Networking for Success: Professional Relationships

Here’s my story.

Many years ago, I moved to a new city to reunite with my college sweetheart. He was the only person I really knew, and his sister and brother I met years before. Other than them – I knew no one. PLUS, I had no job! What to do?

After a couple of months, my beau’s sister asked me to volunteer, writing a few news releases and other communications materials for the nonprofit where she worked. After another couple of months, I was hired by that nonprofit’s President & CEO as Director of Communications for the Urban League of Greater Kansas City. It became apparent it was important to develop both professional, personal and community relationships. And, so I did – person by person and organization by organization.

I must admit that working for that nonprofit helped with connections on all fronts, but so did my mover and shaker of a significant other. Through him and the organization, I met a wide circle of government, corporate and community influencers. However, early on it was important that I create my own identity in this new city and develop my own professional, personal, community and social networks.

During the two-year stint at the Urban League, I worked on a myriad of projects involving other organizations. After completing one successful project, the individual with whom I worked suggested that I apply for the communications position in her organization, AARP.  Of course, I could not say NO. The position would allow me to enhance my professional development by creating an expansion of communications responsibilities beyond the metropolitan city area. If hired, I would be responsible for a seven-state communications region.

After hired by AARP as the Associate State Director for Communications, I immediately took steps to connect to professional communications organizations. By joining IABC, PRSA, NABJ, KCABJ, AWC and reconnecting to Sigma Delta Chi (Society of Professional Journalists-SPJ) there was an uptick in camaraderie in the profession. However, it was the AWC I found most welcoming and nurturing, so after several years, I dropped IABC and PRSA. 

AWC offered opportunities to take on a variety of leadership responsibilities – and I did reach the highest pinnacle in the chapter as President – a most rewarding year.

While nurturing professional pursuits, I also needed to widen my circle of contacts to include a myriad of disciplines and cultures. That’s when I discovered the Central Exchange through a colleague. The organization was founded in 1980 by women because the men would not allow them to play in their business and civic sandboxes. This organization still thrives because it empowers and cultivates women as leaders across generations. Combined with my Urban League, AARP, and professional affiliations, my network grew exponentially.

Seriously active participation by working to support the mission of my targeted organizations, harvested other fulfilling opportunities. I must emphasize that any networking strategy must involve sincere and unhampered engagement, particularly when you are a member of that organization.

For example, early on I volunteered to serve on a couple of committees at the Central Exchange. Then, one Saturday afternoon, I received a call from a board member who invited me to join the slate of board of director candidates. After an in-depth conversation with her, I agreed and was elected during the annual meeting. Lesson known and re-enforced: people observe what you do and how you do it. And relationships matter very much.

Another member of the Central Exchange was the future Mayor of Kansas City. Because she knew me and of my civic history, I was selected to serve on the Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities. While on that committee, a fellow member offered me up to serve on the Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County-eitas and was appointed to the board by the Jackson County Executive Director. It is never unwise to forget that one relationship and work adventure begets other opportunities and to ever expand your network.

Again, people observing your actions makes a difference in what you can accomplish and how your network can grow. I subsequently was asked to join other boards including Stephens College Trustees, Harvesters-The Community Food Bank, Community Blood Center, University of Kansas Heart Hospital Community Women’s Advisory Council, University of Missouri Friends of the Library, and Urban League Board of Governors.

The message in all of this:

Build your networks where you have passion and when you have passion for the mission. Opportunities arise when you least expect them so take advantage after lending a critical eye. Because you have been observed doing your best and have established authentic relationships, there can be a watershed of exceptional experiences that await you.

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