May Webinar Recap

Click here for the link to the webinar recording!

We were thrilled to have such an incredible turnout for BYU Connect's May webinar on effective networking! We are particularly grateful to Jordyn Crowley Watts for sharing her expertise and invaluable advice.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

1. Focusing on Relationship Building

One of the core messages Jordyn emphasized was the importance of relationship building in networking. When you focus on building genuine connections, both parties benefit. This approach leads to more authentic interactions, greater trust, and long-term professional support. Jordyn highlighted that when networking is done right, it’s less about what you can get and more about how you can support each other’s growth and success.

2. Different Types of Networking

A) Online Networking: Platforms like LinkedIn and professional forums can be incredibly effective, especially for reaching out to individuals outside your immediate geographical area. It's convenient and can be less intimidating, but it also requires more effort to stand out and make a lasting impression.

B) In-Person Networking: Face-to-face interactions at conferences, workshops, or social gatherings can be very impactful. The personal connection and immediate feedback can help establish trust quickly. However, these opportunities might be limited by location and availability.

C) Event Networking: Specific networking events, such as industry meetups or job fairs, are designed for making professional connections. These environments can be highly effective for meeting like-minded individuals with shared interests and goals.
Jordyn shared a valuable insight: you can always steer conversations toward professional topics, regardless of the setting. By being natural, showing genuine interest, and expressing true curiosity about the other person, you can seamlessly transition casual chats into productive professional discussions.

3. Networking Preparation

Preparation is key to successful networking, and Jordyn emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself. Authenticity is your greatest asset. While it’s crucial to be professional and put forth your best behavior, it's equally important to let your genuine personality shine through. This authenticity will help you stand out and foster more meaningful connections. Jordyn suggested being prepared with a few questions, but also being flexible and open to wherever the conversation leads.

Thank you once again to all who participated. We look forward to seeing you at our next BYU Connect event! Until then, happy networking!