Thoughts on Ethical Networking
By Marcel Sachse

On May 28, 2009 the Next Leaders Network (NLN) presented its first professional development opportunity, ‘Ethical Networking’. Here, NLN member Marcel Sachse contributes his perspective on the workshop and his experience with ethical networking.

I have a nine-to-five job, and I am also actively involved in a sports club. I love both, and try to stay on top of things in order to juggle my commitments. I attend meetings, networking events, dinner parties and the occasional sporting event to get the latest scoop on what matters. I don’t feel like I am much different from anybody else that has a busy schedule, but when I come home from these events, I often feel like I could have gotten more out of them.

Hoping to learn how I can improve my networking skills, I participated in the Next Leaders Network 'Ethical Networking' workshop, which was facilitated by networking expert Rita Morin.  Rita gave the group some useful networking guidelines; come prepared, ask questions and stay in touch.

One of Rita’s tips that made total sense to me was to create an “elevator speech”. Develop this 20 second verbal business card to not only describe what you do, but also to create curiosity, so that people will want to know more about you. The next time you are at a meeting, your answer to, “So, what is it you do?” will be an easy ice breaker. A new job offer, that sponsor you have been waiting for, or that new volunteer for your organization is now a lot closer.

Rita also suggested that you brainstorm a few questions that you would like to find answers for before you head to your next networking event. For example, you might ask about ideas for developing a new marketing strategy or finding some insider tips for your next trip to Alaska. These questions will help facilitate conversation and people will be flattered that you are asking for their ideas. Remember that the answer might not come from the person that you originally chat with, you may talk with several people before you find the information you are looking for. The idea of asking questions is not only about finding answers, but also about building trust and relationships. Be curious about what others have experienced and be ready to help with what you know.

Keep in mind that the networking event may last a few hours, but you still have networking to do once the event is over. When you get home, write a Thank-You card to people who you think helped you a great deal. Stay in touch by forwarding interesting articles or opportunities to people you think will benefit.

The techniques that we learned in the workshops were pretty simple, so I tried them at my next networking event. You can probably guess what happened - they worked! I made a great step forward with my current projects by asking other participants for their ides, and I found two new players for our sports team. I encourage you to give it a go yourself.

Marcel Sachse is member of the Next Leaders Network and the Assistant Manager at FootSolutions in Vancouver, helping people find footwear to accommodate various physiological foot conditions. Marcel teaches handball at community centres and elementary schools in Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Prince George. He is also supporter of community projects in Papua New Guinea.