Coffee Lunch Coffee summary

Networking means crafting relationships, connecting with people, and being part of a greater community. Our jobs may change, but the relationships we cultivate through networking endure over time.

Networking is about creating community.

Where do you see yourself in the next few months? What about in a couple of years? Addressing these questions can make networking more effective because they help you identify your goals. And identifying your goals helps you to step up your networking.

When you consider what you want, you should prioritize your long term goals so that the short term goals can get you there.

So, how do you get the networking ball rolling? The answer is through storytelling, which means sharing anecdotes from your professional experience.

Your story should start with an introductory email requesting a meeting. How you introduce yourself here is very important.

It’s the fateful day and you're eager to meet the person. So, what are some useful things to keep in mind?

The first thing to remember is that your mind and body should be present and calm when communicating with your partner.

Your portfolio is the complete picture of how you present yourself to others. Paying attention to every aspect of your portfolio enables you stand out from the crowd. Simply put, a strong portfolio is a must-have networking tool.

Your portfolio should include an introduction, business cards, a résumé and your bio.

Aside from scheduling individual meetings, there are also other situations where we can network in a more spontaneous way. It might seem daunting, but it’s a vital part of your networking training. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and explore your community.

Risk-taking involves pushing yourself. By doing so, you will begin to see networking opportunities where you didn’t see them before.

As in all professions, becoming an expert requires effort. To become an excellent networker takes dedication, perseverance, and completing day-to-day practicalities such as meeting with others, being an attentive listener, following up and being ready to give back to others.

It’s important to acknowledge that mastering networking is a lifelong task that requires patience and the willingness to put in the time needed.