Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss the crucial role of networking in project management, emphasizing the importance of interaction, relationship building, and communication. They explore the benefits of networking for project managers, highlight the significance of active listening and using insightful questions, and discuss how networking helps improve visibility and reputation in the industry. They also share personal experiences and tips on utilizing networking to enhance project delivery and professional growth.

Main Take-Aways

The project leader must become a great networker not only to exchange information and build relationships, but also to enhance your visibility and credibility:

• defining networking to set the context
• key benefits of networking
• using informal networking opportunities
• building relationships
• enhancing your professional visibility, reputation, credibility, and expertise
• enhancing your communication skills for more effective networking
• being an active listener in networking
• mentoring through networking
• recalling networking conversations in future interactions
• maintaining relationships developed through networking

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Building Bridges – The Power of Networking

00:27 Introducing the importance of networking in project management with a definition of what networking is.

01:38 Some key concepts and benefits of effective networking strategies: engaging, sharing information, building bridges, enhancing visibility.

02:57 Using informal networking opportunities beyond just project or formal situations.

03:55 Building relationships through the sharing of information during networking opportunities.

04:59 Enhancing professional visibility and building your reputation in your industry.

07:39 The vital importance of enhancing your communication skills for the for more effective networking.

10:40 Ensuring that you are using active listening and insightful questioning in networking situations.

12:49 Mentoring your team by exposing them to networking opportunities.

15:41 Strategies for remembering interactions in networking situations to be used in future interactions with the same individuals.

17:42 Ensuring that you maintain relationships long after the initial networking interaction.

19:03 Using networking to convey credibility and expertise, and to build positive relationships.