When I moved to Nashville, I didn't know a soul. Well, I knew my ex-boyfriend, but I didn't really want to call him. So, I set about getting plugged into the community. How does one do that – get plugged in, I mean. I've learned that whether you've moved to a new city or you've just graduated college and returned to your home-city – getting "plugged in" is the same.
I liken it to the mantra of a bride. You know… something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. There aren't many brides I know who aren't willing to play the odds in hopes of having a successful marriage. Well, getting plugged into a new city is similar. We suggest a well-rounded approach to networking… something for work, something social, something for your mind and something for your soul.
Something for work – Start at work - meet the people in your department and systematically introduce yourself to those in other departments - especially those that can help you stay knowledgeable. Also, attending functions offered by your area Jr. Chamber and/or Chamber of Commerce is a great way to meet people outside the company. In the beginning, you won't have much to offer, but after you've established your network – you’ll be a viable player in this field. Other options today include third party businesses providing event by event networking opportunities or your industry trade association or professional organization.
Something social – Making friends can be difficult – even if you grew up here, you may need a new circle because your high school friends moved to other cities. Join a gym, join a social club or enroll in a sporting event. Attend sporting events or enjoy happy hour at a bar where you feel comfortable. Regardless how you do it – the key is to just do it. And, it never hurts to attend those summer cook-outs and Sunday football parties of your friends – surely there are people they know that you'll want to know.
Something for your mind – Public seminars, college course-work, even basket-weaving or photography – it doesn't matter so much what you study, just make sure you keep studying. And, if funds are tight, you can always learn from others – seek out a mentor in your industry or field of study and meet with them on a regular basis to learn from them.
Something for your soul – Finding a charity you can work with and really get involved is the most rewarding part of getting "plugged in". However, you have to make two commitments: first, you will select a charity you are passionate about and second, you will do all that you can to help them achieve their goals. Get involved with your church, synagogue or mosque. Become a member and go on retreats, participate in studies and help organize the annual picnic. You will meet a wide variety of people who are eager to help you achieve success.
Balance is the key - you can easily meet 100 new people each year by simply finding ways to work the networking opportunities we discussed above. And, you'll have a great time doing it. A research project completed at USC in the early 90's suggests, "the longer an individual participates in a business development, the greater the number of referrals. In fact, the likelihood of receiving a hundred or more referrals virtually doubles with each passing year of participation.(1)" If a bride is willing to play the odds on her wedding day, why not play the odds with your career?
(1) Entrepreneur.com, October 2002
Copyright © 2005 Strategic Business Network. All rights reserved. You may copy or distribute this article or any of its contents providing this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author are attached. Contact Judy by e-mail at judy@strategicbusinessnetwork.com or by telephone at (615) 474-1952.
