Earlier this month my alma mater, Monroe College, held a panel with several business school graduates who’ve earned outstanding jobs in the business world post-graduation. I am honored to have been invited to participate as a panelist during the June 2016 event.
We we delighted to have approximately 75 students in attendance, and were availed the opportunity to discuss:
- Tips to developing strong personal brands
- Networking suggestions to land interviews with major corporations and organizations
- Overcoming challenges in order to make it in the business world
- Question and Answer session
Each panelist was afforded the opportunity to speak about our business journey, our company/industry, and offer tips that allowed us to reach our current goals. The students provided great feedback, questions, comments and concerns.
I was asked to offer suggestions on managing a work/life balance, and how Monroe College prepares students to handle such challenges. In addition, I discussed the benefits of both resident and online learning, and how the ability to communicate is paramount to an organization’s success.
I was joined by a fellow classmate and Monroe alumni Ms. Anna Macsai, Director of Finance and Marketing/Concierge at Wings Air Helicopters. Wings Air Helicopters is a trend setting organization specializing in air charter. Anna shared some great points, amongst which was this gem on networking:
“Don’t just network but try and learn something from every new connection! Because somewhere along the road they did something differently and their personal experience is an opportunity to learn.” -Anna Macsai
This bit of advice resonated with me because it rings true on many levels. Often times I’ve read or heard other discuss the importance of “networking” but the rarely have I heard anyone stress the importance of effectively networking by learning something new from each connection. Whether you have a few moments or a few hours, strive to learn about each connection and genuinely learn from their approach.
This advice was a perfect segue to a challenge I presented to each student in attendance. I challenged each student to make a new connection before leaving the panel and assist each other in your own endeavors. I’ve attended numerous workshops and events where participants fail to attempt to make a single connection. Networking is more than sending a LinkedIn connection request. It’s about fostering a professional relationship where you can offer value to your peers and extend your own reach.
Anna adds,
“In a world that’s driven by social media that causes young generations to measure self worth based on Instagram followers and Facebook friends, it’s important to remember: quality over quantity”
Although Anna has thousands of LinkedIn connections, she admits to routinely scrubbing her connections in an effort to break through the noise and maximize her niche network.
People change jobs, leave their industries and after a while we’re just taking up space in each other’s clouds. LinkedIn is especially high-maintenance but I have, in fact, gotten business out of it.
The experience of being a Monroe College I Made It panelist afforded me the opportunity to take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and take stock on my [professional] accomplishments over the past few years. Shortly after earning my MBA, we launched our family business (WoodyThings.com), launched this blog, established relationships with new clients, earned a few promotions within my “day job,” was elected as the National Property Management Association’s (NPMA) Nutmeg chapter Vice President, became a published contributor in The Property Professional Magazine, and was selected as the NPMA National Director of Marketing (Social Media).
Although it’s only been a few short years, taking a look back reminds me of something Ferris Bueller said,
L
ife moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in chasing the end goal, that we neglect to take time and admire your accomplishments. I’m not suggesting you rest on your laurels, but I am suggesting that you take time to celebrate the mini-victories along the way and ensure you continue to help your network grow.