Valley PR Blog

Being vague is the plague

By Charlotte Shaff on May 26th, 2010 In Professional Development

Today at the Phoenix PRSA monthly luncheon, networking guru, Gelie Akhenblit of Networking Phoenix offered some tips and education about networking. Many people assume because we are in PR and “communicate” that we must know how to network. But, its really not as easy as you think. Networking is something you should always be doing. Even when you don’t need to. For one, you don’t look desperate and you are open to creating new relationships and learning about others. Gelie says her definition of networking is “making friends.” We like and trust our friends. We do business with people we like and trust.

For those of you looking for a job or in between jobs, Gelie suggests that you don’t go to networking events and announce you are looking for a job. It is better to make connections and get to know people in the industries or companies you are interested in. Also, when you meet someone and they ask what you do, you don’t have to say “I am unemployed.” Instead, just state that you work in “PR and Communications” and then ask what they do.

What time should you go to a networking event? Gelie gets a lot of results arriving late. She learned this by accident, but for her it works because she says that people are already talking and open to talking more. But, to make the most of an event, she suggests you go early and leave late. If you arrive early, you can meet the organizers and the speakers and make connections from the start. As more people arrive, you are already in conversations and people will come to you to start talking to someone.

Should you go to a morning or evening event? Who do you want to meet or do business with? Generally speaking, people who attend events in the morning have a “day job” and those who network at night are entrepreneurs.

It seems so simple, but it made a lot of sense when Gelie said there are promoters and there are networkers at events. Can you guess what the difference is? The “promoters” shuck out their card and talk about themselves.  ”Networkers” are looking to learn more about others and start a relationship or friendship.

Also, follow up and introductions are important, just like in PR. If you made a connection, follow up and move forward with your needs. And if you need an introduction, Gelie states that its “Terrific to be specific.” Who are you, what do you need, where is the connection? Being vague is the plague…kind of like how a general press release doesn’t garner many results, but a customized, individual pitch is key.

I think it was a great event and hope you will consider attending one of the next PRSA events and network with each other. We all can brush up on our skills . I learned a few things and feel more confident about how I approach my next networking event.

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