Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the afternoon with District Sales Managers and Regional Directors with Sanofi-Aventis.It is always a challenge to speak about Networking with women who already do it so well.So, as always I spoke about how to take it to another level, how, as Emeril says, to “kick it up a notch”It really comes down to “mindset” especially as women; we tend to feel that Networking is expedient. We also discussed that we don’t like asking.What I have discovered, after years of teaching Networking around the world, is that you should “frame” your request in a way that feels comfortable for you. An example is: “I would so appreciate your thoughts on this, or do you have any ideas as to how I should proceed?”The other part of the program that was remarkable was how much “currency” we all have.We often think if we don’t have something tangible to “give” then we cannot ask. But our giving can come in many different forms and if we think creatively we have so much more to offer than we may have originally thought.While driving home, I was struck by the fact that it really does all come down to our perceptions of ourselves and sometimes just a word can shift our view on something.
What I always appreciate about these sessions is people’s willingness to learn. Here was a group of already successful women, who were open to expanding.
I also really appreciate the variety of my career. Today I will be producing guest segments for CNNI, and while it may seem unrelated, it is in fact where I put everything I teach into practice.
I am continually looking for alternative currency that I have to offer, and continuously navigating corporate America. The journey continues…
Next week I work with CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) in Hartford….so look forward to sharing that experience…