So how was it for you then? A play for today…

Two sun-tanned women are sitting in their office. As they chat amicably, glad to be back together, Marie-Claire, a tall, slender redhead has her feet up on the windowsill and is playing with the settings of a ‘bling’-encrusted desk calendar/calculator. Her colleague Frances, a shorter, rounder blonde, starts chatting…

Frances: So how was it for you then?
M-C: To be honest, there was really more quantity than quality for my liking. 
Frances: So you didn’t get the depth you were looking for then – a bit lacking in penetration was it? One too many limp asparagus rolls?
M-C : Yeah, it all felt a bit unsatisfying and shallow. After a while all that wanton sects is so meaningless.
Frances: Perhaps you should think about serial monogamy as a way of achieving more meaningful partnering?
M-C : I reckon….and I’m sooooo over solo sects too. 
Frances: Yeah I like it much better with at least two – much easier to engage.
M-C : I’m also going cold turkey on same sects sects.
Frances: You what?????
M-C: You know, all those girl-on-girl events.
Frances: Oh them… yup, with you on that, no women-only stuff – so last century! 
M-C : What about you then? 
Frances: Well, I’m also thinking about different Sects to get involved with, maybe some new positioning. Also decided to go for more virtual sects this year – it’s hard to beat physical contact, but it’s bloody tiring, takes up so much time and it can get a bit messy.
M-C: Yeah, particularly when you dribble down your front or get something stuck in your teeth…

The pair return to amicable silence, smiling happily at the exciting and stimulating challenges that lie ahead.

Our heroines were, of course, reviewing their networking successes and planning new strategies. What did you think? 

Seriously though, there is a degree of logic in drawing a line in the sand and take inventory. It’s really the personal equivalent of a business’s balance day – an annoying, but necessary evil that fulfils some function, but is a little pointless without calculating the P&L at the same time.

So what are our new networking strategies? 

1. Be selective. Previously we put a lot of energy into “putting ourselves about” as readers of this column will be aware. We were new kids on the consulting block and needed to build some cred. This year quality is the new black – we will be targeting people we want to meet and finding ways of meeting them. Anyone who thinks ‘stalking’ at this point is soooo wide of the mark (!).

2. Be loyal. Don’t lose old friends along the way – make sure our existing eco-system continues to feel the lurve. 

3. Create opportunities for ourselves and our networks. The glow from the success of our Sectstravaganza party continues – we know of at least 15 significant business hook-ups that resulted – was an eye opener. In addition to being a good way to return all the favours and help we’ve received, it was a lot of fun for everyone involved. A second similar party and perhaps a mid-winter entertainment are definitely in the stars.

4. Go virtual. Make better use of Linkedin and other online tools which have become a feature of the business networking scene and tap into sects outside Wellington…how daring!

5. Stay the distance. Short of becoming stalkers, if doors don’t open first time, try, try and try again. 

Well, it’s a plan. So what’s yours?

Marie-Claire Andrews and Frances Manwaring are dedicated Wellington networkers.