Following the discussion in the last Career Impulse Session on Networking, I compiled some concrete, easy to apply ideas about how to start networking:<\/p>\n
Start an “Interesting People Fund”<\/strong> (suggested by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha)<\/a>: Invest this money in going to meet people and inviting people to a coffee or similar.<\/p>\n “Imagine you got laid off today. Who are the 5-10 people you\u2019d write to for advice? Make sure to invest in those relationships regularly<\/strong>, not just when you have an urgent need.” (suggested by Adam Rifkin)<\/a>: This will help you to focus your networking activities. However, don\u2019t forget the importance of diversity in your network.<\/p>\n “In the next week: Introduce two people who do not know each other but ought to. Then think about a challenge you face and ask for an introduction to a connection in your network who could help.”<\/strong> (suggested by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha)<\/a>: This might also be a good way to facilitate the networking among postdocs in G\u00f6ttingen.<\/p>\n “Do a “five minute favor” every day”<\/strong> (suggested by Adam Grant)<\/a>: This is really not a big deal, but will have a huge impact.<\/p>\n “Get a business card”<\/strong> (suggested by Peter Fiske)<\/a>: If you not already have, you should definitely get some. Or can you remember every name of people you met at a talk or at a conference? How much easier is it to make a follow-up after a conference with a stack of business cards \u2013 at best with a short note about the person on the backside.<\/p>\n “Send out preprints”<\/strong> (suggested by Peter Fiske)<\/a>: Therewith, you can kill two birds with one stone: You can provide others with valuable information and<\/i> make your own work more visible in the scientific community.<\/p>\n “Share your passion”<\/strong> (suggested by Colleen DeBaise)<\/a>: With whom do you like to speak more, a colleague who is very passionate and cheerful or a colleague who struggles with his achievements and is rather unhappy? A positive, enthusiastic atmosphere open doors and makes the conversation enjoyable. And not just this: You can also only convince people of the value of your research or your expertise, if you are convinced yourself.<\/p>\n So, I think 7 tips for the start are enough. I hope that you find them just as convincing as I do!<\/p>\n Some more thoughts and links about doing social networking online, you can find here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n If you cannot find something convincing for yourself, you might want to have a look on the 24 networking tips here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Following the discussion in the last Career Impulse Session on Networking, I compiled some concrete, easy to apply ideas about how to start networking: Start an “Interesting People Fund” (suggested by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha): Invest this money in … Continue reading