I read an interesting article in the April 12, 2019, edition of Fast Company Online. The article entitled “Ask these 5 questions to turn small talk into something more meaningful” written by Judith Humphrey, got my creative juices flowing. I began to think about my experiences attending networking events through the years. Ms. Humphrey’s questions are relevant and apply to any situation in which small talk persists.
The only things I ever got from networking events were a stack of business cards. When I changed my mind-set, I began to take full advantage of the opportunities. When I was a new social worker, I underestimated the value of connections related to my ability to boost my social work income. I only thought that networking could improve my upward mobility. Now as a seasoned social work veteran, I understand that networking is a tool for building meaningful business relationships.
As a result, I created my own list of questions that social workers should ask before networking. These are the same questions that I have asked myself.
What networking outcome do I want to achieve by attending this event?
Attending a seminar or workshop to earn continuing education units (CEUs) is very different than attending a meet and greet networking event. The primary outcome for attending a continuing education seminar or workshop is to learn a new technique or enhance your work related skills. Your state or national licensure or certification board may require a certain number of hours for renewal or re-certification.
When you attend a meet and greet networking event, the focus is entirely on boosting your career or social work salary. The outcome is directly connected to a monetary benefit. Networking events may lead to better paying work or business opportunities.
The second and third questions I ask are directly related to each other. Who are the influencers in the headliner’s circle? How can I build a connection with them? Many social work events have headliners. Keynote speakers are considered headliners. Anyone whose name or image is included in the marketing material is a headliner. Attendees wait for opportunities to speak with headliners. They wait in line for autographs, pictures, or just a few words.
I have learned that developing a relationship with an inner circle member is the quickest and easiest way to have an audience with a headliner. It is similar to getting a pass to go to the front of the line from a members’ services employee at a theme park.
How many colleagues will I approach? I get it; sometimes you just don’t want to talk. Well, the purpose of a meet and greet is to talk and share. Meet and greet network events provide opportunities to build business relationships and collaborations. You must talk a lot to many people. Speaking with others at a seminar or workshop allows you to gain more insight into other’s work. Start by talking to the individuals sitting near you. Beyond the basics, ask them how they plan to use the information or how they plan to integrate it into their current work. You may gain ideas. You also might find a like-minded colleague who is open to collaboration.
The final question relates to professional goals. Does this information resonate with my professional vision, mission and goals? Meet and greet networking events are very similar to speed dating events. Smart questions, smart answers and strategic planning facilitate getting the outcome you desire. If you are not hearing things that resonate with your vision, mission or goals, then move on.
Likewise, if you are having a conversation with a professional at a seminar and they a do not have a complementary vision for work or career, politely close the door.
Marcyline Bailey, ACSW, LCSW is the author of Five Smart Questions Social Workers Should Ask if They Want to Boost Their Social Work Income e-book Starter Guide and Planner. Both available as a free downloads.
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