Where to Network?
Church, receptions, dinner parties, barbecues, the golf course even PTA meetings all can be good places to network. It’s not just where you meet, but how you manage the contact that makes the difference. Volunteer for a social or charitable cause. Experts say volunteer work has been rated as one of the top ways to network. The key to successful networking is building successful relationships. According to Quintessential Careers, only 5 to 25 percent of all jobs are advertised, so it really is a case of not what you know, but whom you know.
If mustering up the courage to introduce yourself to strangers is a problem, get to an event early and survey the room. Find another early bird and strike up a conversation. It may be a veteran networker who can show you around or another scared newbie looking to be put at ease. It’s an opportunity to hone your networking skills without worrying that a horde of people will overhear you making a grand faux pas.
Golfing for Professional Networking
The golf course has become a no-brainer for networking, for women as well as for men.
According to the blog, My Daily Slice of Golf , “Social networking on the Internet will only help you tread water. Knowing the game of golf helps you swim with the sharks. The game of golf is the only social network skill you need to accomplish your goals. Golf bridges barriers. If you’re part of an organization that plans golf outings, get on the planning committee and try to group foursomes based on a range of abilities. Teams put together based solely on ability limit networking opportunities for those who don’t play as well.
But what if the folks you want to network with don’t hit the links? Do a little homework and find out where their interests lie. You may discover that tennis, bicycling, hiking or even a few hands of poker or Spades might be the key.
Golf is really a metaphor for putting yourself in a position to see and be seen. The real point is to get out there and be social, even if it’s an arena with which you are not familiar. Check out magazines such as Green Magazine (www.thegreenmagazine.com) which provide readers with great information about preparing yourself for the game of golf and events throughout the country, that are sure to give your networking game a hole-in-one!
Organizations for African Americans to Network
Fraternities and sororities are always a good place to start. If you don’t belong to one, consider applying.
Professional organizations related to your field also provide opportunities, usually at annual national and regional conferences, to meet with people who have your same interests and concerns in a more relaxed setting. If your company isn’t paying, your expenses are most likely tax deductible as a professional development expense.
The National Urban League, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Black MBA Association and the National Negro Business League have chapters around the country and often link to other organizations.
The HBCU Network, http://www.hbcunetwork.com, also is a resource for students, alumni and supporters with links to jobs, groups and events. If you didn’t attend an HBCU, joining your college or universities’ alumni chapter can help kick start your networking efforts.
Don’t forget church. Committee work, the usher board, men’s and women’s programs, the board of directors, becoming a deacon, all provide networking opportunities.
