Anyone know anything about 'networking' and introductions?

[networkynot]

Hello! Does anyone out there know anything about networking? The background is that my friend is fairly senior in a large corporate. I do research and some consultancy in a specific area, but it's all quite low key at the moment - I'm hoping to build the consultancy up as I get more expert. Anyway, my friend has made an introduction to someone in her organisation who is very senior in the area in which I would like to become expert and do more consultancy. That person has suggested a meeting which is taking place in a week or so. Hope you're still with me!! Anyway, it's all great, but I have absolutely NO idea what the purpose of the meeting should be! I'm not angling for consultancy because I don't think I know enough. Am I entitled to pick her brains about what she does and how she does it or will that look like espionage? Should I try and present myself as more expert than I am - just in case one day in future there is consultancy!? If anyone has any experience on 'networking' of this nature I'd be really grateful because I haven't got a clue and it's my worst kind of thing, although I know that it's really important and I've got to do it. Thanks in advance!

What did your friend say to her?

Most people are happy to talk about their experience and career route so you may find it a really useful conversation. Ask her for tips and ideas about how you can build your experience. Also, maybe she would be interested in mentoring you?

What has your friend said to this person about you when she made the introduction?

Lol x posts. Yes, mentoring is a great idea.

ApuskiDusky

Thanks for your answers. My main experience so far is sort of academic, so my friend said that I was now looking to build up experience in the 'real' world. I think. Also, although she's really senior in what she does, she's employed and I want to do consultancy so it's a little bit different. I hadn't thought about mentoring, that's really interesting. I don't know if I could be brave enough to ask her that! Seems like an imposition on someone I hardly know?

You have nothing to lose by asking! Also, I'm not sure why you think that being employed is so different from consulting? It just means that she has one client.

I would seriously consider the mentoring option, and many women who have worked to a senior level are keen to support others. I think she would be flattered to be asked and can always say no if it doesn't suit.

No, you're absolutely right re: consulting/employment and to be honest I could easily end up being employed at some point. Thanks for the idea, as I said, not something I'd thought of but a good one.

You could always play the mentoring issue by ear, ask her towards the end if it feels like she would be willing to help further.

As for the rest of the meeting, I think as long as you aren't asking her for a job (the usual fear in these situations), then anything goes. I'd focus on three areas:

The field (i.e. what developments does she see happening over the next few years - this can turn into a discussion where you can use your research knowledge and gain some credibility as well as info)

You (i.e. what does she think of your skill set, what gaps should you try to address, what career next steps can she suggest - you could give her a 1 page CV before).

The market (i.e. as someone who might buy in your type of consultancy, or what she knows of those who do, what is looked for, who buys, and what networking routes there might be).

And ask her if there is anyone else she can suggest you talk to as well; so she then gives you another introduction, and your network expands.

hth

Hi Apuski, That's amazingly helpful. That all makes absolute sense, good things to discuss and professional. Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.