Alumni networking this Alumni Friday

Prioritizing alumnizing!

Dear Friends,

Last year on Alumni Friday I discussed the trend of "diasporizing" the active work of engaging with across diaspora communities. Alumnizing was born! We can alumnize effortlessly with some key networking tips!

Many of these come from my Next Generation Networking workshop - described by students and alumni alike as 'the best workshop ever' and 'very practical' and 'inspiring' - resounding testimonials! This workshop has hit 4 continents and well over 40 countries now, drawing on my The Alumni Way research! 

In a nutshell: 

1- Be clear: Why alumnize or get involved in networking in the first place? - understand your ask AND your offer 

2- Be kind: Networking is being part of a broader ecosystem. It's not all take or things get out of balance. Ask that key question: How can I help you? Don't forget the follow-up! Thank yous and updates! 

3- Be consistent: Networking is something that you should be doing all the time not just when you need something. Don't 'turn it on' be a kind, clear networker in all your activities and endeavours.  

4- Be generous: Give five times back to your network to what you are getting. Yup, that seems high - keep the bar high. This way that ecosystem stays in check and you are seen (and are!) as generous as you can be with others! 

(and here's a networking article from the Alumni Friday archive to inspire further!) 

Your challenge this week is to jolt a little alumnizing into your Alumni Friday! Reach out to a fellow alum for an informational interview or an informal chat - see how the sparks fly! 

Your in alumni networking, 

Maria 

Photo: Networking also allows us to reconnect. Here I am with my old, dear friends Teo Salgado and Neil Hrab. In our past lives we all served on student council together. Years pass and we have each forged our own exciting career paths!