“Connect, don’t collect!”
My colleague and SD State alumni, Travis Jensen, is the Vice President of Leadership Initiatives at the South Dakota State University Alumni Association. He is often tasked with talking to students about networking and he leads off with the short yet effective statement above. I like this statement because it is concise and conveys an important point. At networking events, we want to meet people and have conversations. Trying to talk to as many people as possible, or only the important people, or only the one who you think might help you, completely misses the point of the event.
Networking events are about actually connecting with people; learning about their craft, challenges, and what they are thinking about. Sometimes this can happen in a short 2-minute dialogue and sometimes it can turn into 10 minutes. It depends on context.
Continuing reading to learn my four steps on networking.
Step 1
Keep it simple. Start where you are.
It is important to understand that by going to classes, joining student organizations, participating in a sport, music group, FSL, etc., you are networking. It is all about building relationships. It might not feel like it because sometimes we have a passive role in these activities. Are you sitting in the back of the room, silent during discussion, avoid volunteering? As soon as you decide to engage is when the magic starts to happen.
Those of us in active leadership roles who are continually trying to improve ourselves and push our limits need help. We relish meeting people who are ready to engage, curious about the work, and curious about problems.
Step 2
Ask yourself, “how can I help?” and “who do you want to help?”
Have you ever heard the statement, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” There is a little bit of truth to this statement, but I don’t like it. I think it is misleading, not very helpful, and cynical. It is absolutely about what you know. It is also about how you use your skills to help others and contribute.
Asking your self, “how can I help?” and “who do I want to help?” is an important practice because it takes time to develop clarity and specific actions.
Step 3
Understand the difference between networking and leveraging your network. Imagine you are diligently tending to steps 1 and 2. You are now a senior and have decided to go to law school, which is something you never imagined as a freshman or sophomore. You are working on applications to law school and need letters of recommendation. You have been conscientious about building relationships on campus and realize you have many professors who know your work ethic, there are other professionals on campus you have interacted with because of student organizations. You realize there are many people who will gladly write a letter for you.
Now imagine this same scenario, but instead of tending to steps 1 and 2, you have only met people. You have not tried to meaningfully engage with professors and staff. Your network is just a list of names, and you do not have a sense of how to obtain letters of recommendation.
The point is, we don’t know when we will be able to help our connections and vice versa. The relationship is the important part. Realizing you have a community of support for letters of recommendation is the bonus. It doesn’t work in reverse.
Step 4
Dig in. It is a practice.
Start with your peers. Go to your professors’ office hours and ask them questions. Reach out to other professionals on campus and ask them if they can meet to discuss (insert your questions or concerns). If you are reading this, consider this an invitation to contact me. I’m confident we can find time to talk either in person or on zoom. I’m here to help.
Finally, here are links to specific resources that will help you dig in:
