The Fearless Networking Buddy System
Have you ever planned on attending a networking event, but skipped it because you don't want to go alone?
Have you ever gone to an event and awkwardly lingered next to the food station, searching for a familiar face or summoning the courage to approach a complete stranger?
Have you ever gone to an event and awkwardly lingered next to the food station, searching for a familiar face or summoning the courage to approach a complete stranger?
We all know how important networking is to career advancement. Attending local events, from happy hours to seminars, is a great way to connect with other professionals and expand your network.
But, attending networking events alone can be intimidating and too often ineffective.
A "networking buddy" can provide the accountability and encouragement needed to reach your networking goals. Having someone to attend an event with can make you more likely to actually attend an event and more comfortable engaging with people while there.
But, attending networking events alone can be intimidating and too often ineffective.
A "networking buddy" can provide the accountability and encouragement needed to reach your networking goals. Having someone to attend an event with can make you more likely to actually attend an event and more comfortable engaging with people while there.
The Fearless Networking Buddy System is a way for WIPA members to get the support they need to network more effectively. The online space promotes networking events and connects members who might be interested in attending them together. Participants have the freedom to find a buddy for single event or an ongoing partnership.
The Basics
- Know your networking goals. Before you network, it is important to identify clear networking goals. Attend WIPA's Networking Skills Seminar on March 20 to get help developing your goals. The seminar is a chance to learn best practices and put your networking skills to the test with fellow WIPA members and professional career advisors. More info here.
- Find an upcoming event. Check out WIPA's event page or our weekly newsletter to see what events are coming up. If you know of an upcoming event, please share it with the Fearless Networking Buddy System group on Facebook.
- Join the Fearless Networking Buddy System on Facebook to find opportunities and connect with others. Join the group here. Use the space to see what events people are already planning to attend, or to post an event you're interested in and find someone who wants to attend with you. You can also ask the group if anyone is willing to be your "buddy" for a series of events. The possibilities are endless!
- Connect and network. The rest is up to you! See below for a few suggestions for making the most out of the buddy system and helpful networking strategies.
Before you know it, you'll be on your way to connecting with other professionals and, as an added bonus, having a new "buddy" in your professional network.
Suggestions for Making the Most out of the Buddy System
- Share your goals. Share your networking goals and a little background with your buddy before or during the event. Know where your buddy works, what program s/he is in, and what career opportunities s/he is most interested in.
- Share contacts. Agree to introduce your buddy to anyone you know or meet and vice versa. Decide beforehand how each of you prefer to be introduced.
- Sing your buddy’s praises. You may not know enough about each other to giving raving recommendations, but introduce your buddy to others enthusiastically. Let others know something great about your buddy, especially things your buddy may not feel comfortable saying on their own (e.g. “Sally just landed a great promotion!”).
- Back up your buddy. If your buddy forgets a contact's name or you see s/he struggling in conversation, be there to help. You don’t have to be attached to each other throughout the event, but keep an eye on your buddy and be sure you're there to keep your her/him from standing alone awkwardly.
Networking Strategies
If you are… | Try… | How to Execute | Remember |
---|---|---|---|
Shy | Using a "wing wo/man" | Stay with your buddy for much of the event and work together to introduce yourselves to new contacts and make conversation. When a new contact is more helpful to your buddy, be sure to praise and promote them to the contact. | This will probably produce quality contacts rather than quantity. |
More outgoing when you have a partner or "buddy" | Tag-teaming | Stay with your buddy for much of the event and take turns being "on." Take the lead with new contacts, keep the conversation going, and transition toward information exchange. Then it's your buddy's turn. | This is a great for those who have similar goals or career interests. |
Outgoing but struggle to "sell" yourself | Dividing and advocating | Instead of staying with each other at the event, after exchanging information, agree to go your separate ways and find contacts for your buddy instead of yourself. Sing her/his praises and recommend a connection. ("You have to meet my friend, Sally!") Advocating for someone else will ease the pressure and anxiety that comes with talking about yourself. You can relax knowing your buddy is advocating on your behalf too. | This is best suited for buddies who know a little more about each other. |
Outgoing and competitive | Competing for meets | Instead of staying with each other at the event, after exchanging information, challenge each other to get a certain number of business cards by a specific time. | This may not lend itself to long conversations with new contacts, but you will likely come away with having met a significant number of people and initiated some new relationships. |