Finaces & Lifestyle > Get the Hook Up Through Networking
By Inga Hyche
Living in Seattle, you might ask “Where are the black folks?” who could help you in the future or become apart of your future. Human resources
are the best resources.
Gentrification has forced many to relocate further away from the Central District,
once the heart and soul of the black community. In spite of it, social and professional Remember me?
networking has kept the community connected.
7. Stay in touch
Networking is an old practice, more recently people of color have discovered the
Send a email or snail mail expressing gratitude for meeting the individuals the following
invaluable benefits of it and in greater numbers than before. It’s an easy way to get
day. Follow up on every lead not matter how minor. Set-up another date. (Coffee, lunch)
in-the-know, stay abreast of community news, connect with others in the community
and reconnect with those from the past.
Reevaluate your performance consider what worked well and what needs improvement.
Look to others for clues. Take notice of those who may be introverts but work in careers
There’s an art form to finesse your skills as a networker. Here are a few tips
that keep them well connected and those who are extraverts with your common interest.
1. Always look for opportunities.
Linking up with these individuals, they could help jump start this process and help
further develop your skills in networking.
Networking doesn’t happen at a planned event. There are always opportunities to
network and one should always look for opportunities to meet new people. Make Networking can be personally and professionally rewarding experience. There are
every public appearance an opportunity to network. Meet as many people you can, many benefits of networking even though initially it can be intimidating. Getting
everywhere you can; grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores, sporting events, started is the hardest part. Start small, go to a couple random events. Soon you will
weddings and even church services. discover the best groups for you. Be consistent in attending those groups. Finally, be
patient, it takes time to develop lasting relationships.
Also, try the salon / barbershop, the public library, Jazz or Hip-Hop lounges and the
bus stop. (Why Not!) Here’s a couple of links that can help you get started.
2. Know who and why. Social Networking
Before you get started, you need to know the type of person you want to meet and why. • Facebook.com
Social networking and professional networking are the two most common reasons. • Blackplanet.com
• BlackPeopleMeet.com
The most popular way to begin networking is to log onto the world-wide-web. There
• Twitter.com
are many organizational sites and group sites appropriate for your need or wants.
• Yahoo.360.com (young adults, middle age)
3. Get Connected
• Bookcrossing.com (book lovers)
• Spout.com (film lovers)
A common way to find a group is to perform a general internet search. An efficient
• MOG.com (music loves)
way to perform a group search is to go to Google.groups.com or Yahoo/Groups. There
are other search engines that provide the same capabilities. Type in keywords such as
Professional Networking
“Sewing Seattle” or “Seattle Accountants,” etc.). This will give you a list of groups
• NetworkingLinkedin.com
or organization serving these interests.
• Blackbusinesspro.com
It is easy to become a member, follow the instructions, introduce yourself and before
• Blackprofessionalpeoplemeet.com
you know it you’ve entered the world of networking. Instantly you will begin to receive
• Buppienetwork.com
e-mails from the group, advertising upcoming event or other information.
• SULYP.org
• NAACP.org
Once you’re a member, get familiar with the other members, who they are and what
they do. Identify those who you might want to meet. Send a personal e-mail if you’re
eager and make a note of the next event, be prepared to attend.
If possible join every networking club and association in
your field, it will widen the field and ultimately provide
you with more contacts or the perfect contact.
4. Be Aggressive B.E.
Aggressive !
Head on down to the Goddess Gallery
Experts say the best way to network is to take initiative.
for natural hair care, independant artist,
Assert yourself in conversation present yourself in
a confident yet approachable manner. If you need to
healing crystals, yoga, and more
refine your communication skills- Do it! There are many
resources available. Try the local Toastmaster group.
Become comfortable asking others what they do and
become comfortable tell others what you do.
5. Polish your
presentation skills.
It’s okay to have a rehearsed personal introduction
or professional spill. Learn more than one approach
(subtle/frank).
Always have updated business cards or brochures
available.
6. It’s NOT all about you
Listen. Listen. Listen. The single most important thing to
do. Take genuine interest in others. These are the people
8219 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047
20  NAPTURAL ROOTS  VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30