Where Hi Tech Women Come to Network
LinkedIn Networking Success Story
Lately I’ve become something of a zealot on the topic of “virtual networking”. This was the topic I chose for the April Women & Hi Tech discussion group. I thought I’d do a bit of research, see what tools were out there, write some reviews, and then move on to the next topic. Along the way I became a convert (addict?) and things I never knew existed suddenly became part of my daily life!
One tool I became totally enamored of is the LinkedIn “Answers” section. I used it to post questions and successfully solicit information and resources and effectively expand my network beyond the people I know personally. However there’s another side the equation, reaching out to help others by being the person who provides answers to their questions. I never took advantage of that capability though.
Which is where this story begins. My daughter, Suzanne, is in the beginning stages of establishing herself in her career. After months of encouragement (badgering) from her mom about the need to get out there and network she’s made a concerted effort to do just that. Based on my rave review of LinkedIn Answers, she decided to give it a try but took the next step and started answering questions that others had posted.
Suzanne made a commitment to try and find at least one question to answer each day. She started out taking small steps and answered questions such as “Do you have a land line?” and “Can your recommend a good book?” When answering questions, she woud scan the other answers and look at the profiles of the other people who provided answers as well. While doing this the other day, she found a profile for someone who essentially had her dream job, combining a law degree with healthcare policy. Since this is something of a niche field, her first immediate reaction was “I want to talk to this woman!”
According to LinkedIn, the woman with her dream job was a 3rd degree connection – meaning she’s a friend of a friend of a friend. So in essence, there really wasn’t an obvious connection. Suzanne was astute enough to realize that you only have one chance to make a first impression and didn't want to simply contact this woman out of the blue. Since she wasn’t sure of proper etiquette for how to handle this situatio, she turned to the Answers section to seek advice. She described the situation, including her career goal and a brief description of the person she wanted to contact, then asked for advice on how to handle initiating contact with this individual.
As a result, she received responses providing advice on how to approach this situation. In addition she received invitations from several people to contact them for career advice – including the woman with her dream job. Suzanne is now busily following up with everyone and hopefully a step or two closer to the dream job.
I’m interested in hearing how others are using virtual networking tools to expand their networks. Any creative networking stories to share?
One tool I became totally enamored of is the LinkedIn “Answers” section. I used it to post questions and successfully solicit information and resources and effectively expand my network beyond the people I know personally. However there’s another side the equation, reaching out to help others by being the person who provides answers to their questions. I never took advantage of that capability though.
Which is where this story begins. My daughter, Suzanne, is in the beginning stages of establishing herself in her career. After months of encouragement (badgering) from her mom about the need to get out there and network she’s made a concerted effort to do just that. Based on my rave review of LinkedIn Answers, she decided to give it a try but took the next step and started answering questions that others had posted.
Suzanne made a commitment to try and find at least one question to answer each day. She started out taking small steps and answered questions such as “Do you have a land line?” and “Can your recommend a good book?” When answering questions, she woud scan the other answers and look at the profiles of the other people who provided answers as well. While doing this the other day, she found a profile for someone who essentially had her dream job, combining a law degree with healthcare policy. Since this is something of a niche field, her first immediate reaction was “I want to talk to this woman!”
According to LinkedIn, the woman with her dream job was a 3rd degree connection – meaning she’s a friend of a friend of a friend. So in essence, there really wasn’t an obvious connection. Suzanne was astute enough to realize that you only have one chance to make a first impression and didn't want to simply contact this woman out of the blue. Since she wasn’t sure of proper etiquette for how to handle this situatio, she turned to the Answers section to seek advice. She described the situation, including her career goal and a brief description of the person she wanted to contact, then asked for advice on how to handle initiating contact with this individual.
As a result, she received responses providing advice on how to approach this situation. In addition she received invitations from several people to contact them for career advice – including the woman with her dream job. Suzanne is now busily following up with everyone and hopefully a step or two closer to the dream job.
I’m interested in hearing how others are using virtual networking tools to expand their networks. Any creative networking stories to share?
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© 2009 Created by Joyce Boadt on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
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