D(esign) Playbook - People

Recruiting - Networking

Personal Statement: Admittedly it is easier to accomplish when you live in market/region where the community as matured to a level where peers understand the value and are actively seeking to engage as well, but don’t overlook the importance and power of building a group of human connections to other designers, your network.

Keys to Networking:

Ivan Misner (wiki) is a leading expert in the field organizational business networking. Some of the key principles to effective networking are seeking to help others first and building credibility. Seeking to help others first is not just a cold calculating endeavor to provide value before delivering the payload of your intended ask or aim, but rather seeking to express empathy (purportedly a key aspect of our world of design thinking). Doing so places us closer to the mindset and world view of this individual we aim to bond and add to our network. Additionally, this approach force multiples the suggestion of our networks brining the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, personalities, cultures, ideas… but only if we start (or at minimum come to find) a point of seeking to understand and provide reciprocal value. The core of building credibility is also about subverting immediate need, in this case in favor of demonstrating follow-through to build long term connection. Being respectful of time/keeping appointments, acting on commitments, and verifying information provided are all examples of keys to ensuring early development of credibility. Lillian Bjorseth, author of Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last, reminds her clients to share information. “One of my favorite follow-up methods is to send someone a relevant article, photo, anecdote, marketing tip, or other resource via e-mail,” she says. “Follow-through on seemingly unimportant promises or casual conversations can be just as integral to business success as delivering a reliable product.”

Finally, its key to recall that your intention is far less powerful than your function, especially in terms of how you make people feel. Perhaps nothing is felt so keenly and resilient as slight. The impact you have on those you are fortunate to collaborate, build relationships with, or even just meet is tremendous, whether positive or negative.

Do: Be genuine and focus on gaining credibility. Be generous, with your time and with useful information (think social media sharing of value). Always consider how you make people feel…”always accept the green life-saver”, ask me about this reference.

Don't: Build a new relationship by focusing only on your need. Avoid modes of contact that aren’t your preferred. Take for granted the feelings of those you have the privilege of connecting with.

Citations/Learn More:

Misner, Ivan, et al. Networking Like a Pro. Amsterdam University Press, 2010.

Bjorseth, Lillian. Breakthrough Networking. Duoforce Enterprises, 2009.

Harvard Business Review, and Review. HBR Guide to Getting a Job. Reed Business Education, 2010.

*Last updated 4/25/2020, please note this is for the purpose of allowing me to document and evolve my thoughts, experiences, and approach. I’d very much appreciate the opportunity to learn from you sharing yours. Reach out to me at jaydubois@gmail.com or @jaydubois