Networking as Self-Care for Career Advancement
What does self-care mean to you? Personally, is it a monthly massage, regular exercise, spending time in nature, socializing with friends, or perhaps dancing occasionally? Have you thought about self-care for your career? Hmmm. Try out this mindset - networking is part of that care to advance your career. Let’s look at how networking can be self-care for you.
When We Neglect Self-Care
When we neglect career self-care, we may be sabotaging our own advancement. Going the extra mile at work is one thing, and what matters for our personal advancement is usually something we need to do after work hours. This means we might seem too tired when it comes time to attend a networking event, or we opt out because of the effort it takes to meet new people. Therefore, we're less likely to attend networking events when we underestimate their value. This can be particularly detrimental for women aiming to secure positions on boards, as networking is a key ingredient in achieving such goals.
I recall a story from a friend who led a Women's Chamber of Commerce. She observed that at women-only events, the percentage of no-shows of women was higher than when she went to more male-oriented events where she noticed that men's percentage of attendance was always much higher.
Networking: Men vs Women
This observation raises an important question: When you sign up for a networking event, do you always attend, or do you find yourself cancelling for other commitments? Often, it seems, networking events are the first to be dropped from our schedules. But here's a crucial insight: men often treat networking as part of their job. They see it as essential for career advancement, not just an add-on activity.
Women, on the other hand, might not always prioritize networking with the same dedication. It's time to change that. I encourage you to scan your calendar. If you're not already signed up for a networking event, find one. It can be within your industry, with a colleague, or through a trade association. Whether paid or free, the goal is to make it a priority. Aim for at least one networking event every week or at least every other week and keep that commitment.
Get the Most out of Networking
To get the most out of networking events (remember the word “work” is in it), before attending, set clear intentions. Ask yourself what you want to achieve, who you want to meet, and who you want to know you. These steps are crucial for leveraging your network to advance your career and, if you're interested, to secure a position on a board. Remember the 90/10 Michele Ashby Rule: 90% of board positions are secured through your network, and 10% through other means. Prioritize networking as part of your job, your self-care, and your strategy for boardroom entry. Trust me, it will pay off.