Expanding Your Network
Your Network is Your Advantage
Networking can take place in numerous places and situations, from conferences to backyard barbeques. Your personal network of contacts is similarly diverse, including family, friends, co-workers, past classmates, neighbors, mentors, and acquaintances. While the specifics differ for each relationship, one underlying fact remains constant: make as many contacts as possible. You never know who might be of assistance in the future.
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Helpful Pages
Networking Tips
Ask ten people what networking is and you will get a variety of answers. A person’s definition of networking depends upon their use of this important activity. Whether you network to make new friends, find a new job, develop your current career, explore new career options, obtain referrals or sales leads, or simply broaden your professional horizons, it is important to focus on networking as an exchange of information, contacts, and experiences.
Holding Yourself Accountable to Network
Allocate time every week to work on networking related activities. Block off time on your calendar each week to send messages, follow-up, and schedule meetings or phone calls. Take small steps each week to build relationships and expand your network.
Think about your networking goals and find a way to motivate yourself to network. Short term, you are networking to do career research and build relationships. Longer term, you are networking to land a job. Try to set goals that align with your strengths or things you enjoy doing.
Become more knowledgeable about networking. Read about great networkers and successful leaders to learn new networking tricks and how they helped successful people reach their goals. Becoming an expert in networking will make you more likely to continue to do it.
Create a reward system to help you meet your micro-goals or smaller networking actions items, using measurable goals rather than non-quantifiable ones. Or, penalize yourself for not achieving your goals. Do what you think will motivate you more to stay on track.
Share your goals publicly by telling classmates, posting on social media, or sharing with a job search group. This lets other people know your intentions and sets an expectation. Some will want to see you carry it through and may ask about your progress or offer their help.
What is keeping you from networking? Recognize the obstacles you face and their root causes. Once you’ve identified the obstacle, you can address it and remove it so you can achieve your networking goals.
Identify an empathetic yet tough person you trust to hold you accountable. Check in with them regularly to discuss successes, challenges, and goals. They should challenge and support you.
Forte Foundation
Forte is a nonprofit that was launched in 2001 with the mission to increase the number of women business leaders. They strive to achieve this mission by giving their members information they can act on about business careers and education. They also create opportunities for networking and inspiration that span the continuum of women’s careers. The Wisconsin School of Business is committed to Women’s leadership, and for several years we have proudly partnered with Forte.
Through Forte’s alliance of leading companies, top schools, and pioneering donors, they empower women to rise higher. Their network is so powerful because it includes over 115,000 members and more than 170 partners representing top MBA schools, undergrad universities, employers, and nonprofits.
Current Landscape For Women Leaders
41.4%
of MBA graduates are women, compared to 50%+ in law and medical schools
10%
of Fortune 500 CEOs are women
31.3%
of S&P 500 board members are women
26%
of S&P 500 senior executives are women
20%+
the gender pay gap experienced by women – it’s even greater for women of color
2%
of total venture capital funding received by women business founders
Board Involvement
Board membership offers a high-impact way to leverage your expertise and skills. Nonprofit boards serve as a great launching pad for corporate board service, are often easier to join, and are viewed as a critical foundational experience to serving on a for-profit board. There are important differences between for-profit and nonprofit board membership, which involve selectivity and compensation.
Joining a Board of Directors
Serving on a board of directors can be a valuable way to expand your leadership experience, grow your professional network, and make an impact. Whether you choose a for-profit or nonprofit board, each offers unique opportunities, responsibilities, and rewards. Understanding the differences between these board types can help you identify the path that best aligns with your career goals, interests, and desired level of influence.
For-Profit Boards
For-profit board positions are often compensated and can provide valuable opportunities to influence corporate strategy and governance. However, these roles are highly selective, with organizations typically seeking individuals who have demonstrated success in starting, managing, and growing businesses. Companies may also recruit board members with specialized expertise in areas such as finance, law, technology, or industry-specific operations.
To pursue a board position, research target organizations by reviewing annual proxy statements and examining the backgrounds of current board members. Developing a customized board resume that highlights relevant leadership experience, while actively participating in professional associations and serving on nonprofit or civic boards, can strengthen your candidacy. Additionally, leveraging your professional network and seeking referrals from executives and current board members can significantly improve your chances of securing a board appointment.
Nonprofit Boards
Nonprofit board positions are typically voluntary and generally do not provide financial compensation for service. In fact, board members are often expected—or in some cases required—to contribute financially to support the organization’s mission. While nonprofit board opportunities are generally less competitive than for-profit board positions, competition can still be significant at large or high-profile organizations. Effective board members bring expertise in areas such as nonprofit program management, community engagement, governance, and fundraising. Above all, the most important qualifications are a genuine commitment to the organization’s mission and a willingness to dedicate time, energy, and resources to helping it succeed.
Do my goals align with this organization and its board?
Will my skills, experience or expertise help increase the impact of the organization and further its mission?
Can I commit the time required to fulfill my legal and fiduciary responsibilities as a board member?
Does the organization have a strategic direction?
What are the fundraising requirements of board directors?
How many members are there and what are their responsibilities?
Does the organization have directory liability insurance to protect you?
What is the relationship between directors, staff, and supporters?
Is there opportunity for you to make a difference in the organization?