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Making Networking Work for You
By Steven Ginsberg It's more than just a funny story -- it's called networking, and it's crucial to many careers. Instead of waiting for lightning to strike, savvy workers always are schmoozing because the undeniable truth about advancement is that often it does amount to who, not what, you know. There are numerous avenues in all industries for workers to get to know each other, and you'd be well served to use them; a good starting point is to join your professional association. Additionally, don't hesitate to lend someone else a hand, even if you know the person only tangentially. Having people owe you favors can prove to be the best networking tool of all. To find out how best to network, we talked to a number of local experts. Here's what they said:
Meeting Technologists As the technology community continues to swell throughout the area, it is increasingly necessary to become part of the pulse, rather than simply keeping your finger on it. That way, when you want to change jobs or even initiate your own start-up, you'll know the right people to make it happen. The most widely known, and probably best, way to rub elbows with the movers and shakers is to attend the Titans of Technology breakfasts hosted by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. These breakfasts are held eight times a year at different locations and feature industry leaders from across the country, Executive Director Ray Pelletier said. NVTC also offers classes, brown bag lunches, discussion groups and similar events almost every day, plus two major banquets a year; some of the events are free. Most draw 150 to 450 area workers, Pelletier said. Potomac Knowledgeway also is in the breakfast schmooze business; it serves up coffee and doughnuts once a month with room for about 100 technology workers, spokesman Penny Lewandowski said. The organization also puts on a number of events throughout the region, Lewandowski said. One word of caution: Many of Potomac Knowledgeway's events are targeted to entrepreneurs, so if you want to meet executives from the big firms, these may not be the best places to go. If you're looking for a less formal way to get to know your colleagues and competition, many tech workers head to the bars near their offices. The Clyde's restaurants in Reston and Tysons Corner usually house more techies than most start-ups. Champs in Reston and the Tower Club and Ritz in Tysons also are hot spots. Here are some good starting blocks, including popular Internet sights:
Clusters of Nonprofits Despite their varied purposes, all nonprofit workers should make it a goal to network. Given the nature of the business, it is also useful to meet people to fund your cause. The more people you know, and the more people you can get behind your purpose, the more money you will raise. Workers at other organizations also can provide ideas on how to win grants, promote your mission or simply proceed with day-to-day tasks. The most productive way for workers to meet each other is, naturally, to attend association meetings. Several umbrella groups organize brown bag lunches and informative meetings for nonprofit workers, and they're a good place to start. "We usually have 20 to 25 people at our lunches," said Betsy Johnson, executive director of the Washington Council of Agencies, an organization for organizations. "We're also starting a skills development series of five half-day workshops. We always make people introduce each other." The council announces these gatherings in a newsletter that it sends to more than 6,700 local nonprofits. Getting in touch with other coalitions also can lead to contacts who contribute money to your group, said Anne Mitchell Sackey, a member of the National Council of Non-Profit Associations. The Internet is generally a waste of time, Johnson said, because few nonprofit workers have taken to it. So stick to the agencies and find out what they're up to. Here are some good ones to follow:
If You Work at Home Networking poses a mountain of challenges for telecommuters. Not only is it necessary to find ways to hang out with people in your industry, you also have to set aside time to talk to your co-workers. Lack of face time in the office can have unfortunate results; without steady contact, workers run the risk of dropping off management's radar screen. So telecommuters need to make a point of talking with their supervisors, subordinates and co-workers. "It's absolutely essential to have regular conversations" with your co-workers, said Joshua M. Peck, director of public relations for District-based Jaffe Associates, a virtual company. "E-mail is insufficient. You have to create a virtual water cooler." Peck, who works out of his home in rural Rockland County, N.Y., is in charge of a nine-person staff that's spread across the country. "I talk to them all several times a week," he said. Telecommuters should talk to people in their departments at least three times a week, Peck said. And it's important to have conversations that aren't limited to work. Just as you would in an office, you need to ask people about their families and find out what they've been up to, he added. Though not the primary source of contact, e-mail can be useful. Peck recommends that telecommuters "cc" a number of e-mails to their bosses to keep them informed -- without inundating them with trivial messages. Telecommuters should make it a point to attend as many company meetings as possible, Peck added. "You can stretch the limits electronically, but we're social creatures. Sometimes the voice on the phone isn't enough." The same goes for networking outside your firm. It's important to attend industry meetings and conferences because they're ideal opportunities to meet people face-to- face. Once you do that, it's far easier to maintain a relationship from your home, Peck said. Accordingly, telecommuters need to designate time for personal contact. Organize business trips to include meals with people you know, wherever you are.
If you have questions about getting ahead, you can e-mail Steven Ginsberg at ginsbergs@washpost.com
© Copyright 1998 The Washington Post Company |
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