7 Tips for Supporting Work Colleagues and Gaining Inspiration Through Networking  

So often in our careers, we turn inward with a focus to go faster, accomplish more, move to the next level — or simply to survive.  Today’s working world brings few boundaries between work, home and the opportunity to recharge – most of us are likely guilty of slipping an email in during a run, while preparing to sleep, or hidden away in the bathroom, hoping to grab just a few minutes to keep things moving forward.  This “do more” inward focus is understandable, but deprives us of the beauty and inspiration of offering our stories, our experience and our ear to others like us who are trying to climb the ladder and balance it all.

Our aspiration towards excellence brings with it challenges unique to us as mothers and women, given our crammed schedules.  Yet one of the best success techniques we have available to us – networking – is, ironically, one of the last employed because we are too busy. I challenge all of us therefore to take a pause and dust off our networking skills — to share a conversation, cup of coffee or glass of wine with someone who has a few more years or a few less years than us,  and  to provide stories of success, defeat, and inspiration, showing that the effort to be great is worth it.  Networking is not reserved for those seeking a new role or a new level – it is for all of us who need reassurance that we are not alone, and that it can be done.

How to Network with Purpose and Finesse: “Mindful Networking”

• Look for Ways to Bring Networking Opportunities to Work.  Are you overlooking any “lunch and learn” events, employee lead groups, or colleagues who could take the time for coffee and talking?  Or do you have the opportunity to organize your own networking group to help bring mentoring and leadership skills to your organization?  You will be hard pressed to find a company who doesn’t want to invest in their employees and growing the next wave of leaders – budget may be a constraint, but lots of things don’t cost anything!
• Start Online, but Don’t Stay Online.  It’s okay to scope a group out online and even stalk a few profiles but the value of building relationships that are enduring and supportive is immeasurably enhanced by the time you get face-to-face. A thoughtful email gives you inspiration and support, but not at the same level as a genuine hug.  Take the time to be present with other women who are investing in others and themselves.
• Dress Confidently and Comfortably.  Trying to achieve Fifth Avenue style when you are a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal is not the best way to strike up meaningful relationships.  Strive to arrive as the best version of you possible – maybe tailored jeans will give you the authenticity and boost of confidence you need to rock the room.
• Be Ready to Share and Engage.  Conversations end quickly when the response is a “yes” or “yup,” so know your area of expertise and some stories that you can share to add to the conversation. Ask thought-provoking and intelligent questions – keeping the conversation of give-and-take balanced.
• Stay Positive, and Don’t Add to the Rumor Mill.  Every once in a while conversations start out going great and then a series of questions turn the discussion into a clear effort to dig up dirt or validate rumors that are swirling.  Avoid the temptation to get the best dirt on everyone in town because that doesn’t make any of us better, and sooner or later it will be your name in the mill.  Shut the rumors down and move back to your motive – having fun and growing your network of women who can partner with you as you climb the ladder, start your own adventure, or define success for your life.
• Follow up, and Say Thank You.  Gratitude and appreciation is an art form that is not practiced enough.  Take the time to drop a quick note to let them know you enjoyed them and the conversation.
• Pay it Back. There will be times in our careers when we are mostly on the receiving end of great mentorship and professional advice.  The beauty of an evolving career is you will soon be in the seat of experience and hopefully willing to pay it back (or rather, forward!) to the next wave of bright talent.  If you are just starting out, go ahead and gather as much guidance as you can.  But if you are a bit established, don’t shirk your responsibilities to pay back the benefits you reaped.

Last night I surrounded myself with a room of twenty successful women, and today I have more energy and excitement in my pursuit of career and life excellence. I don’t see it as a coincidence, but rather an important reminder of a twin goal of “mindful networking”: take time to invest in ourselves and raise each other up!