Five Good Ideas about taking networking to the next level

Five Good Ideas Podcast

In this session, originally recorded on October 25, 2018, we look at taking networking to the next level with our speaker Emily Mills.

For the full transcript, visit https://maytree.com/five-good-ideas/five-good-ideas-about-taking-networking-to-the-next-level/

It’s not just about who you know – but about the meaningful ways you can exchange value with others. That’s the key to effective networking, and the cornerstone for connections that last. In this Five Good Ideas session, Emily Mills, founder of How She Hustles, shared networking techniques that helped her build a virtual village of 10,000 diverse women and sell out networking events for almost a decade. She offered practical advice on how you can tap into your network, cultivate deeper relationships, and expand your personal and professional circle.

Five Good Ideas

1. Focus on what matters to people. NOT just knowing more people.

2. Don’t just ask. GIVE. Think about ways you can add value to others.

3. Go digital. Making connections on social media is critical.

4. Remember that famous movie line from Jerry McGuire: “Help me, help you!” Tell your network that you need help – people are often keen to help you succeed.

5. Step out of your comfort zone regularly. Find places and spaces where you know nobody – and then expand your network.

Resources

1. BusinessInsider.com: A master networker shares his top 20 networking tips

2. Twitter – Follow a #hashtag or handle that interests you. Example – Follow 3x people tweeting @metromorning every week with interesting perspectives about civic issues in the GTA.

3. Watch this Youtube video by Cher Jones in “Should I add strangers to my LinkedIn network?”

4. Eventbrite. Explore local events to meet new people. Search by city, category, date, etc.

5. You! Take a look at your existing network. Who haven’t you emailed, called, or met in person for a while? It might be time to reconnect.

About Emily Mills

Connecting people is a life-long passion for Emily Mills, an award-winning senior communicator and the founder of How She Hustles. Eight years ago, Emily founded How She Hustles, a network that connects diverse women through social media and Toronto events. She’s hosted 17 buzz-worthy events from women’s brunches to entrepreneur panels that have consistently sold out and trended on Twitter, with up to 400 guests from Olympians to CEOs. Previously, Emily was a senior communications officer at CBC, one of Canada’s largest media companies. Her responsibilities included marketing plans, community engagement and talent relations for top-rated shows like Metro Morning with Matt Galloway. Last year, Emily created HERstory in Black, a digital photo series featuring 150 inspiring black women that she successfully pitched to CBC. The project earned the attention of the Prime Minister on social media, national press coverage, became a one-hour TV documentary, and lead to an unprecedented celebration. For this innovative work, Emily and her colleagues won the 2017 CBC President’s Award. She was also named a 2017 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow and is featured in this year’s 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women book. Emily holds degrees in journalism and music, and has studied public relations. She’s been an invited speaker by Twitter Canada, Lean in Canada, YWCA Canada, and more. She enjoys life with her two energetic sons and husband. Connect with her on LinkedIn or @howshehustles on Twitter and Instagram.