“Keepwith” founder and networking guru Megan Burke Roudebush gave tips to Sycamore Rotarians on how to maintain meaningful personal and professional relationships despite the pandemic. Roudebush founded “Keepwith” after realizing a need for formal coaching on successful networking while working in the financial services industry. Acknowledging that the pandemic has made things “different,” she said that does not mean relationship building should stop.
Roudebush offered up five universal tips for successful networking:
- Choose quality over quantity. It is not how many people you meet that counts, rather it is how well you can achieve ongoing contacts with someone once introduced.
- Learn a fun fact about everyone you meet. You can use this for making friendly follow-up contacts.
- Have a networking plan with goals.
- Talk to strangers. Do not be afraid to open doors to new relationships.
- Leverage microsteps. These are small gestures made without expecting a response such as a phone call, sending a card, or delivering a small “care” package.
Roudebush encouraged a methodical approach to networking. This takes the form of setting aside a regular time for networking; having a group of advisors to expand your sphere of experiences; going beyond a first meeting by having regularly scheduled follow-ups; using technology to stay in touch such as virtual meetings and texts; and helping connect people with others who have similar interests or can be a resource for problem solving (although you need to confirm both parties want to be connected before doing so). Roudebush suggested use of college alumni groups and service clubs as ways to open doors for networking opportunities. More details are found at her website; www.keepwith.com.