Confessions of a Networking Queen

Erin Albert, freelance writer and networking novice, interviews the Queen of Networking, Ms. Hazel Walker, owner of BNI chapters in Indiana.

Many divas probably network socially and professionally without even realizing it. However, as aspiring networkers, we wanted to ask Networking Queen, Hazel Walker, about what it really takes to be a top-shelf, rock-star-level, power networker for Diva Toolbox. Our top 5 questions are below about networking, with a bonus question, on how to ‘work’ your network!

1. Why should anyone consider investing time in building a social network, even those who feel they don’t need one for professional reasons?

One of the most important things a person can do is build a network when they don’t need it. Someday they may need it. Honestly, when it comes to online social networking for non-professional reasons, I would say it is for the sheer joy of getting to know people from all over the world. Building friendships with people that have a common interest, people from other countries and people you simply learn to share ideas with.

Professionally, I find my social networking as valuable as my face to face networking. I have built some great contacts in other cities, states, and countries. I look to build relationships with people who may be able to help me in many different ways. I join groups like the E-book group because I want to learn to write an eBook. I have great people in the group who have really helped me. You can utilize networking when connecting to friends, finding help and expertise, developing referrals, and learning from others.

2. What are the biggest mistakes/faux pas people make when it comes to social and professional networking?

People don’t have a plan; they do not know what they want to achieve from t heir networking activities. All too often people join sites or organizations to network and they only think about all the people they want to meet. But, they do not give thought to what the want to achieve. They also do not protect their professional reputation on their social networking sites.

3. What can an individual do to avoid those mistakes?

Have a plan. You do not need to belong to every single site just as you do not want to be a member of every single networking group in your town or city. When you decide to put a profile up know why you are doing and what you want to achieve. For instance. I am on Ecademy because I want to do more speaking in other countries. So I blog, connect, and discuss topics with many on the site. On Linkedin, I want to be able to share my network and have others share their network with me. I use the Answers section of the site as a way to develop and show my expertise as well as develop material to write. I use Facebook and Twitter to build relationships with many of the people I have met on my other sites. Each builds upon the other.

PROTECT Your Reputation. I am appalled at what people will post online…I have witnessed strong religious view points, and political views that are very controversial. Also, personal information should not be put online. Remember that everyone can read what you post–your customers, potential customers, referral sources, bosses, and future bosses. Protect your reputation! Post with cautions, it is your reputation on the line!

4. What % of the time should you network online v. live v. other ways?

You can hit diminished return when networking. Every single hour you spend networking is costing you money when it is wasted time. If your hour is worth $50 and you are networking 8 hours per week, face to face, online, one to one, it is $400 per day, times 5 days, which equals $2000 per week. It is important to have a plan and to know that you are investing the time well. Track your time and your results. I do my online networking a t night with my laptop while I sit in my comfy chair and listen to music or watch TV so I am not using my sales time during the day.

5. What does a rock-star social diva of networking look like? (What habits do they embody?)
 She has a giving attitude, offering to connect others, and offering information back to her network.
She has a win-win attitude. Everyone wins when she wins, and when she wins, everyone wins!
She has a diversified network, not just one kind of person, but a great variety of people.
She is able to cross over from online to face to face with little problem.
She has a positive attitude and others seek her out.
She is a connector or gatekeeper who others turn to.
She is accountable to herself and others.
She seeks knowledge and does not hesitate to turn to her network when she has questions.
She does not mind helping and mentoring others.

6. Bonus question: should one keep their personal and professional networks separate, or decompartmentalize?

Maybe. It goes back to protecting your reputation. If I have family and friends who are going to be off color or too personal, I do not want them in my professional network. I want to make sure that my professional network sees me as professional. If my friends are talking about getting drunk, using foul language or posting unprofessional photos, I would not mix them.

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Erin Albert, freelance writer and networking novice, interviews the Queen of Networking, Ms. Hazel Walker, owner of BNI chapters in Indiana. Hazel can be reached at Hazel@bni.com, and Erin can be reached at her website, www.erinalbert.com.