Teach Middle East Magazine June 2014 Issue 2 Vol. 1 | Page 14

Sharing Good Practice

NETWORKING TIPS FOR THE BUSY
PROFESSIONAL
By Jan L Jones

and abilities. Equally important is that
you find out where your colleagues are
networking online and be available in
those spaces.

Be seen

M

y students hear the term
‘network’ so often that, at
this point; they are likely to
be tuning me out every time I
mention the term. Networking is essential
to success but not everyone does it well.
It is no wonder then that, while preparing
to write about this topic, I discovered
that many articles and publications had
already been written about the value
of networking and how to become a
good networker. Not wanting to sound
redundant I found myself searching for
a unique perspective from which to write.

I told my 12-year-old daughter that I
was writing this article and her response
was “that’s easy…I could write that!”
She immediately started talking about
the social networking tools that she
and her friends use to stay in touch. I
decided to focus on what I think makes
me a fairly good networker. I arrived
at the following: genuine netw orking,
staying up-to-date online, attending
social and cultural events, and being
prepared to talk about myself.
Networking can be loosely defined
as building a list of people, from your
field of expertise/interest, with whom
you can connect for different projects.
Others may suggest that it is a list of
“important” people whom you have at
your immediate disposal. While having a
long list of professionals is impressive to
some, I am not sure it is really essential
or even effective for good networking.

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June 2014

Class Time

Be genuine

Experience has taught me that
networks are stronger when they are
genuine, and where the members of
the network are not merely connected
in a superficial symbiotic manner.
Good
networks
reflect
sincere
investments in the commitment of the
individuals to stay connected. People
are more willing to help those that they
care about and with whom they have
formed strong relationships. Genuine
networking goes both ways. You must
be willing to help people in your network
when needed and be as accessible to
them as you expect them to be to you.
Being honest and forthcoming with the
people in your network about what you
can and cannot do is also important.

Know
your
audience

target

Market yourself online but more
importantly update your information!
Sometimes we focus so much on
being available in a million places
online, that we forget about basic
marketing principles like “know your
target audience”. Instead of having your
information out there in forty places,
consider creating online networks in
just a few places that you consistently
check and update on a regular basis. If
you want people to find you and be able
to network with you, they need to have
accurate information about your skills

Social and cultural events at
conferences or meetings provide useful
platforms for meaningful networking.
One of the biggest mistakes that
most persons make when trying to
network is attributed to their lack of
participation or absence from social or
cultural programs. We naturally form
relationships in these types of settings
that are fundamental to successful
networking. Your presence and
participation makes it easier for you
to be seen and remembered. When
you meet with your peers in a relaxed
setting you can share personal interests
and experiences that can result in
discussing opportunities inclusive of
new projects, collaboration on other
research projects, events or forums.

Be heard

People tend to trust you more when
you are approachable and relatable.
Be prepared to talk about yourself and
your interests. Figure out what you
have in common with people present
and build conversations around your
similarities. Tell interesting stories
about what it was like to do research;
talk about everyday issues that you are
passionate about. After a long day of
academic sessions, some people are
tired of talking about research and
appreciate more the opportunity to
socialize. You might be surprised to
find that some of the best contacts that
you make are from simply being open
to talk about yourself. One of the most
significant contacts I made was on a
bus ride back to the hotel after a full
day of sessions!
In conclusion, be genuine in all
encounters, update your information
online, don’t skip out on social functions
and be comfortable and ready to talk
about yourself… always!