Requesting a courtesy meeting with an individual willing to advise or guide can be an effective way to expand your network of influence – irrespective of where you are in your leadership journey. Sometimes these are cold calls where no previous relationship exists. In some cases, there may be a referral or a preexisting relationship to strengthen.
Regardless of your circumstances, a successful networking meeting may require you to step outside of your comfort zone. With that in mind, here are considerations based on many years of experience on both sides of the equation. These tips will help you get the most out of your next conversation.
Be sure to:
Ask for a specific amount of time (15 to 30 min) and keep to it.
Be clear in your intention/goal for the meeting and communicate this purpose specifically in advance and during meeting.
Be prepared to speak about your career goals and how this meeting can help. Have specific career objectives in mind and come prepared to share them – succinctly.
Prepare a few key questions in advance that relate directly to your intention.
Research your meeting invitee – know more about them than their job title and employer. Use this research to help frame your questions.
Listen while meeting and take notes – summarize key take aways to reinforce the meeting mattered to you.
Ask if there is something you can do for the meeting invitee. Consider their needs and their priorities and how you could be a support to them. Networking is reciprocal in nature.
If you take on a task, be sure to honour that commitment.
Ask if there is anyone in their network who could support you and if they would be willing to make that introduction on your behalf.
Follow up with a thank you that specifies what you gained and appreciated about the meeting (linked to your intention). And close the loop if this meeting leads to something new for you. In other words, cultivate this connection.
Avoid:
Asking for a job.
Saying you’re open to anything. The more specific you are, the more helpful advice your invitee can offer.
Complaining or speaking ill of your current or past employer/boss. This reflects negatively on you and will not earn the respect of your meeting invitee.
Overstaying your welcome by extending the time allotted for the meeting unless it is the expressed desire of your meeting invitee.
Interrupting or talking too much about yourself. You are there to learn and gain insight from this individual, not to tell your life story.
Finding focus
Making and building connections can come easily for some and is harder work for others. These tips will have a positive impact on the outcome and ease your experience.
