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Working The Room – 10 Steps to Effective Networking

Don’t just sit there – network!

BY: Lynda Bowles, Partner, Deloitte


No matter what you do, it’s difficult to over-state the value of networking. The quality and variety of the contacts you make can shape your future.
Cultivating a network can also be a lot of fun, because you can have a great time meeting new people.

A networking plan is just as important as a  career plan – in fact, they sound a lot alike. Where you are right now? Where would you like to be in two years? In five years? Decide what things you like to do or that are important to you. That way, as you network you can achieve your goals and still have time for the activities you enjoy.  Finally, ensure that both your short- and long-term goals are realistic and achievable. Otherwise, you could set yourself up for failure.

Achieving your networking goals will take time. But once you get started, you will never look back.


[bs_lead]HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED:[/bs_lead]

1. When attending an event, find out something about the company hosting the event in advance. Research the background of the speaker or learn something about the event host. Then use this information to start a discussion with others you meet there.

2. Develop a plan for each networking event to gauge if the activity was successful. For example, if you’re attending the next Women of Influence
luncheon, decide how many business cards you want to collect. At the event, you can feel comfortable leaving when you meet your target.

3. When you meet somebody new, introduce yourself and have a catchy one-liner to identify yourself. To further the discussion, find out what they
do for a living or where they work. Decide whether you want to get to know this person more. Do not spend a lot of time with someone who may not help you achieve your goals.

4. Be a good listener and try not to monopolize the discussion. To drive interesting conversation, ask open-ended questions. For example, instead of asking: “Are you enjoying the event?” ask, “Why did you come to this event?” If there is something especially interesting about an individual, write it on their business card for follow-up.

5. If you are at a Women of Influence luncheon, ask a question of others at your table regarding something the speaker discussed. This could lead to an interesting discussion with others at the table.

6. Read the paper. Find an interesting article or two, allowing you to speak on a wide variety of topics. If there is a lull in the conversation, use  what you read that day to get something going. Ask for their opinion on the article; highlight an interesting fact from the story or ask if they have any related experiences to share.

7. After the event, reconnect with those that you would like to develop a relationship. Do not be selfish in your follow-up. If you provide something your networking contact needs, they will respond to you. For example, perhaps you met someone with an interest in financing a business; if you have contacts that might help them, offer an introduction.

8. Try to stand out from the crowd – make yourself more memorable by doing something like wearing an interesting piece of jewelry. With a group of women, the jewelry could be a point of interest. If the jewelry comes with an interesting story you will have an easy discussion-starter.

9. Always remember, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

10. Develop contacts in all areas of your life. You can network with other professionals, with academic colleagues, socially, or with the parents of your children’s friends. Join an organization of interest to you, whether as a board member of a charity of interest, or a professional or social organization. Remember, contacts and networking activities can be part of everything you do, and can originate from many sources.


Lynda Bowles, FCA, is an Audit partner at Deloitte. She won the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Business in 1998. She is also involved on  boards of many organizations including: West Park Heath Care Centre, Bloorview Children’s Hospital, Women’s College Ambulatory Care Centre and the Toronto Zoological Society. Deloitte is the lead sponsor of the Women of Influence Luncheon Series.