How to Build Strong Professional Networks Sept. 17, 2010 Amy Walker, FACHE NCHE President and CEO Optimize IT Consulting

Make a Decision Now to Take Away from this Interactive Presentation A refreshed attitude and eagerness to… Develop a strong personal networking strategy

Set the Stage Ready Set Go!

What is a Network? Organized collection of contacts, that provides a path, a way of getting from point A to point B in the shortest possible time over the least possible distance. Relationships formed to meet the needs of both parties on an ongoing basis.

There is power in who you know. Not just connection power. Growth power. Success power. Even fulfillment power. Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

The Journey I’ve heard the saying: “There’s only two big decisions in life, where you’re going, and who you’re going to take with you. Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

Do you know where you are going? Do you know who you are taking? I do, I hope you do, too. Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

By investing in networking you are investing in yourself!

The biggest connection mistake you can make! The tendency to prejudge others. They spot the negative first, what they don’t like about them, not what they do like about them. The antidote to prejudgment is questioning. Eliminate the fatal flaw of prejudging, so that you can build on one of the most powerful assets you possess and open mind. Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

Networking Topics for Discussion Expectations Assessment Ourselves Stories, Disappointments and Successes Four Elements of Networking Networking Principles

Expectations Career advice Door opening Mentoring Learning and growth Generation of ideas Foster critical and strategic thinking Out of my comfort zone opportunities Removal of obstacles along my journey Decreases risk, makes opportunities happen Provide fulfillment Creates opportunities to be patient

Retain absolute faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, AND at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. (Jim Collins Good to Great)

Assessment-Where Am I? How many people are in your professional network? How are you using social media? How strong are your relationships with the people in your network? How diverse is your network? What’s the overall quality of your network? Do you have a tracking system? Do you set time aside every week for networking? Do you always return phone calls from recruiters? How long has it been since you reach out to someone outside of your department? organization?

Assessment-Where Am I? What are you known for? Who knows it? What are you known as? What is your four part reputation? What is you reputation with your company and customers? What is your reputation with your industry? What is your reputation with your community? What is your reputation with your friends and family? 15 Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

Assessment-Where Am I? Do you actively work on building your network relationships? Do you make sure to periodically connect with people? Do you return phone calls and answer s promptly? Have you conquered your fear of making cold calls? Do you try to meet face-to-face regularly? How often do you actively recruit new members to your network? How often do you help others in your network? To what extent do you leverage the internet to build and maintain your networks?

Assessment-Where Am I? How many relationships do I have with others that I consider to be networking contacts that I can call on for advice? How many trusted strategic advisors do I have in my networking list? If you found that you were terminated from your job today, who would help you through this event? Think about your calendar How many networking events are planned? How many 1:1 networking appointments do you have? How many handwritten follow up or thank you notes have a sent over the past 3 months?

Stories Disappointments and Successes

The Four Elements of Networking R.I.S.K. Reciprocity Interdependency Sharing Keeping at It Harvey Mackay, Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty

Mackay’s Maxim The really big networking mistakes people make in their lives come from the risks they ____________.

Networking #1 Rule of the Road Treat EVERYONE WHO TRIES TO MAKE CONTACT WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY. 21 Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections, 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

Networking Principles If you see or meet a woman who is passionate about her work, lend a hand, share your resources and help her make her dreams a reality. I guarantee what you give will come back to 100 fold. Identify early on in a relationship who really is "for" you and "against" you. Only give your emotional energy to women who support the vision for your life.

Networking Principles The power of networking is priceless. When one woman is successful we all are. Make a concerted effort to support the women in your lives, networks and communities. Don't be intimidated by a powerful woman, connect with her and glean from her wisdom and success! When a woman is truly confident in her ability she really shouldn't worry about another woman stealing her shine. There are enough opportunities, clients and business for all women.

Networking Principles Create and master your personal and professional niche. No one can do what you do like you do it. Connect with other women who are like-minded, confident and genuinely sincere about helping you shine. Don't be afraid of connecting with and supporting another powerful woman, can you imagine the things the two of you could do with that much power and influence? gender-and-race.aspx