Schmooze and Don't Lose: Tips for Authentic Networking

Be positive.  I know, it is easier said than done.  Being positive has a lot to do with being present.  If you spend hours dreading an event, you may not present yourself in the best light.  Networking does not have to be fake, and not everyone has motives.  It is true than many folks choose to network while conducting an internship or job search, or while looking for professional development opportunities.  Some people enjoy learning from others’ journeys and skills, broadening their network, making new friends (especially when transitioning to a new city!), or because they are doing a job search and that’s fine, too.  Remember to know why you want to network and how that steers the conversation and tone.

Be present.  Being present is very important.  Distractions may take away from the experience.  Some common distractions can be losing eye contact by searching the room constantly, steering the conversation away from its natural flow, thinking about to-do items, and inadequate consumption (food and beverage).  While networking, keep a watch on your wrist to manage time, while still being attached to the conversation.  If you are speaking to a search committee chair or higher level administrator, expect them to move onto another individual in the room and politely excuse themselves.  You can then meet someone else interesting and engaging!

Choose your social media presence.  An increasingly important aspect of networking is your social media identity and brand.  A lot of interactions and relationships can be formed virtually on websites like Twitter.  With that being said, be cognizant of what kind of presence you want online.  There’s a lot of debate on having two separate profiles on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  Some individuals think having a strong brand and being authentic means having one Facebook (one Twitter, one Instagram, etc.) and using that interface for everything – from family reunion pictures to staff trainings and socials.  Choose what makes you comfortable, but remember your audience when you post.

You don’t have to be the most extroverted person in the room.  In fact, you could not consider yourself an extrovert at all.  You’ll find the most benefit from being comfortable – don’t fake it until you make it.  You can feel successful and leave an event fulfilled by mingling with individuals one-on-one or smaller groups.  These conversations can also become deeper and more personal, which may turn into a stronger relationship than just stating your name, aspirations, and credentials.  If you are comfortable being the life of the party, that’s great, too, but there is no expectation for you to be.  You will shine when you are being true to yourself and comfortable in your own skin.  Take advantage of already established programs.  Don’t think showing up to an event is the right fit for you?  A lot of organizations, conferences, and events have smaller scale programs to take advantage of!  Several NASPA Knowledge Communities email prior to conferences for a scheduled “Tweet Up,” or will collect information to do mentor-mentee matching.  I have found these relationships to be incredibly valuable in my career.

Be yourself, don’t feel pressure to credential.  When asked “Who are you?” do you automatically begin listing off your name, degree(s), position, and institution?  What else defines who you are – do you like swimming?  Take any vacations lately?  Saw a cool movie?  Networking can be personal and professional.  The most authentic relationships are based on common hobbies and interests.  Conversation do not have to only focus on career goals, coursework, and research; let the conversation flow naturally.  But don’t get too personal.  Common conversation topics to avoid are religion, politics, intimate relationships, and some current events.  Play to your audience – are you interviewing for a job that requires a heavy social justice background?  Perhaps current and national events would be a great topic to discuss.  Avoid allowing the conversation to become a heated argument.

Aim for a mutually supportive relationship.  Networking can work both ways!  It’s often times easy to forget that in certain situations.  For example, at a conference you may meet someone in the functional area you want to work in.  Three years later, that same individual is now reaching out to you about an upcoming move they’re pursuing.  There may even be a more instant exchange of ideas in the same conversation.  Higher education can be a small field, and it is important to maintain those resources throughout the year.  Pay it forward.

Follow-Up!  This is one of the most easily forgotten aspects of networking.  When a conversation is over, be sure to maintain the relationship.  This does not have to turn into a weekly lunch, but it can simply be a “thank you” email a few days later.  Remind the individual of the encounter and the value you found in the conversation.  At large events, it is easy to lose track of whom you spoke to.  Following up can provide clarification and contact information past business card exchanges.  I like taking notes on the back of cards to remember key notes.  Again, you never know where these relationships can take or teach you!