Last night I met with direct sales representatives from seven other companies. We introduced ourselves, our companies, and our businesses. We are going to share ideas with each other, as well as referrals if someone is looking for that particular business.
This kind of format has many applications for working women outside of the direct sales industry, as networking contacts can be a valuable source of information sharing and relationship building.
Helene Cruz, assistant director of M.B.A. programs and services at Pace University said that her most recommended career strategy for women starting their careers is to build a network early in their career. You never know when a contact might be helpful, so begin by building relationships with the people around you at work, at lunch, at play, etc. She suggests joining a professional organization, alumni meeting, or attending a networking reception. See her complete interview at CareerJournal.com.
When looking for a networking group, keep your eyes out for one with members who have goals that aligned with your own. This doesn't mean that you all need to be in the same industry, but that you should be working towards similar goals. Contacts made in a networking group may become more than just professional contacts.
Helene Cruz recommends that you begin networking by making small talk with the person next to you at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Start with a personal connection and gradually move to business information as you get to know one another a little bit.
Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to make one new contact this week and begin to nurture your own network.
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