SheMentor -

The concept of “networking” often strikes fear in the hearts of the timid business professional (and even the not-so-timid).  And why?  Because it’s an activity that requires you to step squarely outside of your comfort zone – no two ways about it. Now, perhaps you think of being at "the right place at the right time" as pure luck - and sometimes it is. However, as a famous quote goes - "it seems the harder I work, the luckier I get." So let's start creating your own luck!

I personally am a giant fan of the “one-on-one” networking effort above all other methods. This is definitely a significant “bang for your buck” proposition, because you have one small pocket of really focused, concentrated time to work on a single networking relationship, and the dividends from this effort can pay out big in the future.  Moreover, you also have the advantage of being able to prepare in advance for the content and tone of your meeting, which takes away some of the fear and apprehension of meeting new people. 

Here are some tips I've had success with in the past pulling off an effective one-on-one networking meeting:

1.  First, chat with your good friends and close co-workers, and get names from them of leaders in your field who could be helpful.

2.  Contact this individual, referencing your mutual friend, and explaining your intentions. Point out that you don’t want to take up very much of their time (15-20 minutes is a good time frame to suggest), and that you are not necessarily looking for a new job, nor do you expect them to know of any job opportunities. Emphasize that you want to focus strictly on networking and relationship-building with them. Anything more is just a bonus! 

3.  Before your meeting, make sure you have researched this person - and if applicable, their company - to capitalize on any common interests as additional talking points. For example, if you've read an article on the internet about the person you're meeting with that tells you they just moved into town to take on their current role, you can ask perhaps how their family is adjusting to life in the new city. 

4.  At the 15-20 minute mark of your meeting with your new contact, you should make an overture to “wrap up” the meeting, since you promised to keep the meeting brief.  If the meeting is going well, your new contact will likely brush this off and continue talking with you.

5.  Send a thank you note to this person a day or so after your meeting, thanking them for their time and for their great advice (Ideally, this should be a handwritten note as opposed to an e-mail.)

6.  It is essential to stay in touch with these contacts periodically.  My recommendation is to track all of your professional engagements in a software product that you own and maintain, something that stays with you regardless of your current employer.  Create follow-up reminders so you reach out throughout the year, keeping the relationship alive.  Examples of follow-up activities can be sending a holiday card, sending an update e-mail on your status, or sending copies of industry articles that would be either helpful to your contact or that could remind them of a subject you discussed during your one-on-one meeting.

When all is said and done, to be successful at networking, you should aim to set a weekly or monthly networking goal for yourself so that you won’t lose momentum over time.

One-on-one networking is such an effective way to meet new people in your chosen line of work, and it is less painful than walking into a room full of strangers.  You have the benefit of a small period of uninterrupted time where you can quickly develop connection with this contact, and this should hopefully lead to a more meaningful networking relationship between the two of you going forward.  After all, who among us doesn’t long to surround ourselves with like-minded folks who are all looking out for each other’s best interests in life?

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