Networking with Purpose

Are you often overwhelmed by networking events? Do you feel unsure of how to truly connect with leaders and professionals without feeling awkward? You're not alone. Many professionals struggle with how to make meaningful connections across career networks. 

In the first episode of the Spark Factor, executive coach and organization consultant, Karen Mack, provides insightful tips on how to approach networking with confidence and skill. Mack shares powerful nuggets around how to network with purpose, make meaningful connections, and find joy in the process.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to the Spark Factor with Tori Silver, where conversations ignite new ideas, spark new energy and fuel momentum in the workplace. Today, in this first episode, we're going to be talking about something that every professional has to do at some point in their career, and that's networking. Today, I'm joined by Karen Mack. She's an executive and leadership coach and founder of Karen Mack Management Consultants, where she works with leaders, organizations, and teams. She specializes in organization development, workplace communication, and relationship management. Karen, welcome to the Spark Room.

SPEAKER_01 0:35

Thank you, Tori. Thank you for asking me to be here with you.

SPEAKER_00 0:38

Yes. So let's get started. So many times we see that individuals, professionals, they go out to networking events or they're at networking parties within their companies and they struggle to navigate those settings. Talk a bit about what networking is and why you think people struggle with networking.

SPEAKER_01 1:00

Okay. So we'll take the first part first. So networking is an intentional process of making connections, building relationships, and hopefully it will develop to building relationships. So that's what networking really is. And if people could think about it in that way, it might be a little easier and they won't have as many challenges with networking. Some of the challenges that come up are because of the mindset of networking. Having to think about having to do it, that's not going to be a good way to go into a networking session. Rather, here's an opportunity that I have to meet some new people or connect with other people, maybe connect with people I've wanted to connect with and haven't had an opportunity, haven't had the opportunity to do so. Now you have a chance to do that. So if there's a lot, there there are things that are involved, but if you think about what am I thinking about when I think about networking, what is my mindset? How do I feel about it? Getting settled and come and feeling, yes, this is something that's valuable. And yes, this is something I can do, will put you in a play, a better place to be a better network.

SPEAKER_00 2:17

Awesome. One of the things that we talked about when you and I had an opportunity to meet ahead of this conversation, we talked about the idea of networking being a skill. And I think that's something that individuals don't necessarily identify with. We think about our soft and our technical skills that were required of us in our workplace. Talk a bit about um, I guess, the importance of why individuals should see networking as a skill and how do you sort of refine that over time?

SPEAKER_01 2:44

So networking as a skill is if you think about it, or the you're lit, if the listener is thinking about it as is there a process, are there things that I can think about doing? Is there a way to go about doing this that will make me more successful? Then yes, it is a skill. And it is something I can't say that everyone uh will gravitate to it as easily as some others, because there are people who love to meet new people and people who have no problem in starting a conversation with a complete a complete stranger. And so, yay, for those people. I though run into or find that there are more who have more challenges with it and don't particularly like it, which is why I wanted to really it make sure people understand it's our mindset. And listening is your number one skill when you are networking or trying to communicate overall. As a matter of fact, there's information there, that if you are a good listener, you're going, you're bound to be a better networker, you're going to be a better communicator because not only will you hear, but you will be tuned into what someone is saying, and then you can respond appropriately. So listening is a skill. Being able to utilize or being able to be in tune with body language and how are you, when you're entering a space, if this is an in-person event, networking event, what is the body language of a group or person that you may want to approach? What is your body language when you come in? When you come in the room and then you run to the bar and grab something and hold it in front of you like this, that's not very open. So we want to have open body language. And we we need to sometimes we need to be just be aware and practice in front of a mirror. Would you want to have a conversation with yourself? Think about it like that. And so take that mindset. Know you're going to listen, know you're going to tune into body language. What are the nonverbal communications things that you know about that will let you know is this someone that I can approach? Or if you approach them and they don't respond the way you would hope, it's okay. Move on. Okay. One of the first things you need to do when you are working or when you're planning to go to a networking event is to do that. Plan. Preparation is what's going to be helpful. And that's part of the building this building your skills. So, why are you going to this networking event? What do you want to get out of it? What are your goals? Who are you trying to connect with or meet? Perhaps if you're someone who doesn't really jump at the opportunity to network, maybe it's a goal of meeting just three people. Make it a doable step instead of, oh my gosh, I got to work this room. What does that even mean to you? I know what it means, but what does it mean to you? Take the pressure off and just think about there are three people I'd like to meet, or there's some information. So I'm getting, I just accomplished something. I'd like to share that accomplishment. Whatever the goal is, plan and prepare. Who's coming to this networking event? Can you find out in advance who's coming? Where is it published? Is there a published list somewhere of the attendees who are who are coming to the conference or the meeting? Share who you are, learn who others are.

SPEAKER_00 6:16

Let's talk a bit about once you get there, you have your plan, your strategy in place, you've identified the key uh contacts that you like to make. Talk a bit about sort of like stoking or making that conversation. One of the things that I love that you talk a bit about is um the beauty of small making small talk. Small talk might be something that you know we can do in a small family circle, but we may be challenged with when we're out of these events. Maybe provide some tips for folks to sort of know how to start that conversation with small talk.

SPEAKER_01 6:45

Sure. So small talk, if you think of small talk as they're little conversations.

unknown 6:51

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:53

They're not very demanding of you, they are snippets of information. So, what are some small talk topics? Well, what's going on in the world that's not so controversial, that's not politically charged? Because you don't know who may you may be talking to or what their beliefs or values are. You won't know until you get to know them, and that's the whole point. But let's get to know them by not turning them off, by having safe, non-threatening questions. So small talk can be questions. What brings you here today? What's something that you may, you, the person you're talking to, you may look for in this networking session? The weather. That's always safe to talk about. What are what are the current events within the organization that you're both there because of? Maybe you're there because of a conference. There are so many things you learn and pick up in the conference, even in the sessions that you participate in that are food are small talk topics, questions. Again, the listening and asking open-ended questions so that people have an opportunity to answer. Open-ended means who, where, what, when, how, avoid why in your open-ended questions. And then listen to the response and respond accordingly. What happens is people ask a question and now they're thinking about the next question. Or what are they going to ask me instead of being present and right there. So that's part of your approach. Plan to have conversations, which means a little slower, a little more meaningful, uh, something that you you're you're trying to bring something to this meeting that you're having for the first time.

SPEAKER_00 8:45

Let's talk a bit about, um, I guess in terms of, you know, working the room, being in the room, being present, being meaningful and intentional. Um, we talked a bit about um in our earlier discussion about the importance of having a meaningful conversation, but not sort of lingering a bit too long. Because sometimes when we are either um in our workplace or at these networking events, we tend to get a little stuck with the same group for most of the event, which gets a little to be a little bit weird, especially if you're with someone who is a high extrovert and they're seeking to sort of, you know, mingle around the room.

SPEAKER_01 9:21

Well, Tori, you've mentioned several things in that. So moving, not getting, not staying with the same person the whole time is key. I know if you if you were bold enough to approach someone and start a conversation and the conversation is beginning to move and you're having you're enjoying the conversation, you want to stay there and stay with that person and continue on. That's the greatest time to put a pause on what you what you're talking about and say, I'd love to keep, I'd love to keep talking with you. And there are other people that I and I know you would like to connect with. Can we talk after the fact? And then you exchange information and make a commitment and then follow up on that commitment to talk that gives you the opportunity to move. Also, moving allows you now to use your eyes and nonverbally, who else is open? Who what other small groups might be open that could invite me in? What are the other questions? If you move, you can see things happening versus being stuck, which brings me to something that we did not talk about that I do want to mention. A lot of networking events have food. If you can avoid eating in the networking, if you want to eat, get there early so that you can do that before folks come in. And then maybe towards the end, but leave the bulk of the networking. Do you're there for a purpose? Go back to your goal and avoid eating. I can tell I can tell you times when people have been eating and they're eating with their mouth open, it's a little, it's not a good look for a professional person. So that's just an extra tip when you are working, when you're beginning to maneuver within a networking session. Notice I'm trying to avoid working a room because that puts that's a connotation that is not necessarily a positive one.

SPEAKER_00 11:22

And that I find this so interesting because I've been to, I've been in two fields and I've been to a ton of events for whether it's in the news business or whether it's in uh organizational development or business. And I find that you have, again, individuals who are very outgoing, um, just natural talkers and are very comfortable walking up to individuals and making conversation about a session that they just attended, speech that the CEO just made. And their intent or their mindset says, I need to be able to in 90 minutes move about this room. And my target is to speak with 1015 people and walk away with, you know, 1015 virtual business cards or LinkedIn connections. Talk a bit about that.

SPEAKER_01 12:09

Sure, you can meet 15, 20 people, but are are you just meeting them and exchanging information that you're never gonna look at again? And what if you use the old-fashioned business cards? It's not about collecting the cards. And it's not about just adding to your connections on LinkedIn that you're not gonna follow up with. It's about making the connection. If you truly want to network, it's about making the real connection. So instead, instead of, I'm not saying you don't have, you can have a goal of meeting 15 people. Maybe that's the appropriate thing for you to do. But think about what are the benefits of making five to seven really good connections that I can follow up with. And now I have, I'm beginning relationships with five or seven new people versus 15 people and you have one connection. Maybe. So that's my thought is think about the connection. Think about the conversation. And if you are not someone who enjoys necessarily walking into a room of strangers, I would say I've got a lot of clients who are introverts. They're not the extroverts that you just mentioned. Think about leveraging when you have the one-on-one conversation, leveraging that one-on-one conversation to move forward, uh, to move, leverage that one-on-one conversation so that you can where will it go? What's in that conversation? What is it that that person is needing, talking about, wanting? Can you provide anything for them? Even if you are being a sounding board at that time. So that's what I mean when I say leverage those one-on-one conversations. Introverts, definitely plan. What is it that you want to get out of this? And then when you get it, leave. Be okay with it. You don't have to be there the whole two hours that the event is going to take place. Maybe you make you accomplish what your goals are in 30 minutes. Then that's fine. Then, introverts, you can leave and rejuvenate because you'll need that time, that that quiet time. Or I'm told, as an extrovert, I'm told my introverts need a some quiet time to rebalance.

SPEAKER_00 14:21

Hey, I really like when you say that um you should, you know, be intentional, have a target of meeting, you know, three individuals, and don't feel pressured to stay for the entire event. Again, whether it is a professional conference, whether it is um a professional, like a networking, like a local association that has an event, or whether it is a a holiday party, you know, at your at your job. I think that professionals tend to feel um the pressure to stay because they're afraid that, and again, if you are vying opportunity within your job, that someone else, a colleague, might get an opportunity that you don't get or you don't see it like right, um, or if you're at these associations that something may happen that you may miss out on. So I kind of when you said that previously, and I said, wow, that really resonated because I think that based on what I've been a part of and have seen, um, I don't feel pressure to stay for the full, you know, two hours, but I've seen individuals that they will not leave and they will not say goodbye. Thank you so much. I've had a great time. They will sit until the last vehicle is on the parking lot, just waiting. And it's just very, very strange. They've had tons of conversations. They have, you know, successfully walked around the room, they've met a number of people, but they're now seated, still waiting for something to happen. And it's a little strange that they're still, it's like, what are you waiting on? If you you're going into the event, you have your goals, you've met individuals, you've had some great conversations. Why stick around longer than you have to?

SPEAKER_01 15:52

I'm just gonna say I agree. I agree. What's the goal? Is your goal to stay the entire time? Is your do you have some responsibilities at the end of the event that you need to stay for? What's the purpose? What's your mindset when you're going into this event? Different people approach it different ways. If that's what someone wants to do, then I'm not going to say don't, but what are you getting out of it? Is the time that you're putting into it, if you're not assigned to do something, if it's if is that really beneficial? What are you, what's your fear? What's the fear? And then if there's a fear that's driving you to stay, then something's going to go awry anyway, if it's based in fear.

SPEAKER_00 16:41

Awesome. Talk a bit about um some of the rules of engagement in terms of um networking. Um, I've seen so many different scenarios and heard different horror stories about um hiring managers or leaders who are at events, and they um are a little taken aback when someone meets them within, you know, 15 minutes, they are, you know, executing the elevator pitch and they're asking for a job. I think that's probably like the big thing. And we talked about this um that in the climate that we're currently in, everyone is looking for a new opportunity. If you're, you know, at your organization, you may be looking to advance up or you know, move out. You could be looking to go somewhere else. So talk a bit about um the things in terms of rules of engagement, the like the absolute no-nos where I just met you, Karen Mac. I should not ask you for a job within 15 minutes.

SPEAKER_01 17:29

No, you should not. Let me just say that no, that is not, that's a good way to turn people off. So again, your goal may be meet people because you want to position yourself. You want to hopefully your goal is to meet people. So you're going to learn what might be available, what opportunities might be there. That those are better questions or something around, well, what's the what's going on? What's the opportunity that might be here? Or even if you're sharing now what it is that you might offer based on something, a need that someone else speaks to. If there are folks who are there to hire, take the lead, your conversation lead from them. Are they asking you, what do you do? Are they asking, how can you help us, X, Y, and Z? If they ask, answer. Absolutely. If they don't ask, get curious. They're a hiring manager. What's the need? What are you looking for in someone to bring into the organization or whatever organization it is that they say that they're with? What is it that you're looking for? Ask them. You will know when it is the appropriate time, or they may never ask. Then you can always say, I would really appreciate an opportunity to talk to you a little bit more about X, Y, and Z opportunity. May I follow up with you if now is not a good time? May I follow up with you to do just that? Be quiet and let them speak. Because if you listen, you can take your guidance from them. Other parts of things not to do is not to dominate a conversation. I mean, you you've asked the question, someone is now beginning to answer the question. Try to let them finish answering the question before you jump in with either the next question or a comment. Because then that's a cue that you're not listening when you jump into the conversation or you cut someone off. So you want to be very aware of that. And then making the eye contact, not staring people down, but you when you're talking with them, you do want to make eye contact. Look eye to the other eye. You look away, you come back. Just think about having a conversation with a trusted advisor or trusted friend. How would you communicate with them? Take the pressure off. You're just having a conversation. Small conversations until they naturally move to larger, more substance in your conversations.

SPEAKER_00 20:09

The idea of um not dominating the conversation because again, you have introverts, extroverts, and someone who's very comfortable walking into um and owning a situation, right? They know that they are, you know, a great communicator and they can just walk into any conversation and do really well. Um, but it comes off as sort of like you said, dominating or bulldozing. It could, right? You're great conversations in play. It could be about sports or it could be about a hot water cooler topic, a safe topic, right? But they just sort of come in casually, introduce themselves, and then the conversation sort of takes a huge shift. Um, so that's something that, too, that you know, individuals should be mindful of in terms of not necessarily supporting the people who are not as comfortable, but just knowing that it's not necessarily, you know, very friendly in terms of being courteous when you're out in networking events.

SPEAKER_01 21:03

Exactly. I always, as an extrovert, it's always my goal to find someone who is not comfortable to engage them in a conversation so that they can have, and then I have got, how am I gonna move on? And so that's why you'll you'll find something in the conversation that will allow you to move on, or just say, I need to talk to, or I'm going, I'm planning to talk to, and I'm sure you want to meet other people so that you can exit. But it is good. I find that it's if you are an extrovert and comfortable, then do somebody else a favor who might not be as comfortable and approach them and ask them what brings you here in a non any non threatening type of question to begin to engage with folks. I will say you mentioned if people who are very confident, and which is a great thing because having conversations shows confidence, they're very confident, they can come. Into a conversation, no problem whatsoever. That's great, but just be aware how much are you talking versus other people? That's a key thing. Being aware, because you can you can come across obnoxious and not even be aware of it. So tune into the nonverbal communication. If you're talking and you've been talking for a while, are people starting to look aside? Are they stepping away? What's what are they doing? How are they? Do they seem to be, are they answering? Are they contributing or not? So it's it's an it's an it's an awareness for extroverts, and it is uh, let me give this a chance for introverts.

SPEAKER_00 22:42

Moving on to your career networking because you want to advance in your career, which is huge. A lot of times I think the professional puts a lot of emphasis on professional associations. I'm an engineer, I'm an architect, I go to my annual conference, I'm a member of my local conference, and I, you know, um, on a quarterly basis, attend events. But the the place where you work, you know, 40 plus hours a week, the networking within your organization is crucial. Talk a bit about the importance of networking. Like from the moment that you are onboarded, you get your job, you start, you should be, if you are, you know, you want to make it from the junior level to the management track to the executive track. Talk a bit about what that daily, weekly, what that quarterly networking should be like. Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 23:31

Yeah, take your time first. I know a lot of people in a generation that is younger than me that would like to be the boss tomorrow.

unknown 23:41

Right.

SPEAKER_01 23:42

It doesn't work like that. It doesn't work that way. If you are pushy, you're gonna push yourself right out of the opportunity. So slow down. What is your game plan? What is your what is the strategy? What's the best strategy you can use to be able to do what it is that you're trying to do? And think of, let me learn and and really become very good, almost unconsciously competent in the area that I'm here to do. Let me do what I do well for what I was hired for. That already is going to give you uh a leg up, let's say. Okay. And so from that point, while you're doing your work, doing the job, day in, day out, you're gonna meet people. So, like you mentioned, the water cooler conversation, opportunity to network. Lunch, go to the cafe, opportunity to network. Passing people in the hall might not be the best opportunity to network. However, if there's somebody that comes down the hall and meets you or is going to pass you in the hall, and this is somebody you've wanted to meet, you can say, hi, can I just pause for just a moment? Just want to introduce myself, would love to have a conversation with you. I just started not long ago. Is that possible? Because that person may be on their way, their mind, they may be thinking about something. So you don't want to interrupt, but if it this might be an opportunity to say hello, take advantage of it. We all know the elevator pitch. Well, yes, having if you're if you're having something that you can say within 20 to 30 seconds, because you might, that's the only time you may have, particularly if you want to touch base with someone who might be able to do something for you. Yes, that's good to have, but how are you going to approach it? I always ask for permission to continue having a conversation instead of, hi, I'm so-and-so, and this is what I do, and I would like to do this. Can you give me a job? No, you won't get the job. So be strategic and just know that you can take advantage of networking all day, every day, virtually as well as in person. And take your time. You will find you'll be able to move forward. By this time, you probably are getting mentors that can help out, all of those things. Hire a coach to help you move understand something or move something forward. Take your time.

SPEAKER_00 26:17

Here's what I love when you said that when you're in the water cooler, um, you're in the lunch break or you're somewhere in the office, you should introduce yourself to individuals, you know, being friendly, making the connection, building those relationships. That's crucial because I feel like sometimes when you are the new employee, um, as a person who obviously had, you know, have, you know, multiple jobs at this point, being onboarded, but then also being on the other side, the person who specializes in onboarding, I think a lot of time the new employee sort of sometimes sits at their desk and they wait for their manager to have this sort of prescribed checklist of events and meetings. But as a professional, you should, you know, take it on, you know, take the onus on yourself to go out and meet and be friendly and sort of build those relationships because people do like a quick start or someone who um, you know, excels in communication and they want to build relationships.

SPEAKER_01 27:11

Take it again, take advantage of the opportunities when you see them. Just keep in mind you don't want to take up a lot of time. You just want to at least have someone recognize who you are and say that they will communicate or they will they will take your call later or your video call at a later time. You can go into more detail. And if you are new, if this is your first job, I would say observe more than anything when you get started, versus what I have seen sometimes or I've heard from some leaders is that people come in, hit the ground, and try to run, and they run over top of people. That's not going to be helpful at all. That's why I go back to take one's time. The point that you're making, though, about professionals, when we get to a certain level, not only is it an unspoken expectation that you're able to network or that you do it, even if it's not your favorite thing to do, but how can you now make it more interesting for yourself? How can you have the mindset of what's going to be interesting here? How or what can I present that might be interesting or what's a piece of information that folks might want to know? And the other really great thing to do is connect people. So you be the networker, not so much for yourself, but you're connecting someone else to somebody else because they they might have a great connection. So that's another way, and your credibility can go up.

SPEAKER_00 28:47

Do that. I love that. Um retro networking is huge, right? Especially in the space that we're in. Um sometimes individuals are not able to get to in-person events, um, whether that's locally or at their national conference, and they are relying on um social media networks, such as, you know, your LinkedIns and things. Talk a bit about some of the helpful tips that you think would, you know, um be beneficial for individuals in terms of the do's and don'ts around virtual networking.

SPEAKER_01 29:18

Well, first of all, do it. And if you think about, and this is something that um I learned from someone else, think a warm call versus a cold call for those who might not know the difference between the two. A warm call is connecting with people that you already know or you have met or know from your past. That's a great way. Reach out on LinkedIn to those who you you may not have talked to or connected with in several months or years or whatever the case may be. At least they know you or hopefully they'll remember you versus a complete cold call. But that doesn't mean you can't network with people that you don't know. But what is it that you're asking them for? Are you networking to sell something, an item or something? That's a little different. But are you now reaching out for a specific reason? People post all the time. Let's say LinkedIn, they post, comment on the post, ask a question about something that was in the post, get a conversation or get make a connection that way, and then ask, can we connect? And maybe that's the post. That's I see you talking about whatever it is. I'm very interested in that topic. I'd like to connect with you and then continue this conversation at another time. That's a great way to do it. Think of it, think of using, think of doing the same things that you're doing in real time networking. You're just going to do it now virtually. So, how can you make those virtual connections and whatever platforms that you're on? What is it that you're talking about? What are other people talking about? And be very careful, again, of controversial topics. I know it's easy to get sucked in to those kinds of conversations and political conversations. Save those for your really good friends where you all know each other's values and you know where each other stands versus someone new or you're not as familiar with. And then just do it and follow up with if you say you're going to do something or follow up with folks, follow up. That's important.

SPEAKER_00 31:30

I love it. So just to follow up on the controversial topics, that's something that's gonna be huge, um, your huge value add for individuals, whether you are in person or virtual, um, because some folks do post about what they're seeing in our political climate on, you know, LinkedIn platforms or sometimes IG, even if it is a business page, right? Talk a bit about um, I know we talked a bit about in our um meeting ahead of this, you provided some really helpful strategies, some calm strategies and tactics that individuals can use sort of on the ground when they are um sort of faced um with these situations. Karen, what do you think um about what's happening um on Capitol Hill? There's a lot happening on Capitol Hill, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01 32:12

Honestly, Tori, I try to stay away from political conversations or difficult conversations, controversial things. I'd rather stay away from that in in forums like we're in right now. So can we talk about more about what this event is bringing to us today instead of that?

SPEAKER_00 32:31

Sure, I'd be happy to do so. You know, I actually came here for this reason. I love the way that you did that. And so this is now my second time experiencing how you made the turn in a very positive, professional way, right? Which is really important. Because sometimes I think that when individuals feel they're sort of backed into a corner and they don't have the strategies in place to communicate, that it may come across as you are, you know, you're offended or you're being offensive. So I like how you were able to sort of make that positive turn to make it about the event instead of what's happening in politics, yes.

SPEAKER_01 33:07

Keep it, keep it, keep the topics on something that's neutral, that anybody, anybody could come into the conversation. Now, will you find some folks who push the envelope and want to talk about those kinds of things? You can always say, I choose not to talk about those types of things in events like this. Don't you don't have to keep talking. I love it. Just stop.

SPEAKER_00 33:32

I love it. Very good.

SPEAKER_01 33:33

Now the onus is on them. What are they gonna do with it?

SPEAKER_00 33:36

Pivot to the next person and see if in fact they're and guess what?

SPEAKER_01 33:40

If they have pivoted, that gives you the opportunity to move and find someone else to do it. I love it. That's true. Yes, yes. Um Absolutely. And that brings up something else very quickly with the controversial topics. It's easy to get caught up in negativity. For some reason, in this country, in the US, it's you can just get on something and then go negative and then you go down a rabbit hole with that. That's not gonna lead you anywhere, but deep down in that rabbit hole. If you can keep the conversation more professional, more positive, just think lifting people up. Remember, I mentioned bring some joy into the conversation instead of oh, woe is whatever there there is. Now, yes, sometimes there are very sensitive, heavy topics that come up. It doesn't mean that you can't have empathy for something. That's fine. Matter of fact, be empathetic if it if if it is called for. However, just be very aware if you find yourself getting caught up. And the best way to know that is what's your energy level? What's going on inside of you? Somebody says something and you can feel your stomach tightening tightening up, they've struck a nerve. Yes, yes, somewhere. So just be aware of what relax, you want to be more relaxed. That's where the confidence comes in, that's where your preparation comes in. And also prepare if somebody brings up something you don't want to talk about, prepare how you're gonna respond to that in advance.

SPEAKER_00 35:13

I love it. What's the one key or keys to generating sparks when you walk into whether it's the virtual room, walking into your lunchroom, the office, the conference room, right? Um, or the events, you know, what is like what are your go-to things that you think would generate sparks for individuals on the ground?

SPEAKER_01 35:30

Thinking about going back, I know I've said it a thousand times, but I'll say it a thousand and one. Prepare. Prepare. What are you going? What are you going to this networking event for? Or did your boss just say, go to this networking event? Well, if your boss says go to the networking event, ask the boss, well, what are two or three things you're looking for from this event that I can pay attention to so that I can come back and share some information with you? So don't take that on as a burdensome job, but take it on as, hey, I'm here representing the organization, I'm here representing someone else, and then do it. Your mindset, prep preparation, and how you feel about what it is that you're needing to do. That's going to help you have an approach. And then doing it, not getting stuck, because you know how to, you're gonna have two or three people. If you meet more than three, that's just extra. That's more than. And just do it. You can't become more comfortable with something until you do it, until you practice. So maybe practicing in a low-risk environment before you need to go to the networking event. Maybe you go to lunch where there are a lot of people and practice. That's a little risk. Yeah, they may think you know something's wrong, but no, don't if don't worry about that. Just practice. How do you approach people in a way that opens people up?

SPEAKER_00 37:03

I love it. Thank you so much for joining me as my first guest in the Spark Room. I sincerely appreciate you for your insights, your expertise. Thank you so much for joining me.

SPEAKER_01 37:13

Absolutely. Well, thank you for having me.