Connie K. Grier shares a few tips to support your son’s foray into the world of professional relationship building.
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For my sons, one of the positives of having a mother with an insane schedule is exposure to the world outside of the classroom. I recall one evening in particular, as a community meeting came to a close. As I sat and chatted with a colleague, I looked up and saw the twins engaged in a full blown conversation with a professor of computer science, asking questions about programming, as the professors head ping ponged back and forth between the two of them, with a smile on his face. Clearly, he was pleasantly surprised with the level of interaction my sons offered him, and I was happy that my sons were able to have an experience that was both positive and character building. They had taken their first steps into the world of networking.
Teaching our children to network effectively may seem as if we are pushing our children too rapidly into the “real world” Realistically speaking, our sons are already there. On a daily basis, they are placed in situations where their ability to communicate effectively (equally balancing the giving and taking of information), take away knowledge from exchanges, and leave a good impression on others is required of them.
As our sons journey from childhood to young adulthood, they will develop a greater focus on career choices. Often, there are relationships that can be “networked” in such a way that exposure to their career interests can be enhanced. Here are a few tips to support their foray into the world of professional relationship building:
Communicate Within Your Circle
Your personal network starts with the people you already know. For most of us that includes friends and families.
Stay in touch with folks and let everyone know what you are looking for. You never know when someone is going to turn from a passing acquaintance into a useful contact. Once you have a rapport within your circle, you’ll have the hard work already done when you need assistance from one of those friends.
Talk to Strangers When Reasonable and Safe
We never know where our sons are going to make a professional connection.
Work on helping them to build their confidence. Practice approaching strangers at functions, offering your hand, and simply saying, “Hi there! I don’t think we’ve met. My name is ____.” As you serve as an example, your son, when safe, may find it easier to do. Having this skill will definitely set our sons ahead of most young men.
Follow Up
Meeting people is great. But to actually network you have to get them to connect with you after that first meeting. In your conversation, exchange contact info and a REASON TO RECONNECT!
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