by Cynthia Shamel, President-Elect and Program Chair
Chapter members turned out in significant numbers last month to learn how to develop strong networking skills to use in developing your business and serving your organization. Speaker Marcy Phelps introduced the topic with a definition of introverts, reminding us that introvert is neither a positive nor a negative term. Many librarians are introverts by nature and this simply reflects the way we process information. In fact, as librarians we have many of the skills that make us very good at building relationships through networking. These skills include: listening, asking the right questions, matching needs with resources, and the desire to help others.
Attendees learned dozens of tips on how to apply these skills to developing the relationships that will best serve our organizations and us. Example tips include:
- Get active in your organization – in this way you get to know people and they get to know you.
- Prepare 2 or 3 questions to start a conversation – try Debra Fine’s book The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep it Going, Build Networking Skills, and Leave a Positive Impression.
- Prepare 2 or 3 interesting examples of what you do – this will provide people with a good idea of how you can help them.
- Look for the loner – introduce yourself to someone standing or sitting alone at a networking event.
- Summarize what’s next and follow up – ask for a business card or contact information and follow up in a way that continues to build on the relationship you have just begun.
San Diego Chapter members network with speaker Marcy Phelps (second from right)
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