The Levo League

Posted on Saturday December 31st 2011 at 12:00am. Its tags are listed below.

Networking Week (Year) in Review: New Year’s (Networking) Resolutions By Kelly Hoey New Years. Time to reflect and to look ahead (are you humming “should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon” as you read this?). To end the year I emailed a few friends a simple question: Looking back over the past year, what’s the best thing you did to expand your network, reconnect with long-lost professional contacts and/or a networking habit or routine which you started in 2011 and has continued to be useful? Did you join a networking group or listserve group, write a blog or maintain a holiday card list? (sing along with me “That thou canst never once reflect, on old-long-syne”). The answers I received - from using social networking to getting a dog - will hopefully inspire not simply your networking resolutions but also your networking actions, in 2012: In the past year I made it a conscious point to drink my own Kool Aid and strengthen my Near Peer network, the foundation concept of the leadership career learning method I’ve developed with Capture Your Flag.  I prioritized building relationships with those that had a few additional years of experience - you were the first of these :-) - who could offer a different perspective than my direct peer network.  As a result, I was able to get timely feedback and support on project proposals and better prioritize goals.  It also has put a strong foundation in place I can leverage for future business development, fundraising, and recruiting.  - Erik Michielsen, Capture Your Flag A few things - first, being fearless about reaching out to people - deliberately going beyond my comfort zone. Continuing my involvement with the YWCA and their working moms group. Joining new organizations like 85 Broads and attending as many events as possible. I am currently developing a new blog that will reflect my change of industry and I’ve taken on a new pro bono project. Last, managing my LinkedIn better and using more of the resources available via that site. - Kristin I think it’s important to network and meet new people no matter what stage of your career you’re in. If you’re not into the traditional conference circuit, there are plenty of meet-ups out there that cater to varied interested. Websdays is one of my favorites, as it attracts a crowd of amusing go-getters in the New York web scene. Don’t forget business cards!  - Lindsay Kaplan, Marketing Director, Chloe + Isabel I joined LinkedIn. Otherwise, I’ve not done anything outside of the norm. - Ben (psss, Ben is a senior executive at the world’s largest professional network) I started writing an annual “fun” piece that demonstrates what I do best….coach professionals and businesses on developing a compelling message.   There is no sales focus…just something fun to read that is provocative, edgy, timely and irreverent.    In February, I will send out my third annual review, and I am already starting to get people contacting me to confirm they are still on the list.  By sending this piece out, I reconnect with close to 1,000 people and rekindle a dialogue with many of those receiving the review. And you ask…so what do you write about?   The answer is simple.   I write an irreverent review of the advertising shown at the Super Bowl and release my review by 2 AM following the Super Bowl so it is waiting in their in box when the come in on Monday Morning when everyone in their office is talking about the Super Bowl Commercials. It is a lot of fun to do, but I can no longer go to Super Bowl Parties.   I start writing right after the first set of commercials are shown and between watching the new ones and writing about the ones already show, I work straight through until 2 AM when the article is released.   Talk about being in a pressure cooker.- Mike Wien, Wien & Associates LLC Linkedin every single person I met, send actual thank  you cards to those that helped out & have started the practice of calling as in using the phone to reconnect with folks. - Carol Ellen, Executive Recruiter Besides joining and actively leveraging the Power Circle of 85 Broads, making expressing a useful and relevant point of view on Twitter a priority, was the most important thing I did! - Holly Lynch, The Good Girls My answer: I got a mentor! My mentor has introduced me to new groups, given me some great networking advice and has helped me become more involved in my industry. - Tarrah Little, Women in Wireless I got a dog. This is going to sound crazy, but getting a puppy and posting photos on facebook brought old or casual acquaintances out of the woodwork and helped me connect with a group of people I had not been close to in a genuine way. Who knew? - Jessie Kornberg, Attorney Who knew! So, what’s worked for me in 2011? Here are my networking reflections from the past year: In spite of all the social media networking tools, networking still takes time. Even if the subway is running smoothly in Manhattan, I can’t possibly be in 3 places meaningfully engaging in conversation, in the same evening. I have met some incredible people online (take a bow, Twitter) and maintained a lifetime of professional connections thanks to Linkedin and Facebook. A personal network, once cultivated needs not only to be nurtured but also respected. For all the time you spend posting/updating/friending/emailing - spend equal time listening, watching and understanding. If you understand the dynamics of your network, how to grow and expand that network becomes much less troublesome. People in your network will reach out and surprise you with their generosity. And this may come from where you least expect it. I have no interest in attending class reunions. Back to bullet point 2 above, RSVP, RSVP early and attend the networking events you RSVP for. The real point? Networking effectively means developing an effective strategy - for your sanity, health and for the sake of your professional connections. Learn when to say yes and when to say no to networking in 2012. This is especially true in New York City where we have the networking equivalent of Dylan’s Candy Bar on any given evening. You will network with people you don’t want to be BFFs with - you’re supposed to. Did I mention that this networking stuff takes time, sometimes a lot of time? Keep Christmas in your networking heart and think like Santa when you’re networking. Be generous and don’t expect anything in return. Also remember who is naughty and nice….it will help you allocate your networking time. Everyone is busy and/or forgetful and/or overburdened. Remind yourself of this when your networking outreach efforts are “ignored” and then, take a deep breath and try contacting them again. I’m not getting a dog, regardless of how effective that may be as a networking tool. Final networking reminder for 2012, comes from the incomparable, Frank Kimball: “Until you take the final step of connecting – personally, old school – the network is incomplete and useless.” (yes, this is really why this networking stuff, takes time!) Kelly Hoey is a Levo contributor and the co-founder of Women Innovate Mobile.
Networking Week (Year) in Review: New Year’s (Networking) Resolutions By Kelly Hoey New Years. Time to reflect and to look ahead (are you humming “should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon” as you read this?). To end the year I emailed a few friends a simple question: Looking back over the past year, what’s the best thing you did to expand your network, reconnect with long-lost professional contacts and/or a networking habit or routine which you started in 2011 and has continued to be useful? Did you join a networking group or listserve group, write a blog or maintain a holiday card list? (sing along with me “That thou canst never once reflect, on old-long-syne”). The answers I received - from using social networking to getting a dog - will hopefully inspire not simply your networking resolutions but also your networking actions, in 2012: In the past year I made it a conscious point to drink my own Kool Aid and strengthen my Near Peer network, the foundation concept of the leadership career learning method I’ve developed with Capture Your Flag.  I prioritized building relationships with those that had a few additional years of experience - you were the first of these :-) - who could offer a different perspective than my direct peer network.  As a result, I was able to get timely feedback and support on project proposals and better prioritize goals.  It also has put a strong foundation in place I can leverage for future business development, fundraising, and recruiting.  - Erik Michielsen, Capture Your Flag A few things - first, being fearless about reaching out to people - deliberately going beyond my comfort zone. Continuing my involvement with the YWCA and their working moms group. Joining new organizations like 85 Broads and attending as many events as possible. I am currently developing a new blog that will reflect my change of industry and I’ve taken on a new pro bono project. Last, managing my LinkedIn better and using more of the resources available via that site. - Kristin I think it’s important to network and meet new people no matter what stage of your career you’re in. If you’re not into the traditional conference circuit, there are plenty of meet-ups out there that cater to varied interested. Websdays is one of my favorites, as it attracts a crowd of amusing go-getters in the New York web scene. Don’t forget business cards!  - Lindsay Kaplan, Marketing Director, Chloe + Isabel I joined LinkedIn. Otherwise, I’ve not done anything outside of the norm. - Ben (psss, Ben is a senior executive at the world’s largest professional network) I started writing an annual “fun” piece that demonstrates what I do best….coach professionals and businesses on developing a compelling message.   There is no sales focus…just something fun to read that is provocative, edgy, timely and irreverent.    In February, I will send out my third annual review, and I am already starting to get people contacting me to confirm they are still on the list.  By sending this piece out, I reconnect with close to 1,000 people and rekindle a dialogue with many of those receiving the review. And you ask…so what do you write about?   The answer is simple.   I write an irreverent review of the advertising shown at the Super Bowl and release my review by 2 AM following the Super Bowl so it is waiting in their in box when the come in on Monday Morning when everyone in their office is talking about the Super Bowl Commercials. It is a lot of fun to do, but I can no longer go to Super Bowl Parties.   I start writing right after the first set of commercials are shown and between watching the new ones and writing about the ones already show, I work straight through until 2 AM when the article is released.   Talk about being in a pressure cooker.- Mike Wien, Wien & Associates LLC Linkedin every single person I met, send actual thank  you cards to those that helped out & have started the practice of calling as in using the phone to reconnect with folks. - Carol Ellen, Executive Recruiter Besides joining and actively leveraging the Power Circle of 85 Broads, making expressing a useful and relevant point of view on Twitter a priority, was the most important thing I did! - Holly Lynch, The Good Girls My answer: I got a mentor! My mentor has introduced me to new groups, given me some great networking advice and has helped me become more involved in my industry. - Tarrah Little, Women in Wireless I got a dog. This is going to sound crazy, but getting a puppy and posting photos on facebook brought old or casual acquaintances out of the woodwork and helped me connect with a group of people I had not been close to in a genuine way. Who knew? - Jessie Kornberg, Attorney Who knew! So, what’s worked for me in 2011? Here are my networking reflections from the past year: In spite of all the social media networking tools, networking still takes time. Even if the subway is running smoothly in Manhattan, I can’t possibly be in 3 places meaningfully engaging in conversation, in the same evening. I have met some incredible people online (take a bow, Twitter) and maintained a lifetime of professional connections thanks to Linkedin and Facebook. A personal network, once cultivated needs not only to be nurtured but also respected. For all the time you spend posting/updating/friending/emailing - spend equal time listening, watching and understanding. If you understand the dynamics of your network, how to grow and expand that network becomes much less troublesome. People in your network will reach out and surprise you with their generosity. And this may come from where you least expect it. I have no interest in attending class reunions. Back to bullet point 2 above, RSVP, RSVP early and attend the networking events you RSVP for. The real point? Networking effectively means developing an effective strategy - for your sanity, health and for the sake of your professional connections. Learn when to say yes and when to say no to networking in 2012. This is especially true in New York City where we have the networking equivalent of Dylan’s Candy Bar on any given evening. You will network with people you don’t want to be BFFs with - you’re supposed to. Did I mention that this networking stuff takes time, sometimes a lot of time? Keep Christmas in your networking heart and think like Santa when you’re networking. Be generous and don’t expect anything in return. Also remember who is naughty and nice….it will help you allocate your networking time. Everyone is busy and/or forgetful and/or overburdened. Remind yourself of this when your networking outreach efforts are “ignored” and then, take a deep breath and try contacting them again. I’m not getting a dog, regardless of how effective that may be as a networking tool. Final networking reminder for 2012, comes from the incomparable, Frank Kimball: “Until you take the final step of connecting – personally, old school – the network is incomplete and useless.” (yes, this is really why this networking stuff, takes time!) Kelly Hoey is a Levo contributor and the co-founder of Women Innovate Mobile.

Networking Week (Year) in Review: New Year’s (Networking) Resolutions

By Kelly Hoey

New Years. Time to reflect and to look ahead (are you humming “should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon” as you read this?).

To end the year I emailed a few friends a simple question:

Looking back over the past year, what’s the best thing you did to expand your network, reconnect with long-lost professional contacts and/or a networking habit or routine which you started in 2011 and has continued to be useful? Did you join a networking group or listserve group, write a blog or maintain a holiday card list?

(sing along with me “That thou canst never once reflect, on old-long-syne”).

The answers I received - from using social networking to getting a dog - will hopefully inspire not simply your networking resolutions but also your networking actions, in 2012:

In the past year I made it a conscious point to drink my own Kool Aid and strengthen my Near Peer network, the foundation concept of the leadership career learning method I’ve developed with Capture Your Flag.  I prioritized building relationships with those that had a few additional years of experience - you were the first of these :-) - who could offer a different perspective than my direct peer network.  As a result, I was able to get timely feedback and support on project proposals and better prioritize goals.  It also has put a strong foundation in place I can leverage for future business development, fundraising, and recruiting.  - Erik Michielsen, Capture Your Flag

A few things - first, being fearless about reaching out to people - deliberately going beyond my comfort zone. Continuing my involvement with the YWCA and their working moms group. Joining new organizations like 85 Broads and attending as many events as possible. I am currently developing a new blog that will reflect my change of industry and I’ve taken on a new pro bono project. Last, managing my LinkedIn better and using more of the resources available via that site. - Kristin

I think it’s important to network and meet new people no matter what stage of your career you’re in. If you’re not into the traditional conference circuit, there are plenty of meet-ups out there that cater to varied interested. Websdays is one of my favorites, as it attracts a crowd of amusing go-getters in the New York web scene. Don’t forget business cards!  - Lindsay Kaplan, Marketing Director, Chloe + Isabel

I joined LinkedIn. Otherwise, I’ve not done anything outside of the norm. - Ben (psss, Ben is a senior executive at the world’s largest professional network)

I started writing an annual “fun” piece that demonstrates what I do best….coach professionals and businesses on developing a compelling message.   There is no sales focus…just something fun to read that is provocative, edgy, timely and irreverent.    In February, I will send out my third annual review, and I am already starting to get people contacting me to confirm they are still on the list.  By sending this piece out, I reconnect with close to 1,000 people and rekindle a dialogue with many of those receiving the review. And you ask…so what do you write about?   The answer is simple.   I write an irreverent review of the advertising shown at the Super Bowl and release my review by 2 AM following the Super Bowl so it is waiting in their in box when the come in on Monday Morning when everyone in their office is talking about the Super Bowl Commercials. It is a lot of fun to do, but I can no longer go to Super Bowl Parties.   I start writing right after the first set of commercials are shown and between watching the new ones and writing about the ones already show, I work straight through until 2 AM when the article is released.   Talk about being in a pressure cooker.- Mike Wien, Wien & Associates LLC

Linkedin every single person I met, send actual thank  you cards to those that helped out & have started the practice of calling as in using the phone to reconnect with folks. - Carol Ellen, Executive Recruiter

Besides joining and actively leveraging the Power Circle of 85 Broads, making expressing a useful and relevant point of view on Twitter a priority, was the most important thing I did! - Holly Lynch, The Good Girls

My answer: I got a mentor! My mentor has introduced me to new groups, given me some great networking advice and has helped me become more involved in my industry. - Tarrah Little, Women in Wireless

I got a dog. This is going to sound crazy, but getting a puppy and posting photos on facebook brought old or casual acquaintances out of the woodwork and helped me connect with a group of people I had not been close to in a genuine way. Who knew? - Jessie Kornberg, Attorney

Who knew!

So, what’s worked for me in 2011? Here are my networking reflections from the past year:

  • In spite of all the social media networking tools, networking still takes time.
  • Even if the subway is running smoothly in Manhattan, I can’t possibly be in 3 places meaningfully engaging in conversation, in the same evening.
  • I have met some incredible people online (take a bow, Twitter) and maintained a lifetime of professional connections thanks to Linkedin and Facebook.
  • A personal network, once cultivated needs not only to be nurtured but also respected. For all the time you spend posting/updating/friending/emailing - spend equal time listening, watching and understanding. If you understand the dynamics of your network, how to grow and expand that network becomes much less troublesome.
  • People in your network will reach out and surprise you with their generosity. And this may come from where you least expect it.
  • I have no interest in attending class reunions.
  • Back to bullet point 2 above, RSVP, RSVP early and attend the networking events you RSVP for. The real point? Networking effectively means developing an effective strategy - for your sanity, health and for the sake of your professional connections.
  • Learn when to say yes and when to say no to networking in 2012. This is especially true in New York City where we have the networking equivalent of Dylan’s Candy Bar on any given evening.
  • You will network with people you don’t want to be BFFs with - you’re supposed to.
  • Did I mention that this networking stuff takes time, sometimes a lot of time?
  • Keep Christmas in your networking heart and think like Santa when you’re networking. Be generous and don’t expect anything in return. Also remember who is naughty and nice….it will help you allocate your networking time.
  • Everyone is busy and/or forgetful and/or overburdened. Remind yourself of this when your networking outreach efforts are “ignored” and then, take a deep breath and try contacting them again.
  • I’m not getting a dog, regardless of how effective that may be as a networking tool.

Final networking reminder for 2012, comes from the incomparable, Frank Kimball:

“Until you take the final step of connecting – personally, old school – the network is incomplete and useless.”

(yes, this is really why this networking stuff, takes time!)

Kelly Hoey is a Levo contributor and the co-founder of Women Innovate Mobile.

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