For many, the concept of networking can sometimes be difficult to grasp, but for Pat Mortimer it is an activity that happens on daily basis - and this attitude is what allows her to seek networking opportunities everywhere. As Vice President of Technology and Industry Support at the National Research Council (NRC), Pat knows the importance of developing good networking skills early on in one's career and fostering key contacts within her established networks. Her wealth of experience in the Public Service Sector and her significant role at the NRC make her a great resource to offer some networking advice for those who have not yet made it a part of their daily culture.
"I think networking is often viewed as an "event" activity, wherein fact it should be viewed as an every-day opportunity," says Ms. Mortimer. "Anything can be an opportunity - step outside of your immediate circle and meet new people, whether it is at an awards program or at the grocery store."
Pat's role as Vice-President of Technology and Industry Support has her spending much of her time working on organizational awareness. In this capacity she supports a technology-based industry that is multidisciplinary, and as such, she often facilitates networking opportunities for scientists to meet the key players in the tech sector. To move great ideas, she knows that one must have access to the movers and shakers in the tech industry - and networking is a great way to do that.
Pat offers the following tips on how to succeed at networking:
- Guest speakers are key people in your industry and as a guest speaker they are there for you to talk to. Take advantage of being in the same room as them and introduce yourself.
- At events and in your day-to-day routine, you should always have a card on hand and be courageous enough to ask for them.
- Be sure to write a couple of notes on any business card you receive so you remember where you met the individual and some key facts about who they are and what they do.
- Follow-up with your new contacts and continue to maintain contact with them to build a professional relationship.
As the first female vice-president in NRC's 95-year history, Pat recognizes that there are certain networking opportunities to which women don't always have access. While never feeling limited because of her gender, she does indicate that networking can sometimes be a challenge for women as some of the traditional networking events take place at the golf course and at bars. "It just means you always have to make the best of the interactions you do have," says Pat.
Pat would be the first to say that networking doesn't end with the exchange of a business card, it's a continued process that includes pro-actively nurturing existing networks. She emphasizes that to effectively network you need to see the big picture, make the non-obvious connections of who you need to contact and go from there.
For more information on Ms. Pat Mortimer, please view her bio at: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/aboutUs/bios/mortimer_e.html
7 Keys to Building Successful Networks
by Anne Raymond
With the ups and downs of today's economy, building a strong network provides a great foundation when the world around you changes in the blink of an eye. Building relationships and connections with a broad group of people will help you personally and professionally by supporting your sense of belonging, building your knowledge, getting things done, advancing or changing your career, or starting a business. It can be fun!
Start with these 7 keys to building a successful network, and you'll be well on your way:
1. Know what you want from a network. Do you want to expand your industry connections? Meet new friends? Advance your career? Expand your support system or find a mentor? Find business partners or clients? Or start a business?
2. Find an environment that is right for you. Make networking and building relationships fun. You can meet people anywhere. Join organizations or groups that you're interested in and fit your style. Or grab coffee with someone you want to get to know. Remember to build your network internally and externally.
3. Give generously. Ask the people you meet what you can do to help them. Perhaps you can support them directly or you can connect them with someone else. This helps create trust and establishing rapport - critical in any relationship. In this challenging time, why not reach out to someone that might need your support. It's amazing how giving generously will come back to help you.
4. Know how others can help you. When offered help from someone, know the specifics on how they can help. Are you looking for someone to review your start-up business plan, connect you with possible clients, or provide insights into a new career?
5. First impressions count - Be presentable, warm, and inviting to people that you meet. Shake hands, be confident and be yourself. Don't forget to exchange a business card with someone you want to connect with later.
6. Follow up - Create a follow-up system with those people that you would like to know better and take some action. Be brave and courageous and follow-up - send an email, provide a contact, make a phone-call, or suggest "doing lunch.."
7. Nurture your network. Continue to build your relationships and connections with people by keeping in touch.
That reminds me, I'm off to send an email to someone that I connected with at my last CATA-WIT event. And I think I'll reach out to someone who is in transition and might need some support. What will you do today to make your network stronger? Go for it!
By Anne Raymond, Xtreme Productivity Coach (and about to launch in the fall: Hot Pink Leadership - Coaching Groups for Women in High Tech). Contact Anne with comments or questions or just to connect at anneraymond@xtremeproductivity.com or visit www.xtremeproductivity.com
Join CATA-WIT as a member, sponsor, or mentor to build your high-tech leadership talent and networking with other successful women leaders in the technology field.
