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Jaded Networker
Key phrase: I'm not getting value any more.
Their motivation is either to be entertained or to be rejuvenated
in their enthusiasm.
The Jaded Networker has lost interest in networking events because
it seems that there are no real opportunities in them. Jadeds tend
to see too many of the same faces at association meetings, conventions
and chambers, and as a result, are finding that there's less of
a return on their time investment. Sometimes they attend out of
habit or because their employers expect them to be at their annual
conventions. They can find themselves a little bored, even annoyed
that they have to attend because the value isn't entirely obvious.
Conventions are more interesting for the session topics than the
networking for some Jadeds, and they can feel that critical work
time is being lost when they have to attend an annual meeting.
Some Jaded Networkers are longtime members of their organizations.
Some of them are founding members, top office holders, past presidents
and otherwise leaders who attend out of loyalty to the membership
or to the relationships they've developed. Because they have been
leaders for so long, they may not feel that there are new opportunities
for them within their organizations. It's not that they don't care,
it's just that they've been around for a long time and done much
of what was available to do.
If you're a Jaded Networker, it can be a challenge for you to enjoy
and make the most of your networking opportunities where you are
feeling as though the potential has been tapped. Here are some suggestions
for you to consider:
1. Become a mentor. Interview new members and attendees
about their needs and help them get integrated into the organization.
The more you give, the more you get. You can make the difference
in the organization's future by helping identify and develop its
future leadership.
2. Meet the speakers and learn from them. Offer to be
their ride to and from the airport. Maybe it's time for you to
be a speaker at one of the conferences; have you considered that
your leadership and experience might be of interest to your organization?
3. Change how you network. You may have developed some
habits that have kept you from tapping the potential of relationships
that you've only superficially touched. Go back to the people
you know and ask them deeper questions about their work. Get to
know things about them they might have revealed to you before.
See them in a different light. By asking good, open-ended questions,
you'll learn more about them and potentially open up new avenues
professionally and personally.
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Rejuventating the Leader's Leader
Ellen T is a past state president of her women's professional
organization. Starting out fifteen years ago as a new member,
she worked her way up through the organization. She knows
all the members by name and has held every post available.
As past local and state president, she's done her time on
the boards, councils, volunteer efforts and community outreaches.
She feels as though she's already done it all, knows everyone
and doesn't want to repeat any of her career path. In spite
of herself, she finds herself talking to the same friends
each time she goes to a chapter meeting, rarely meets anyone
new and finds herself wanting to skip meetings or even dreading
going, but her loyalty forces her to attend. She envies the
leaders who now enjoy the spotlight that was once hers to
bask in. Is it time for her to find another organization to
join, or can she still contribute to this one?
What Ellen can do:
Ellen is a perfect mentor for new leadership. With her experience
she can help integrate new members and potential members into
her organization and energize them about serving. Her background
makes her a perfect example for others to follow, and they
are definitely watching her. Ellen can take on one or more
people whose skills need shaping and who need guidance as
to how to best take the organization to the next level. Her
challenge is to let go of her attachment to positional leadership
and find her satisfaction in serving as a mentor. She also
is missing opportunities by not interviewing people she thinks
she already knows. All these years she's been so busy serving
the organization that she hasn't really taken the time to
learn about the other members in depth, and that's the next
step. By really learning their skills, likes, dislikes, personalities
and quirks, she can expand her enjoyment of people already
in her circle and better help them get connected with other
members. Every organization needs its internal networking
expert and rarely do they maximize the existing talent. Ellen
is the perfect candidate, and she will wield more influence
in this role than she ever did as state president.
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