I have recently found myself being asked for advice on networking by younger generation. It has happened multiple times in the past few weeks which is usually a sign I should write down my thoughts.
I tend to want to share advice through experience or with it as a backdrop. But, this was not a topic that I had actually given much thought. As I did, a pivotal moment came as I realized the first principles of networking – connecting with others – and how I accidentally approached it. I also realized the profound impact it has had on me. It was not just about expanding my professional circle but about fostering connections that benefited both parties. This concept was eventually memorialized in our family mission statement re: debt, obligations, and maximizing life and potential.
The Essence of Networking
Networking has always been a dual-edged sword for me (even as I loathe the term) — a way to prove my value and worth while learning from others and stepping out of my comfort zone. My early career was marked by a keen desire to contribute and learn, a foundation laid by a mix of self-interest and altruism. This approach not only accelerated my professional growth but also enriched my personal life immeasurably.
In my early years, when I sought all things tech and geek, I actively participated in user groups and the open source community. (The Cathedral and the Bazaar does a phenomenal job summarizing why people, including me, participate in open source.) In the latter, I contributed code, answered questions, patched security holes, and debugged lines of code (shout out to my OpenSymphony, Acegisecurity, and JLobby brethren). Through this involvement, I have met a few of my longest and closest friends, highlighting the power of giving and engaging with others who share your passions. One friendship started with an unsolicited email asking me to write a how-to article on a piece of software I wrote. Another started with me breaking his code.
I was involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) for over a decade. It started with their FestivAle event, a microbrewer/craft beer fundraiser. That committee was a psuedo-ad hoc Young Professionals group of the Gateway CFF Chapter. We grew FestivAle from 60 attendees to more than a thousand in a few years, increasing the profit from a few thousand dollars to over a hundred thousand. The CFF staff allowed us to develop and test our ideas while ensuring we would not negatively impact the mission.
I later joined the CFF Gateway Chapter Board. My wife and I would eventually chair the CFF Gala for years. That event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Participating and serving the CFF became a family affair. Our kids would participate in Teen Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
The most critical accomplishment at CFF was focused on the future. The Gateway CFF executive director and I formalized our Young Professionals group. We wanted to provide an experience where the YPs were more than just “additional volunteers.” We formally transitioned the FestivAle event to be fully planned and executed by them. We built a mentoring program with the tenured Board members. This gave the YPs a path up the ladder and the tenured members a way to train, mentor, and groom their potential Board replacement.
Today, I am heavily involved with the National MS Society on a local and national level. I am a Trustee of our Gateway Board and sit on the Government Relations Advocacy Committee. As part of the latter, I advocate in our state capital and DC. I sit on two committees for the National Board and/or CEO. In each of these settings, I have built my network by hopefully serving others through my perspective and talent.
(As a small plug, we are launching our Young Professionals group in Saint Louis, MO, taking a familiar approach, especially around mentoring. Ping me for more info.)
So, what is the advice I give when someone asks me about networking? Give yourself, and here are 4 ways how based upon my experience:
- Young Professionals Groups:
If you’re under 35 or lack charity experience, joining a Young Professionals group for a charity or non-profit that aligns with your values and causes is a fantastic way to network. These groups provide opportunities to connect with peers and more experienced professionals, often offering leadership and mentoring opportunities. You expand your network while also contributing to a cause that matters to you. It is a great testing ground and a safe place to make mistakes. Do not worry – the employed staff will not allow you to break too many things. I have seen firsthand how these groups can serve as a catalyst for professional and personal development. - Charity Board Participation and Mentorship:
For those over 30-35 and/or with charity experience, consider joining a charity board for a cause you’re passionate about. As a board participant, you will have the chance to make a significant impact while networking with like-minded individuals. Additionally, take the opportunity to mentor members of the Young Professionals group, sharing your knowledge and experience to help guide the next generation. - User Groups:
Every industry has User Groups, from tech and accounting to sales and beyond. The User Groups are the unsung heroes of networking. These groups provide a platform to connect with others in your field, learn from their experiences, and share your insights. Engaging with User Groups can lead to valuable relationships and opportunities for growth. Find a group that aligns with your interests and join it. - Volunteering:
If a Young Professionals group doesn’t suit your needs, consider volunteering elsewhere. Find an organization or cause that resonates with you and offer your time and skills. Remember, you are an expert to someone, and sharing your knowledge can make a significant impact. Volunteering not only allows you to give back to your community but also opens doors to new connections and experiences.
Networking is more than a professional necessity; it’s a path to personal and communal growth, and I believe the key to it lies in giving. By engaging with others through groups, boards, and volunteer efforts, we open ourselves to a world of opportunities.
I would not be where I am today without the people in these organizations that helped me. I hope I gave as much as I got along the way.