Networking As™ [title]
by Megan Burke Roudebush
with
[insert names here]
[insert text here]
Networking As™ [title]
by Megan Burke Roudebush
with
[insert names here]
[insert text here]
At keepwith we know the importance of having a powerful network and leveraging one’s network to do great things. We also know the positive impact that someone’s network can have on his or her professional and personal lives and just how amazing it is each time someone relies on his or her network to make something good or important happen for another person. March is Women’s History Month and we thought there was no better time of year to speak about the connection between networking and power—that is making powerful things happen with and for the people in your network.
Alison Cuddy
Marilyn Thoma Artistic Director, Chicago Humanities Festival
keepwith was introduced to Alison through our advisory board member Alex Quinn, who is also at the Festival, when Alex mentioned the Festival is focused on Power this year, as a theme. Alison is a seasoned journalist who previously served as a Host at WBEZ. keepwith was honored to flip the script and interview Alison to find out more about her approach to networking, her work at Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) bringing people together to engage in fascinating content and programming, and how she views the connection between networking and power.
How do you define networking?
AC: To me, networking is intentional socializing…The power of networking comes from how you build connections, learn from, and have pivotal experiences with people with whom you would not otherwise have crossed paths. The festival in some ways is about a network of ideas focused on a theme. We bring a theme-this year, Power, for example, and we explore the theme across the humanities and social sciences, bringing artists and poets and politicians and scientists together. One of the premises of the Festival is to help people get a sense of the network of ideas, which has a huge impact on their personal and professional lives.
The networking/power link
AC: To me, networking is intentional socializing…The power of networking comes from how you build connections, learn from, and have pivotal experiences with people with whom you would not otherwise have crossed paths. The festival in some ways is about a network of ideas focused on a theme. We bring a theme-this year, Power, for example, and we explore the theme across the humanities and social sciences, bringing artists and poets and politicians and scientists together. One of the premises of the Festival is to help people get a sense of the network of ideas, which has a huge impact on their personal and professional lives.
Personal approach to networking
AC: One rule I have is I try never to say no if someone reaches out. I almost always say yes. I think “it is coming to you, so take that opportunity.” I do a lot of socializing. I go into an event with the goal of making at least one meaningful connection…where you walk away and know something about a person. I balance the broad large events with carving out space for the one-on-ones…I like to have multiple encounters with people before letting them in and I spend one-on-one time with people I want to get to know better. I am part of The Chicago Network…I enjoy being part of organizations that are committed to networking. The more we can get out of our own little bubble, the better.
As we think about the connection between networking and power, here are three things to consider:
1. Powerful things happen when you introduce people in your network to one another for the right reasons.
2. The network of ideas is just as important as the people within your network.
3. Technology can be a powerful force for good or a powerful wedge when it comes to how we build and maintain our relationships.
CHF’s Spring Festival runs from Apr. 25th thru May 4th. CHF’s Fall Festival runs from Oct. 26th thru Nov. 10th.
At keepwith we know the importance of having a powerful network and leveraging one’s network to do great things. We also know the positive impact that someone’s network can have on his or her professional and personal lives and just how amazing it is each time someone relies on his or her network to make something good or important happen for another person. March is Women’s History Month and we thought there was no better time of year to speak about the connection between networking and power—that is making powerful things happen with and for the people in your network.
Alison Cuddy
Marilyn Thoma Artistic Director, Chicago Humanities Festival
keepwith was introduced to Alison through our advisory board member Alex Quinn, who is also at the Festival, when Alex mentioned the Festival is focused on Power this year, as a theme. Alison is a seasoned journalist who previously served as a Host at WBEZ. keepwith was honored to flip the script and interview Alison to find out more about her approach to networking, her work at Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) bringing people together to engage in fascinating content and programming, and how she views the connection between networking and power.
Alison Cuddy
Marilyn Thoma Artistic Director, Chicago Humanities Festival
keepwith was introduced to Alison through our advisory board member Alex Quinn, who is also at the Festival, when Alex mentioned the Festival is focused on Power this year, as a theme. Alison is a seasoned journalist who previously served as a Host at WBEZ. keepwith was honored to flip the script and interview Alison to find out more about her approach to networking, her work at Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) bringing people together to engage in fascinating content and programming, and how she views the connection between networking and power.
Alison Cuddy
Marilyn Thoma Artistic Director, Chicago Humanities Festival
keepwith was introduced to Alison through our advisory board member Alex Quinn, who is also at the Festival, when Alex mentioned the Festival is focused on Power this year, as a theme. Alison is a seasoned journalist who previously served as a Host at WBEZ. keepwith was honored to flip the script and interview Alison to find out more about her approach to networking, her work at Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) bringing people together to engage in fascinating content and programming, and how she views the connection between networking and power.
Alison Cuddy
Marilyn Thoma Artistic Director, Chicago Humanities Festival
keepwith was introduced to Alison through our advisory board member Alex Quinn, who is also at the Festival, when Alex mentioned the Festival is focused on Power this year, as a theme. Alison is a seasoned journalist who previously served as a Host at WBEZ. keepwith was honored to flip the script and interview Alison to find out more about her approach to networking, her work at Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) bringing people together to engage in fascinating content and programming, and how she views the connection between networking and power.
How do you define networking?
AC: To me, networking is intentional socializing…The power of networking comes from how you build connections, learn from, and have pivotal experiences with people with whom you would not otherwise have crossed paths. The festival in some ways is about a network of ideas focused on a theme. We bring a theme-this year, Power, for example, and we explore the theme across the humanities and social sciences, bringing artists and poets and politicians and scientists together. One of the premises of the Festival is to help people get a sense of the network of ideas, which has a huge impact on their personal and professional lives.
The networking/power link
AC: To me, networking is intentional socializing…The power of networking comes from how you build connections, learn from, and have pivotal experiences with people with whom you would not otherwise have crossed paths. The festival in some ways is about a network of ideas focused on a theme. We bring a theme-this year, Power, for example, and we explore the theme across the humanities and social sciences, bringing artists and poets and politicians and scientists together. One of the premises of the Festival is to help people get a sense of the network of ideas, which has a huge impact on their personal and professional lives.
Personal approach to networking
AC: One rule I have is I try never to say no if someone reaches out. I almost always say yes. I think “it is coming to you, so take that opportunity.” I do a lot of socializing. I go into an event with the goal of making at least one meaningful connection…where you walk away and know something about a person. I balance the broad large events with carving out space for the one-on-ones…I like to have multiple encounters with people before letting them in and I spend one-on-one time with people I want to get to know better. I am part of The Chicago Network…I enjoy being part of organizations that are committed to networking. The more we can get out of our own little bubble, the better.
As we think about the connection between networking and power, here are three things to consider:
1. Powerful things happen when you introduce people in your network to one another for the right reasons.
2. The network of ideas is just as important as the people within your network.
3. Technology can be a powerful force for good or a powerful wedge when it comes to how we build and maintain our relationships.
CHF’s Spring Festival runs from Apr. 25th thru May 4th. CHF’s Fall Festival runs from Oct. 26th thru Nov. 10th.
A few years ago, I participated in a high-impact and engaging women’s mentorship program co-sponsored by The Chicago Network and The Executives’ Club of Chicago. The pre-eminence of my mentors and their exceedingly high-caliber advice and support have stayed with me since my participation. Another added benefit was that by participating in the women’s mentorship program, I had the good fortune of meeting four of the five women featured below: Sara Freer, Kaili Kaminski, Sapna Parmar, and Ana Prokic-Kostic. In an effort to keep the conversation going, we have created a power circle (and added rockstar Valerie Rivera). This peer mentorship group convenes quarterly for a call to determine ways we can be helpful to one another. keepwith could not write about Networking As Power, without featuring these women and this circle.
Sara Freer
Chief Communications Officer, New England Research & Management, Inc.
SF: I love our Power Circle because a trusted circle of contemporaries is priceless. I have full confidence in these women and in their success, and it is unique to have a safe space to discuss professional and personal challenges with like-minded professionals across a variety of industries. Small groups that meet regularly like this have been crucial to my personal and career growth. Community and vulnerability equals power.
Kaili Kaminski
Multi-hyphenate: Not-for-profit leader, real estate developer, professional image consultant
KK: Having a sounding board for business decisions coming from women who understand my personal life goals has been one of the best results of being part of a Power Circle. The Power Circle is comprised of peers, other professional women also putting their skills and knowledge on the table to share best practices and resources. My advice for other women is to join their own peer empowerment groups because the camaraderie and support have been invaluably instrumental to my success.
Sapna Parmar
Founder & CEO, Hello Duetto
SP: Networking creates power – when you get a group of smart, driven individuals in a room together around a common purpose, amazing things can happen.
Valerie Rivera
Wealth Management Advisor, TIAA
VR: Networking as power to me means building strong relationships and being vulnerable so that you develop a real, trustworthy and lasting relationship. I participate in The Power Circle to be empowered by a group of diverse, incredibly talented women in a setting where we provide support, advice and challenge one another in a healthy way.
Ana Prokic-Kostic
Regional Director, Business and Financial Operations (Midwest Division), CBRE, Inc
APK: I am tremendously grateful to be able to support (and be supported by) a group of amazing, successful young women. There are no ulterior motives, simply women truly supporting each other professionally and personally.
Here are some takeaways from the power circle experience:
1. Consider forming a small, trusted peer mentorship circle and scheduling a quarterly call to determine ways you can be helpful to one another. The three rules that make this group successful are: 1. confidentiality, 2. prioritizing the calls on your calendar and showing up; and 3. responding to a fellow circle member within 48 hours.
2. Having a small group of brilliant peer mentors whom you can e-mail, call or text anytime is valuable and exemplifies Networking as Power.
3. Keep an eye out for the women featured on this page and what they are up to. No doubt that what they do will be great and that following their success will be worth your time.
As women’s history month comes to a close, keepwith wanted to explore the power behind the people that we know and the power we unlock when we help and support others for the greater good. Whether introducing a friend in job search mode to just the right contact, or reaching out to a new friend for guidance when a once-in-a-lifetime professional opportunity falls into your lap, or simply connecting two wonderful friends because your networking gut just tells you the world will be better if they know each other, networking is power and each woman featured in this piece is living proof.
About
Networking As™
Networking As™ is a recurring series of articles, blog posts and videos highlighting how networking is integral to a particular topic (for example, Networking As™ Wellness). Networking As™ publications may be accompanied by real-life networking events. Future issues will include Networking As™ Mentorship, Networking As™ Business Development, Networking As™ Parenting. Networking As™ Meatballs and Networking As™ Global Assignment, among others.
Have an idea for a future Networking As publication? E-mail megan@keepwith.com
Why
Power
At keepwith, we see the interplay between networking and power every day. The impact from what happens when people activate their networks to connect and help one another is a powerful thing. We know that empowering people to network well leads to strong relationships that make things happen. Now more than ever, it was important to talk about Networking As Power during Women’s History Month. We hope this is only the start of the conversation.
About
keepwith®
We are a company that teaches people how to network well. We provide tailored advice and education that empowers people to form relationships that matter. Said more simply: we teach networking.
Founder Megan Burke Roudebush values authentic relationship building above all else. From New York City and now based outside Chicago, she enjoys volunteering, mentoring and most of all, networking well.
Megan Burke Roudebush
About
keepwith®
We are a company that teaches people how to network well. We provide tailored advice and education that empowers people to form relationships that matter. Said more simply: we teach networking.
Founder Megan Burke Roudebush values authentic relationship building above all else. From New York City and now based outside Chicago, she enjoys volunteering, mentoring and most of all, networking well.
Megan Burke Roudebush
About
keepwith®
We are a company that teaches people how to network well. We provide tailored advice and education that empowers people to form relationships that matter. Said more simply: we teach networking.
Founder Megan Burke Roudebush values authentic relationship building above all else. From New York City and now based outside Chicago, she enjoys volunteering, mentoring and most of all, networking well.
Megan Burke Roudebush
Please
Join Us
Hire Us
Know an organization or team who would benefit from networking education and advice?
Please contact Megan Roudebush (megan@keepwith.com) to schedule a brainstorming call to figure out how we can help.