How I’m Navigating Successful Networking
Posted on Nov. 18, 2022 / Subscribe 0
Networking is an impactful tool I’m using during my internship – meeting many different people in the public relations industry. I didn’t understand exactly how to network, but what we have coined as coffee chats, a two-way interview-style conversation over coffee, tea or any drink of choice, during my internship have set the tone. I’ve been reaching out to Chapter Board members and committee members and have received valuable perspectives. This ranges from those who just entered the workforce to people who’ve been in the industry for 20 years.
Being an intern for PRSA Detroit is helping me network with people who have experience in agencies, corporate and nonprofit organizations. From what I’ve learned so far, there are many great ways to network with people.
PREPARATION
To prepare for networking you have to put your best foot forward. It isn’t as formal as an interview, but you should still be just as prepared. Before attending events I:
- Plan a business formal or business casual outfit so I look the part - you never want to stand out in a bad way
- Set goals for myself. That could include meeting at least five new people and learning three new things.
- Prepare questions to ask panelists, event planners, etc. Even when you are mingling with new people you may have to steer the conversation at times so having relevant discussion points and questions ready is helpful.
GO TO EVENTS
Many organizations, including PRSA Detroit, often have events for people to share their experiences and network with those in the same industry. Recently, I went to PRSA Detroit’s Executive PR & Media Mixer, which was an opportunity to meet media professionals in the metro Detroit area. This event was an opportunity for me to connect with PRSA members for the first time in person and to meet new people in other Detroit membership organizations, the National Black Public Relations Society - Detroit and the Detroit National Association of Black Journalists. There was mingling and helpful advice for young professionals like myself.
Even if you are still a student, there are several networking opportunities. For example, Oakland University’s PRSSA chapter has an annual Mocktail Networking night where you can meet alumni and other public relations professionals. During the pandemic, this was a virtual event, where we gave students prepared questions to ask professionals via Zoom and allowed them to connect and learn from one another. It’s a great event to get your name out there as a student and start talking with professionals.
FOLLOW UP
After these events, I make it a goal to connect with the people I met on LinkedIn. It's great to build a network of people out of a good conversation and to continue that on the appropriate platforms. Going to these events is a gateway to great connections with people in the PR industry. But I believe joining a membership organization like PRSSA or PRSA Detroit allows you to maximize your networking efforts over time, so you can continue to meet wonderful people in the industry.
Want to meet more people in the public relations industry? Become a member of PRSA Detroit and get more networking and career opportunities.
Destiny Williams is an intern for PRSA Detroit and a student at Oakland University. She is a Public Relations and Strategic Communications major and a member of Oakland PRSSA chapter.
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