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Networking has become almost a cliché these days, but that’s no reason to give up on doing it or appreciating its power. I was reminded of this recently at a meeting of the Association for Women in Communications-Rochester (www.awc-rochester.org). The speaker (Erin DiVincenzo of Clark CSM) gave us great reminders about some “Golden Rules” of doing business, such as the importance of marketing continually, targeting your company’s market or niche, and … networking. Which is what we were doing right then and there.
You might have seen the write-up of that program in the February 17 “Seminar” feature of the Democrat and Chronicle’s Sunday Business section. We were delighted to be featured, of course, but there was even more going on in that couple of hours than could be relayed in that item.
As a result of announcing the meeting on an e-mail list for Rochester-based job resources, a new person came to the AWC-Rochester meeting – and turned out to be an ideal speaker for an upcoming chapter meeting. As a result of everyone introducing themselves before the presentation, several participants talked to each other about doing some projects together. As a result of the meeting location (the Flour City Diner, now at the Renaissance on East Avenue) being appreciated for its location, décor and food, at least two people said they had found a new venue for upcoming meetings or programs of organizations other than AWC-Rochester, and one person came back to the restaurant for dinner the following evening. As a result of handing out flyers about a member’s upcoming professional-development program, one participant signed up for that program later the same day. Who knows what other connections will bear fruit in coming months?
As the meeting broke up, a couple of first-time attendees told some of us long-time chapter members that they were deeply impressed by the friendliness and warmth of AWC-Rochester members, as well as the quality of the presenter, meal and overall experience. That may be the real heart of networking – not just giving and getting, but making participants feel welcome and appreciated, creating fertile territory for sharing resources and skills among colleagues.
Networking lives. Give it a try.
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter is a successful freelance writer/editor and long-time queen of networking, known for her involvement in professional associations in St. Louis, DC, Baltimore and Rochester. She can be reached at Ruth@writerruth.com, www.writerruth.com or www.communication-central.com.
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