Networking --turning strangers into connections

Last weekend, I happened to go through a small box from our recent move that contained old magazines from university alumni groups and library associations, and I came across an article on networking. The article was titled "Taking the Work Out of Networking: How to turn strangers into connections". The article from York University (October 2008) cites ContactsCount.com’s findings that 74% don’t know what to talk about in networking situations and that 60% of people feel shy and uncomfortable in business and social settings. (What do you think about these statistics? Do you think this is true to new and aspiring academic librarian professionals? Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, how do you network?) Connecting with individuals or groups at social functions, or being involved in committees may be the step in the right direction, but “how does one turn a room full of strangers into a bunch of friends and contacts”? One of the main reasons people come out to conferences, alumni events, and library association gatherings is to connect with others and meet new people. And while it may seem daunting to talk to a room full of strangers, like many other social phobias, fear is the fear itself.

The main reason people attend social events is because they want to connect with people; just like you. The article cites James Allan, York’s alumni director, that “the kind of people who come out to alumni events are typically happy to engage. All someone has to do is make the first move”. Upon initiation, you may find that you’ve already have a lot in common and plenty to talk about. The event may look like a room full of strangers – but it is not. They all have something similar to you; everyone in the room is in the information profession, and are/have been in your shoes as a new professional. If the event is an alumni event, you will find a lot in common to share as well – the classes you took, the people you met, your most memorable experience. Moving beyond this small talk, share with the person/group with whom you are talking, who you are, your interests, and what you are good at. One of the interesting tips that ContactsCount provides is to “think of networking as teaching who you are and what you’re good at” (http://contactscount.com/networkingquiz.html). I prefer “sharing” as opposed to “teaching” as networking should be mutually beneficial, but perhaps both are legitimate as long one is genuine and are open to connect with others.

One suggestion the article cites of Lynne Waymon, CEO of Maryland-based Contacts Count, is when one is at a social event, “try talking to people about what’s going on in your life –it will help them understand who you are and what you’re good at. And you can even invite them to help you with your current projects, whether it’s finding a great hotel in Paris or looking for a new job”. Conversations can be more interesting when it’s actually about something, and when someone you’re talking to mentions an interest or a challenge, “try suggesting a book, a contact, or a website that could help. You’ll make connections – and even better, you’ll probably make friends”.

(picture: http://www.fair-pr.com/meet-aae/bunsen2005/colloquium/pictures/k%20Most%20important%20for%20networking%20-%20the%20coffee%20break_jpg.jpg)