Want to listen to an episode?
- You can download an app, subscribe to “Linking Our Libraries” and all episodes will appear on your phone – it’s so easy!
- Apps we like include Pocket Casts, iTunes, and Stitcher.
- Download any of these, search for “Linking Our Libraries” and hit Subscribe.
- If it is not readily available, just enter this RSS feed: http://libraries.blubrry.com/feed/podcast/.
- Or, you can stream an episode right now on your computer by going to our streaming page, by clicking here.
Whatever tool you use, we hope you enjoy it! Thanks for listening, and sharing ideas on libraries!
Introduction
Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills and ideas. By the end of this season, you will have fifteen specific skills that will make you a stronger leader and manager in your organization.
This week we are looking at strategies for networking.
Joining us is Guest Host Maria Burnham, from Sauk Rapids- Rice High School.
The Basics
Building your professional network is always going to be helpful to you – and to them. Networking does not mean going to high-energy parties and shaking lots of hands. Okay, it CAN mean that; but it usually involves just making connections with people. Remember when we talked about advocacy last week? It was all about making connections. Networking is that same thing – but you think about connecting with people across your profession, instead of stakeholders. They are the ones who can help you with questions about your daily work, can point you toward solutions to problems, and who will celebrate with you when things are great. You will do the same for them.
We have talked in prior weeks about libraries having a lot of introverts – and many of us struggle to reach out and make connections with people we do not know. But that is exactly the reason networking works: a lot of us are uncertain about our next steps, and not always sure who to talk with about library situations. Who knows better than your colleagues how hard you are working? What a hassle it is to deal with an annoying patron? How fantastic it was to have that one great thing happen today?
As library people, we truly are stronger and better when we work together. Whether you are at a conference, new in a school, alone in your library, or just looking to build up a network of people who do what you do at work – networking can make you stronger. Your contributions back to the network will make them stronger too.
Here are a few general tips to make networking easier:
-
- Introduce yourself. When you meet new people, be first to shake hands and say hello. Are you feeling weird and awkward? So are they. It’s okay to be the one who breaks the ice.
- Plan ahead. Have a few standard questions you ask, to help conversations get started. Asking people about their job is fine, but you may make faster connections by asking specific questions such as how they handed a challenging patron, or if they are using social media at work, or how they get glitter up off the carpet. Everyone is good at something, and asking questions to find out about people’s skills will help a conversation – and help build a network.
- Practice listening. This is not a skill many people really excel at; so people who are good listeners are always welcome in a conversation. This is particularly important when you are trying to build a network by asking people what they need. Listen, nod, ask short questions, take notes – whatever it takes to help move that conversation forward.
- Set some goals. If you are at a conference, decide you will talk with at least five new people. If you are working to network in your organization, decide you will connect with at least one person each day – emailing an article, asking a question, or talking about movies at the water cooler.
- Manage your own expectations. You do not have to meet everyone. You do not have to become a social extravert if that is not your own style. Just keep building up your network of people who are interesting, and who can answer questions for you. Not every network contact will work out, and that’s fine.
- Share information. When you know someone in your network would like an article, is waiting on a book, or loves to quilt – you will be a help to them if you share the things you find that will be interesting or useful to them. It’s an easy way to contribute to your web of contacts; and they will be inspired to share with you in return.
- Follow up. Once you have met a new person, keep up the relationship. You do not need to be best friends; but you want to keep in touch. Look through your contact list and if it has been a while since you talked with someone there, send a quick email or text just to see how they are doing. People appreciate these gestures, and your network grows stronger.