Networking

Anne StevensonMoira BaileyMary Brown

Questions• Why are you here tonight?

• What do you expect to get out of tonight?

• How many new people have you met since you came in?

What is networking?

“…the process of contacting and being contacted by people in our social network and maintaining these linkages and relationships.” (Warner Burke (1993) in Travers et al (1997))

• Social networks:– Professional Associations

– Work colleagues

• Internal

• External

– Others

• Family

• Friends

• NALC, Rotary

Where do men use their networks?

Where do men use their networks?

Where do men use their networks?

Women’s Networks: problems

• a backlash from men • a safe environment which the women are not willing to

expand out of • perceived to be elitist• “Mother’s Meeting”• can provide women with exit strategy from organisation

Networking: The benefitsIndividuals

• Information exchange• Collaboration • Career planning and career strategy

making • Professional support/encouragement• Visibility• Access to diverse skill sets and

power• Increased job satisfaction• Increased creativity• Better diversity management

Organisation

• Flexible• Can be set up quickly • Connect people in organisations/

industries/sectors • Provide a sense of ownership to

members – self-organising – choosing own development initiatives

• Can create a culture of high aspiration in which success is the norm

Networking in OrganisationsInformal

• Space

• Time

• Recognition of benefits

• Mechanisms to meet– Buddy/mentoring system– Opportunities to socialise

Formal

• Organisational networks– Funding– Administrative support

Professional

• Encourage membership and participation

What makes a successful networker?• Willingness to:

– Meet lots of people

– Find out more about them

• Why are they at the networking event?

• What do they do?

• How can I help him/her?

• Reciprocity: how can she help me?

– Keep in touch

– Provide advice/support when needed and appropriate

Gender Equality: Networking issues

• Feminist ideologies• Longitudinal changes• Group development • Role models • Permission to be a woman

Why network?

“Anything and everything could happen to a woman who connects with another in this (network) space. She might get a new job, a business tip-off or the promise of an introduction to a useful contact; or she might hear an inspiring story of female success, or access advice on how to negotiate reduced hours; maybe she’ll come away with the name of a reliable babysitter or a good plumber. And, more likely than not, she’ll have shared her own experiences and knowledge with other women too.” McCarthy, (2004) P90.

Questions • Why are you here tonight?

– To network

• What do you expect to get out of tonight?– Opportunities for career and individual development

• How many new people have you met since you came in?– Lots

Networking

Questions

and

discussion