Networking

Networking is one of the strongest, most valuable business tools because relationships drive today’s business.  For many people, the thought of networking conjures negative images. It’s the unappealing prospect of randomly passing business cards or pretending to be interested in everyone we meet. Viewing networking in this way can be a derailing mistake, especially for women.    

I was researching new Twitter followers using the search wordl "women" and came across an account for a magazine that I happen to enjoy. BUT here's what its tag was..."If it matters to women, it's in <magazine>. Your destination for fashion finds, beauty tips, dating advice and more."

What do you do after you say, "nice to have met you?" Here's a great guest blog from Eileen Brown - originally posted at Sustainable Business.

"I’ve written about the death of the business card before, but I’ll say it again. How many business cards have you collected at a meeting and ignored?

Everyone you work with or for or who works with you is a member of your strategic network. So is anyone else, inside and outside the company who has a stake in your achieving your goals. That is beautifully illustrated in this video that features Pattie Sellers of FORTUNE moderating a panel that includes EVP, Worldwide Business Development and Innovation, Kristin Peck and Xerox Chief Strategy Officer Uta Werner.  My favorite quotes are from Uta when she spoke about the importance of managing up:

This headline from The Republic caught my eye this morning,

"Social media helps professionals break through gender barriers".

It's spring, and if you are like me your calendar is filled with networking events. Just last week, I attended five events in five days including, the Business Expo, the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Gala, a women in business award's luncheon, one retirement celebration and a going away party for a senor executive. It was a busy week, and yes, there were moments (more than one) I thought I'd opt out or skip the next event. However, after each event, I was reminded what a valuable business tool networking is and always will be. 

Last week, I was interviewed on a radio show called Positive Business about networking. The show's host Patricia Raskin, asked me to talk about networking when you are in transition.