Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, is a networking expert focused on relationship-building. In this conversation, she offers invaluable tips for introverts on navigating networking events and emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections over transactional interactions. Susan unveils her unique method, 'Gather, Ask, Do,' designed for fostering long-lasting relationships. She highlights the significance of follow-ups and personalized communication to strengthen networks, especially in a post-pandemic world where connections are crucial.
Networking should prioritize genuine connections over transactions, fostering supportive relationships that lead to professional opportunities.
Introverts can ease networking anxiety by setting manageable goals and asking meaningful questions to facilitate natural conversation.
Deep dives
The Power of Meaningful Connections
Building meaningful professional relationships is essential for career advancement, with studies showing that a significant percentage of people secure jobs through connections. The approach to networking should shift from a transactional mindset to a focus on how to be helpful to others, fostering genuine connections rather than merely seeking personal gain. Susan McPherson, who emphasizes this philosophy, recalls her upbringing where her parents actively sought to connect others, instilling in her the importance of thinking about how to support people without any immediate motives. By prioritizing the act of connecting over traditional networking, individuals can create lasting relationships that ultimately lead to professional opportunities.
Overcoming Networking Anxiety
Networking can be an intimidating prospect, particularly for introverts, but there are strategies to ease those nerves and foster genuine interactions. A practical approach is to set manageable goals, such as aiming to meet three people at an event, which alleviates the pressure of needing to make numerous connections. Additionally, focusing on asking meaningful questions can shift the emphasis from oneself to the other person, promoting more natural dialogue. Techniques like researching attendees in advance and preparing conversation starters can also help create a more comfortable networking experience.
The Importance of Follow-Up and Longevity in Connections
Following up after initial meetings is crucial in transforming brief encounters into productive relationships, but the approach should be genuine rather than transactional. Leveraging personal methods of remembering and reaching out to contacts can maintain engagement over time, such as reaching out regularly or setting reminders for catch-ups. Susan highlights that even if reconnecting feels daunting, it’s important to view it positively and understand that others appreciate the effort. By fostering a mindset focused on giving rather than solely receiving, individuals can navigate networking with greater ease and build stronger, more meaningful professional connections.
On this week’s episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn News Editor Andrew Seaman sits down with Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, to talk about the fundamentals of networking. Susan shares tips for navigating networking events as an introvert, as well as easy-to-do exercises for growing and nurturing your network. She also goes over the networking method she developed, which she calls "Gather, Ask, Do." Read more about the GAD method in Susan’s book, The Lost Art of Connecting.
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