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- Have you ever been in just the right place at the
right time?
- Did fate ever take hold of your career or education?
Being in the right place at the right time is not enough anymore. We need to plan on making the right contacts. This
is the world of networking.
What is networking?
Networking is an active, systematic process of meeting people or exchanging information to get things done more
efficiently. This means making contacts, collecting information, asking questions or presenting yourself to
others seeking to mutually benefit. A network is the interpersonal communications pattern that results from the
process of linking with others. Through networking, resources are located, jobs are negotiated, resources are
shared, and meetings can take place to move each party to a higher level. This is the art of making friends when you
don't need them (Levine, 1985) because later on you may need to call upon them.
In today's world of technology, there are 2 primary ways to network- through humans and through
the Internet.
Humans
On the human side, when you meet people, you are already starting a network. You have several networks already. You
can network in the gym, at church, on the bus, in professional meetings, through friends and family, or with
contacts such as insurance or sales representatives. You can also be intentional about developing your network by making
personal appointments to share information and listen to others to tell you about what they do or by attending meetings
where important discussions will take place.
Skilled networkers, who are able to see benefits of their networks, suggest these techniques:
- Meet with many and varied people.
- When you meet someone, tell them what you do (low-cost advertising!)
- Introduce yourself-don't wait to be introduced.
- Network, but make appointments for another time to talk business.
- Do favors and you will be able to ask for them in return. Old time bartering.
- Follow-up with a phone call or a memo to recap your conversation or remind yourself to that person.
- Keep in touch - say hello once in a while.
- Sift through your contacts. Some will be productive and useful, others will not.
- Be an active participant. Start conversations, attend meetings, listen and learn.
- Leave your business cards with new contacts.
- Keep a roll-a-dex of contacts with notes about each.
- Clip articles from the newspaper and connect with others with similar interests and circumstances.
- Practice makes you more skilled at networking. Although a little uncomfortable at first, soon you will
develop your own style of stepping forward to be noticed!
Internet
On the electronic side, there are various ways to
connect:
Use e-mail to follow-up with someone you have had a conversation with or to introduce yourself to make a
specific connection.
- Join a listserve - A few to get started:
Kidcare -
http://lists.extension.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/kidcare
Kidcare is the National Network for Child Care public email discussion group. The list isdesigned to encourage
dialogue among child care providers, researchers, parents, and others who care about children and their caregivers.
KIDCARE is open to anyone interested in electronic mail discussion of child care related issues. To SUBSCRIBE TO
KIDCARE, address an email message to: majordomo@extension.umn.edu
Leave the subject line blank
In the body of the message type: subscribe kidcare
Do not include your signature ( if possible )
Send the message
There are many listserves. They are a good way to get ideas, network and stay tuned to what others in the field are
thinking. You can search on "listserves" and "child care" to find others that you may be interested in subscribing.
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