RadioMIW

You've heard the business mantra: "Network." But what does it mean? What do you do? Is it difficult? We polled the MIWs and asked them for their best networking tips made easy. So here's a practical how-to guide for getting it done!

My networking tip is simple...learn something of value about every person you meet. Go beyond their business and title and ask deeper questions. The more you know about someone, the greater his or her value is to you and vice versa. Conversely, don’t be afraid to let new acquaintances and associates learn more about you. Your network is only a network when it’s helping you and you’re helping others.
Cindy Schloss
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Kansas City

Networking is nothing more than building strong relationships within your workplace and the industry. People who excel at networking are visible in the industry, volunteer to speak and take on committee work, are consistently professional, and take the time to follow up with people they meet along the way.
Nancy Vaeth
Senior Vice President/Regional Manager
Susquehanna Radio

The best way to network effectively with potential clients is to find an opportunity to work with them on a common project. The best places to do that? Any group that has committees. Start with the local Ad Club. Check out local associations (National Association of Women Business Owners; Chamber of Commerce; Rotary) and local community charities (Boys and Girls Clubs, Urban League) to see if you can work with their Boards. Join an ad community softball league team. Or bowling team. Anything that puts you beside a person you want to influence and enables you to build trust with them.
Mary Beth Garber
President
Southern California Broadcasters Assn

I'm always impressed when I get a follow-up note or e-mail after interviewing someone. But after receiving the same Word-template phrasing from a number of (entry-level) candidates, the lack of thought started working against the candidates. When you network or follow up with someone you've just met or have known forever, be sure to write an original and thoughtful note/e-mail.
Ruth Presslaff
President
Presslaff Interactive Revenue

Networking is the lifeline to business. Based on attrition alone, we as an industry must continually network to meet new potential advertisers to make up for the business that does not return. More importantly, Radio must market itself to advertisers that have not used or have underutilized the medium. From a networking tip or tips perspective, I personally love to meet new people and I always do so with an open mind. From experience, I have had much greater success building a relationship with an individual that I meet outside of a formal sales call. In that way by the time we get into a formal business discussion I am starting with a relationship. I always look at every encounter as "who really can help who". There are always opportunities.
Debbie Durben
President
Interep Marketing Group

Resolve in 2005 to take to lunch each week a different person you normally don't work with directly but admire and respect in your career field. At the end of the year you'll have a network of more than 50 new people and a boatload of great ideas and information you never would have gotten any other way.
I've found that networking comes in many packages. Getting to know the movers and shakers in business has always helped me. Usually becoming acquaintances with two or more creates a whole new circle of influencers and friends. Also being involved in notable charities has been a great networking tool. Not only do I meet influencers but I also get to give back to a community.
Get on the Board of Directors of a well-respected non-profit organization. This will open many doors and you’ll also feel great about giving back to the community. That being said...how does one get on the BOD? Start by going to the organization's events. Make donations. Volunteer to do committee work. Let it be known that you're available to help. After a time, tell the executive director or other BOD members that you'd like to know when the next board opening arises because you're interested in broadening your service to the organization. You'll be the first person they call when they've got that opening.
Amy Rosenthal
President/General Manager
ABC Minneapolis

One or two days in advance of going to an event where there will be assigned seating, ask the hosts or sponsoring organization for the names and companies of those with whom you will be seated. Be sure to preface your request with an explanation that you are hoping they can spare a moment in their busy planning to share this information, because you want to do a little advance preparation to make the most of the opportunity to meet new people. If you know your host well, he or she may be willing to tell you something about each person. Whether or not that is the case, you should then use an Internet search engine, such as Google, to see what you can learn about each individual. The advance research will allow you to jump into a meaningful conversation and/or quickly figure out what you have in common. Under the right circumstances, it can also be fun to catch people by surprise with little known facts about themselves. When asked how you knew, don't be afraid to confess that you "Googled" them in advance. They will most likely be impressed that you took the time to do so. Once the ice is broken, conversation flows.

Whenever you exchange business cards, take a moment (when you are not in that person's presence) to write down things you learned about them on the back of the card. This might include previous companies they worked at, their alma mater, the names of their children, a book they highly recommend reading, etc. The information will give you reasons to follow up with them at later date, or provide you with a link you will unexpectedly need in the future. For example, perhaps the company he or she previously worked at has a job you are interested in six months later, or maybe your future intern will be from that alma mater and could benefit greatly from meeting that person. Your notes are a goldmine that will one day be discovered.
Joyce M. Tudryn
President
International Radio & Television Society Foundation

1) Offer to speak at local rotary meetings and colleges about our business. This not only gets good people in the pipeline for our future, but it has turned up the occasional good recruit for my stations.

2) Attend seminars – RAB, NAB, local ad club meetings, AWRT, etc.
Kim Guthrie
Regional VP
Cox Radio

Any time I meet anyone I am interested in networking with, or if I read an article about someone I would like to know or have access to, I always send him or her a personal letter or note in the mail. Yes, the mail. In today's electronic age, I feel a personal letter not only stands out, but people are impressed that you took the time to actually sit down and write a note. It makes a big impression.
Erica Farber
Publisher/CEO
Radio & Records.

My tips are simple and few. I have always made a point of returning every phone call I get (sometimes it may take a few days). Often over the years, I have found that by doing this I find myself connecting with people unexpectedly who frequently have ended up later helping me in some way with my career. Never assume that it's a wasted return call! I also suggest that when asked to provide an informational interview to someone (whether a friend of a friend, son/daughter of a colleague etc), always find time to do so. People are very grateful for this kind of opportunity and I have found that it comes back in many ways over time.
Michele Grosenick
RVP/Seattle/Oregon
Clear Channel Radio

Never be afraid to ask. Make that contact. What is the worst that can happen?
If you want to Get you must Give. Be a resource, even when you don't have the time! Always, always, always follow up with a Thank You!
Mary Quass
President CEO
NewRadio Group, LLC

I have found that one of the best ways to network is in the area of community involvement. Getting involved in the community accomplishes more than one goal. As trustees of the local airwaves I believe, as do most broadcasters, that we as leaders of our radio groups need to demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve. A by-product of this genuine commitment is bonding with individuals in the community. Such a bond usually results in a strong network driven by common interest. I firmly believe that a strong network includes both individuals inside and outside of our industry, and community involvement results in a more diverse network.
Kristine G. Foate
President and CEO
Summit City Radio Group, LLC

Remember that networking is not really about you. The whole purpose of networking is to help others and, in the process, help yourself as well. But you won't get far if you don't have something to offer others. Some women I've seen believe that they're entitled to be helped just because they made the first move to make the contact. It's fine to ask for help, but be aware that you should give something back, even if it's just forwarding some appropriate, interesting articles you've read. It's a two-way street.
Corinne Baldassano
President
Translucent Media