What's your Networking IQ?

Networking Quiz:

Below is a short quiz based on not only several networking basics, but many of the tips and tricks of successful networking as presented by Author Joe Sweeney in his book, “Networking is a Contact Sport."

True or False:

1. The most successful techniques of networking remain constant regardless of gender or race.

2. It is important to network across the board and with individuals from all different walks of life. For example, it is just as important to networking with the diner waitress as it is to network with the company CEO.

3. When attending a social event it is better to mingle and converse with fewer individuals so that you can build stronger ties within your network rather than “spreading yourself too thin."

Multiple Choice:

4. Networking should be treated as _________ in nature.

        a. self-serving

        b. reciprocal

        c. social

5. After meeting a new individual and receiving their business card you should ____________.

        a. throw it in a drawer somewhere for future reference.

        b. call/email them the next day to see how they can help you meet your career goals.

        c. write a short note about the person on the back to help you remember them.

Answers:

1. False: although there are some networking techniques that are fairly general and can be used by a variety of individuals, it is important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” technique. Therefore, it can benefit both women and minorities to tailor their networking approach in such a way that allows them to be successful in a field in which they are oftentimes outnumbered.

2. True: Although individuals tend to attribute greater importance to those of higher status remember you never know what resources an individual may have to offer or how you can assist them regardless of their occupation and role in life.

3. False: You should try to introduce yourself to about ten different individuals and although it is important to get to know each one of them so that you can establish AND maintain these relationships remember that weak ties are oftentimes more useful in the long run than strong ties.

4. (B): Networking is reciprocal in nature. Though you should not be afraid to ask for assistance from those in your network you should also remember to look for ways to help others as well. It’s not about what you can get, but rather what you can give.

5. (C): Meeting individuals is often the easy part. However, it is a bit more difficult and yet important to be able to remember who these individuals are and maintain the connection. Because of this you may find that making note of their occupation or some other bit of interesting/important piece of information is useful.

Source: Sweeny, J. (2010). Networking is a Contact Sport. Dallas: BenBella Books.