Networking Wisdom from Leading Woman, Deena Pierott

Lisa Peyton-Caire

Friends!

SisterSpeak Online was fortunate enough to interview Leading Woman Deena Pierott, President of Mosaic Blueprint. In the course of our fabulous conversation, Deena offered priceless advice on effective networking! Take notes! Here goes:

Deena, you’ve just opened the door to one of the issues we’re really big about–networking. We’ve all heard about the power of networking and how essential it is to business and career success. As a master networker yourself, how important do you think networking really is for all entrepreneurs/biz owners and especially to Black women–and how does one do it right to yield the most benefit?

Deena Pierott

Networking is vital for any new or existing business and there is definitely an art to it. People network in different ways, and networking isn’t a one size fits all type of thing either. Now for me, networking comes easily – it’s a natural art and it’s genuine. I believe in building authentic and selfless relationships where I can promote and encourage others without expectations. People are smart, they can tell if you’re networking with them only for self promotion – they may last for a short while, but do you really want that? Or, do you want long lasting networking relationships that may create success avenues for both parties?

For those that struggle with networking or tend to be more on the introverted side, here are some basic rules of engagement:

1. Remember that people form an impression of you within the first 20 seconds of initially meeting. So take into account your demeanor, body language, tone of voice, and attire.

2. Be able to tell people about what it is you do in nine words or less – make it dynamic enough for them to ask more about you. For instance, someone I recently met told me “I help small businesses attract more clients”. Now being a small business myself I’d want to know how she does this. Get the picture?

3. Ask about them. Be interested in learning about the person and truly “listen” to them without concentrating on “what will I say next?”.

4. Know that the person you met is probably wanting to network with others in the room as well so don’t dominate their time – move on.

5. Follow up with a simple, short and sweet email and try to schedule some time to meet for coffee or lunch to further your conversation.

And for us as Black Women it’s crucial to network. But we also have to be willing to trust each other to network more effectively. Mistrust has caused splintered communities that we must bring together in order to prosper. Some of us may think or feel “what will happen to me if she becomes successful?”. That mindset has to change. And always follow your gut instincts (your gut never lies) – if a new networking relationship isn’t feeling positive or is too one-sided, pray for them and move on. Bottom line, there’s so much out there for us and when that handful of us makes it, I encourage them to not cut off the ladder behind them. I know that I won’t…–