Do you want to learn the “secret sauce” of successful networking?
Recently, I sat down with the Honourable Marie-P. Charette-Poulin to unpack the seven key ingredients to successful networking.
You can think of these seven ingredients as a checklist for yourself. What grade do you give yourself for each item? More importantly, where’s your opportunity to step it up?
Charette-Poulin and I met at a women’s conference a few months ago where we both delivered keynote speeches. I spoke about developing executive presence, Charette-Poulin spoke on networking. We immediately clicked and I asked her if I could interview her for an episode of the Talk About Talk podcast. Finally, here we are.
Charette-Poulin’s career is truly inspiring. She’s been a senior executive at CBC/Radio-Canada, a deputy minister at the Privy Council, a parliamentarian in the Canadian Senate, a lawyer and partner at Gowling WLG, and now serves as Parliamentarian in Residence at Saint Paul University. She’s also worked in international development in Iraq.
You can read more about the Honourable Marie-P. Charette-Poulin in her biography: She Dared to Succeed.
When it comes to networking, Charette-Poulin has not only walked the walk, she’s built a legacy of relationships based on grace, trust, and connection.
With such an esteemed guest sharing her wisdom, I thought if ever there was a reason to veer off my usual three key takeaways, this was it. So today I’m sharing the Honourable Marie-P. Charette-Poulin’s seven ingredients for successful networking:
1️⃣ Intellectual curiosity
You’ve got to be genuinely interested in understanding people. Ask thoughtful questions, listen intently, and stay focused. Curiosity not only deepens relationships, it also makes you a more engaging communicator.
2️⃣ Reliability
People need to know they can count on you (and on your discretion). Following through on commitments and keeping confidences builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every strong professional relationship.
3️⃣ Authenticity
Be comfortable in your own skin. When you’re firm in your personal brand, people connect with you more easily and remember you for the right reasons. That authenticity creates credibility.
4️⃣ Generosity
Give freely of your time when someone asks. Share your knowledge, connections, or advice without expecting anything in return. This generosity often comes back tenfold.
5️⃣ Boldness
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Speaking up with courage, whether it’s requesting feedback or making an introduction, demonstrates confidence and creates opportunities for growth.
6️⃣ Appreciation
Say thank you; gratitude goes a long way. Acknowledging others’ efforts not only strengthens relationships but also makes people feel valued and respected.
7️⃣ Respect
Whether it’s your boss’s boss, or the summer intern, treat every person with respect. Respect levels the playing field, fosters goodwill, and reflects your character as a leader.
Charette-Poulin calls this her “recipe for networking,” but I’d call it a recipe for life.
“Intellectual curiosity. Reliability. Authenticity. Generosity. Asking for help. Appreciation. Respect.” Of course, respect. Write these on a note to stick over your desk, or add them to a note in your phone at the tip of your TO DO list.
If you can act on these “ingredients,” I promise you your networking will be more impactful.
Bonus insight: 3 networking blunders to avoid
When I’m networking, I try to steer clear of these three blunders:
- Approaching a two-some. Here’s a great tip from my friend, executive recruiter Sharon Mah-Gin: When you’re at a networking event, approach “odd numbers,” groups of one, three or five. Why? Because if you join a dyad, then by definition, you’re interrupting a dialogue and you’re the third wheel!
- Not following up. If you don’t follow up, does the original connection even matter?
- Talking too much. Admittedly, this is my Achilles’ heel! As an extrovert, I have to catch myself sometimes, so I’ll just laugh and say, “Enough about me, tell me about you!” It instantly shifts the energy and keeps the conversation flowing.
Have you ever heard the saying that “Your network is your net worth?” This is something worth pondering. Our connections are valuable. It’s worth the time and energy to purposely establish valuable relationships.
A little bit of effort goes a long way when it comes to your network. I hope these insights help. Reflect on the seven ingredients of successful networking and ask yourself, where’s my opportunity?
Talk soon,
Dr. Andrea Wojnicki
executive communication coach