Build networks at every career stage
SUBMITTED BY CONNIE WIMER | Owner/founder, Business Publications Corp.
Connie Wimer and Martha Willits moderated a July 8 panel through the Downtown Des Moines Chamber’s LEAP program, which focused on building and maintaining professional networks. Wimer and Willits share their message with Lift IOWA readers.
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Connie Wimer speaks during the LEAP event held July 8. |
We all want to build our networks at every stage of life and career. At a recent Leadership Education and Advancement Pipeline (LEAP) session hosted by the Downtown Des Moines Chamber, Martha Willits and Connie Wimer discussed details of their lifelong networking and learning experiences.
The following points are highlights from their presentation:
Wimer and Willits agreed that to accomplish the most, you have to put thought and work into it. For example, when attending an event, try to get a list of people who are attending and do some research on those you most want to meet.
Having an interesting opening remark or question will help the conversation get started. It was suggested that you actually do some role-playing on those conversation starters with a good friend or family member. You will improve with each effort. Also, people tend to remember what they see more than what they hear — particularly at a crowded event — so carry a professional-looking name tag that also has your company name on it just in case they are not provided.
Des Moines is a city where top executives are open to helping young people — almost anyone will return your call and agree to a meeting to discuss your career and your contacts. Again, be prepared and know as much as you can about the person you are meeting with. Be sure to have some specific questions for them. Before the end of the meeting ask if they are willing to suggest three more people that might help you with advice.
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Martha Willits speaks during the LEAP event held July 8. |
During the presentation, Willits noted how women are really good at building community and how everything you do in life is a resume builder. She talked about the three women who mentored her and pushed her to extend herself and do things she might not have done on her own.
Wimer added that women can choose any mentor they want simply by watching others lead and manage. She stressed that you should watch those you admire, but also learn from those you do not want to emulate. Wimer also encouraged everyone to be involved in a supportive group with goals and needs similar to yours — and if one doesn’t exist, create it with like-minded women.
WImer also pointed out that women are their most authentic, believable and likable selves when they are comfortable being who they truly are.
Both women encouraged the group to invest in themselves with both time and money and to continue learning. They mentioned how important your confidence and voice can be in how people perceive you. It was discussed that fear is something natural that we experience and that we should look at it as an invitation to learning, not as something to paralyze us.
Wimer closed the discussion with the challenge of making sure that each day we find a way to help another woman in some way, from something as simple as a sincere compliment to making introductions or giving advice that could be helpful. She also encouraged everyone to think about choosing and mentoring a woman to follow you each time you break through a glass ceiling.
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