It’s the Network! Economy Got You Down? A Practical Guide to Working Your Network.

By:  Cynthia Cavendish-Carey, Networker-at-Large

Today’s economy has forced everyone to face challenges … budget cuts, unemployment, fewer sales, squeezed profitability.  You name it, The Great Recession has many of us asking if this is our new reality. It’s difficult to remember what is within our control when so much depends on the company we work for, consumer confidence and even the government. Regardless of your business or your situation, this guide offers practical guidance to help you boost the health of your business and your sanity despite a down economy.

The good news is that we are women and that means we are natural relationship builders. Over the last decade, we are coming into our own and discovering the importance and value of embracing this female energy – for personal as well as professional benefits.  Here are a few tips for making this work for you.

1.       Choose Networking Groups Wisely – there are many in our region, each with its own purpose, activities and constituency. Time is limited with our hectic schedules, so think about what you want to get out of your association with a women’s (or mixed) networking group and join accordingly.

2.       Maximize the Mixer – Events should always be seen as development opportunities (business development or personal development – YOU be the judge). Take plenty of business cards with you to every function you attend. Be present. Meet as many people as you can, actively listen to what is being said to you and be sure to exchange business cards for follow up.

3.       Follow-Through is Everything – At your first opportunity, add those you’ve met to your address book and send an appropriate, friendly note. Use social media as well: LinkedIn is a fantastic avenue for building your professional network. Facebook is more social, but can also be used for communicating with your network about future events and causes you care about.  Each new contact should be valued: they could be your next sale, your next job or your next best friend.  As women, we know what it takes to be a good friend. Even the briefest phone call, text, email or hand-written note goes a long way to show that we care about what is going on in our friend’s or business associate’s world.

4.       Connect the Connected - Being generous with your network yields tremendous benefits to you and your business.  I read somewhere that if you want power, give it away; and, what we put out into the world comes back to us threefold.  Listen carefully for opportunities to make introductions for those in your network.  Think of it as a mentoring opportunity and the possibilities open wide.  Quid pro quo. Don’t forget that each person you meet is a human being – perhaps someone who can help you achieve your goals, or someone that you can help.

Too often, networking events are not leveraged for the opportunities they truly are, but we can change that.  Every function is a chance to really connect and to effectively broaden our personal and professional communities.  We are privileged to have networking choices in our region. It’s up to us to make the most of them.

Cynthia Cavendish-Carey is a business and marketing strategy professional, providing consultative services for clients in the robotics, financial services and packaged goods sectors.