In this podcast episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the art of networking specifically for project managers. They emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones. Several practical examples and scenarios are discussed, such as networking in meetings, conferences, and virtual environments, showcasing both effective and poor practices. They focus on the 'human' side of project management, proposing strategies for initiating and maintaining valuable professional connections. Key insights include the necessity of remembering names and details, providing value to others before seeking favors, and actively participating in industry events. The episode concludes by underlining the ongoing nature of networking and its significance in career and project success.

Main Take-Aways

Strategies for networking, both within the project and outside of the project include many of the following:

• using pre-meeting time
• actively participating in networking opportunities to enhance visibility
• bringing your staff into networking opportunities
• using networking to build relationships
• remembering details about networking interactions
• maintaining eye contact
• following up post-interaction
• asking more than telling
• volunteering in mentoring programs, to educate and bring awareness
• networking over social media to immediately pitch a new contact is not in good taste
• using project kickoffs, virtual events, and project retrospectives as networking opportunities

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Building Bridges – The Power of Networking: Some Dos and Don’ts of Networking

00:31 Introducing the importance of learning HOW to network.

01:40 Using pre-meeting gathering time to effectively network with other meeting participants.

04:22 Actively participating in discussions, meeting new people, and sharing insights in social gatherings, using such networking opportunities to enhance your visibility.

05:10 Introduce your staff to networking opportunities and activities.

06:32 The critical importance of using networking to build relationships, not as a transactional activity. Focus on providing value to others, not on what we might get from the interaction.

07:14 Finding ways to remember details about the interactions including about the individuals themselves. Focus on building relationships.

08:58 Maintain eye contact during the discussion; avoid looking around the room while communicating with an individual.

10:00 Not following up post-networking is a lost opportunity.

10:32 Telling more than asking reduces the effectiveness of networking interactions.

10:54 Relying on an existing alumni network is less effective than learning how to network for yourself.

11:51 Getting involved in mentorship programs can result in new opportunities but should not be used simply to embellish your resume.

13:09 Networking over social media to immediately pitch the new contact is in bad taste.

15:02 Marketing via networking uses education and awareness to establish great connections.

15:32 Using networking opportunities to benefit yourself involves relationship building, engaging, and sharing information.

16:22 Using the project kickoff to network among project participants.

17:32 Using virtual networking events to enhance your visibility and give back to the IT community.

19:18 Using project retrospectives to enhance networking on your projects.