By Elizabeth A. Thomas

Networking sure has changed since I went to my first mixer back in 1958. Fresh out of school, I was proud to have landed a job in my field within six months of graduating. My father suggested I start making a name for myself in the business community. So, filled with trepidation, off I went to my first networking function.

As I walked into the meeting hall, I was greeted by a haze of smoke from cigars and sideways glances from the men in the room. You see, I was the only female present, except for the executive assistant handling registration. I remember feeling truly intimidated…where was the self-confidence that had helped me launch the start of what I hoped to be a very successful professional life?

Taking a deep breath, I approached the most friendly-looking group in the room. After acknowledging my introduction, they resumed their discussion on their all-important golf outing that coming weekend. After 45 minutes of being virtually ignored, I left bewildered. Was I really cut out for this?

Going back the next month, and the next, I soon learned that the science of networking wasn’t quite ready to start welcoming women and was more of a social occasion than anything else. Determined to advance my career, I began to work for change.

Change. We’ve come so far from those early days of trying to break into the old boys’ club. As each decade passed, more and more women joined the workforce and became active in professional associations and chambers of commerce. As more families became dual-income, networking opportunities retained their social element, but began to focus on providing direct benefits, such as educational sessions relevant to the rapidly changing workplace.

I’ve learned so much about using networking to my advantage over the years. Networking exposes you to potential clients that you might not otherwise meet. It offers the opportunity to develop relationships that frequently turn into sources of new business. Networking events also often provide educational components that expand your knowledge and help you nurture strengths and identify weaknesses with your own capabilities.

There are many types of organizations and associations that provide networking opportunities. First, there are local and state chambers of commerce. Chambers offer a wide variety of services and cover the full-range of business issues, from legislation to workplace development. Chambers and other organizations of this nature bring together professionals from many diverse types of businesses, offering you exposure to professionals outside your field. The second primary source of networking opportunities are professional trade associations. Regardless of your profession, there is probably a local or regional association providing education and opportunity for advancement within your field. Both types of organizations are important sources of growth for you. Before joining, go to a few meetings, talk to your colleagues about the organizations they have found most valuable, look at a copy of the organization’s newsletter, and check out their website. You should be able to get a pretty good flavor for the organization by conducting some of this up-front investigative work.

But, you say, I hate to network. Do I have to network in order to succeed? I’m sure there is someone, somewhere who has made it to the top without help from anyone, without being involved in the community, or without developing relationships with professionals in other fields, but I can’t think of any. Can you?

Networking doesn’t have to be a painful experience, but it does require some effort on your part. Barbara Groce, president of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, says successful networkers are personable, unafraid of meeting new people, and willing to follow-up with new acquaintances. Ms. Groce also says effective networkers refer business to colleagues, developing mutually beneficial relationships.

Still, you say, I’m not terrific at starting or maintaining a conversation. Ms. Groce suggests recruiting a colleague you know to go with you to a networking event. If you go alone, look for someone you know in the room. The more active you become in the community, the more likely you are to recognize people and develop relationships. After a time or two, you should be able to find a familiar face in the crowd. Ms. Groce also suggests approaching someone who’s standing alone. Often it’s easier to begin a conversation one-on-one, without breaking into a group’s conversation.

To put people at ease, the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce has Ambassadors. Ambassadors contact new members, join them at Chamber events, and introduce them to other members. Ambassadors pave a smooth path for new members.

Networking can be challenging, but over the years, I’ve learned that the more you do, the more comfortable you are and the more beneficial it becomes. So, contact your chamber or professional organization, register for their next meeting, and go meet new business associates. Who knows how beneficial that next relationship will be?