10 Tips forNetworking at

WorkDr, Susan Cain | Corporate Learning Institute

Be tactical

Create an expectation that you will adda certain number of people to yournetwork each quarter.

Reach outAn email is a good way to arrange ameeting, but can be easily ignored. Thinkabout a phone call, or stopping by theperson’s desk-all more personal ways ofrequesting a meeting.

Make networkinga two-way street

Look at networking, as a way of helping others,be an extra pair of hands, offer advice oreven expertise. Many people expand theirnetwork by volunteering for interestingprojects, another way to develop skills as wellas relationships.

Ask to meet, share a lunch, aquick cup of coffee or even aphone meeting

Let your curiosity guide you! Find out whatmotivates your interviewee, how they havenavigated their career path, and how theirfunctional area operates.

Seek to understandthe other

What are the needs, role and workrealities of the person you want tomeet with?

Focus on finding peoplethat are relevant to you

You can learn a lot by connecting with people whoare a value-add to your current work andfunctional area. Take the time to think aboutwhich connections would be more relevant anduseful for your work. And think aboutvariety-and working outside your functional areato connect across your organization.

Make a habit ofintroducing people

To increase information flow,be that person who connectspeople together.

Keep yournetworking meetingsshort and organized

Consider creating a short agenda, orwriting your questions down, and besensitive to the time limits of the otherperson.

Don’t feel badif you areturned down

Everyone is busy, perhaps there will be atime in the future to connect.

Follow-up

If you made a commitment during yournetworking meeting, be sure to followup and do what you said you would do.