Being able to network effectively can make a huge difference in your career, but what if you are an introvert? Or what if you are one of those people who fill awkward silences with even more awkward conversation? To help take the work out of networking we caught up with Breony Benson (right) to find out her best networking tips.
If anyone knows how to network successfully it is Breony. She is a Human Resources Manager at Glencore, the program Co-Lead for the WIMnet NSW Mentoring Program and she was also the first female Director of HunterNet Career Connections, and more recently, the first female Chair. She’s even a certified Organisational Coach!
But perhaps most relevant to this story is that since she started working in heavy industries over fifteen years ago, Breony credits her career success to networking.
“I actually gained a job directly through networking! I met someone at an event who knew the CEO of a company that was looking for a new HR Advisor. They remembered me from the event and then connected me with the CEO,” said Breony.
“That’s the real power of networking. You never know who you are going to meet, who they might then connect you to, and where it might lead.”
Breony acknowledges that as she is naturally an extrovert it makes networking a little easier for her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t find some situations daunting, especially in the beginning.
“I can remember going to lots of different events where I felt like I was that person just standing in the corner of the room not talking to anyone but over time my confidence grew and I developed my own little toolkit to help me get the most out of networking which I now share with others.”
Breony’s best piece of advice? Preparation.
“Before you go to the event think about how you are going to introduce yourself. What answers will you give to questions about where you work and what your job is? As simple as that sounds you need to think about how you would explain your job and even have some interesting facts about what you do ready to share.
“Have a list of general conversation starters. What brought you to the event today? Have you been to one of these before? Do you work in the mining industry? Have you always been based in this area? Just having one question ready to go will then let the conversation build naturally.
“When I talk to my mentees I ask them to think of two things about themselves that they would like people to remember. Whether that’s through spoken word or just the way that you’re interacting with body language. Want to be remembered as friendly and approachable? Then do something as simple as smiling as often as you can which will encourage the other person to smile back.”
When starting out with networking it’s important to select events that are best suited for you.
“I recommend trying smaller events to start with, at large events there are just too many people to network with effectively and I find people tend to congregate in their clusters of people that they know.
“You want to choose events that you have an interest in or knowledge about. If you are an engineer go to an engineering conference. If you’re at a conference and there is a networking event at the end it is the perfect opportunity to build your network as it gives you content to talk about. You can ask them what they enjoyed about the conference or tell them what you liked.
“Then you have structured networking events like the WIMnet NSW roulette events which are a perfect way to sink your teeth into networking. They make it so easy to have conversations with people – you even get a list of questions to ask!”
Breony also recommends that when you first start attending events to consider taking a friend or a colleague with you.
“Having that safety net immediately takes the pressure off – just make sure that the two of you then don’t stand in the corner of the room and talk to each other!”
Breony said it’s important to remember that as hard as it feels when you are starting out it will get easier.
“If you’re an introvert networking is going to be difficult as you’re not naturally inclined to be a conversation starter or be comfortable in a group setting. But where there is discomfort comes growth. The more that you can recognise that and lean into that, the easier it will get each time.
“That’s why the preparation piece is so important. If conversation starters don’t naturally flow for you, come with that little bank of questions in the back of your mind because then you will be able to talk more naturally rather than feeling you’ve been put on the spot to answer questions.
“The most intimidating part is that first initial approach. The first time you go, you won’t know anyone in the room but then every time after that you will start seeing more familiar faces.
“For me I just kept building my network bigger and bigger and opportunities came from there. The reason I am on the WIMnet NSW Committee and Co-Lead of the mentoring program is directly because of my network. Someone in my network put forth my name saying, ‘oh you know Breony might be a good person to consider’ and it was a simple as that.”
Whatever your age, your gender, your role, networking has its benefits.
“Job opportunities are the big one. The second one is work-related opportunities like being invited to be on committees or getting involved in organisations.
“Information sharing is a big piece as well. You may have a particular project or something that you are working on you and through connections you have made you can reach out to people to share their knowledge or give you advice.
“Then there are the activities that are completely outside of work. I’ve developed beautiful friendships with people that I would never have met if I hadn’t gone to these different events.”
Breony added that networking doesn’t finish once the event is over. Follow up by connecting with the person via LinkedIn or other socials within a 24-hour period and always send a little note with your invite to make it more personable.
“Lastly, remember don’t undersell yourself and the work that you do. If you don’t see the value in what you do then no one else is going to see it either. Just be yourself and be interested in the person you’re talking to.
“I have found that once you begin networking it organically grows and the more you get involved in different things, the more people get to know you, than the more opportunities will come your way.”
| Ready to put your newfound networking skills to the test? The WIMnet NSW Hunter Roulette Networking Series is a fun, fast-paced, and inclusive event for women and men working in mining and related industries with two events coming up – Singleton on August 20 and Muswellbrook on October 22. No awkward intros. No pressure. Just great conversations, shared insights, and real networking – plus drinks and finger food to keep the energy flowing. Spaces are limited so book your place today at: www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/community-events/ |
