needs a polish and you're ready to

take on the challenge but what are you going to do about it?