beyond-the-surface networking

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Stiletto Network author Pamela Ryckman offers advice on how to start your own networking group. Beyond-the-Surface Networking BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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 "Stiletto Network" author Pamela Ryckman shares how to start your own networking group with the members of Connect: Professional Women's Network. To continue the conversation or join the LinkedIn group for free, visit www.linkedin.com/womenconnect.

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Page 1: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

Stiletto Network author Pamela Ryckman offers adviceon how to start your own networking group.

Beyond-the-Surface Networking

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Page 2: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

Meet Pamela Ryckman!

Pamela recently answered questions from the members of Connect: Professional Women’s Network.

Here is some of her most popular advice!

Pamela is a freelance journalist and the author of STILETTO NETWORK: Inside the Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business. Pamela’s work has also been featured in publications such as Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, More and Allure.

Before becoming a journalist, Pamela performed internal strategy work for Merrill Lynch’s Global Markets and Investment Banking Group.

Page 3: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

So What is a Stiletto Network?A Stiletto Network is a group of women who get together regularly to network, exchange ideas, brainstorm solutions and generally support each other in their professional endeavors.

These networks typically start with a few friends, each of whom invites another friend to join. Pamela has found these groups among women in all industries and age groups, from CEOs to aspiring Millennials to moms launching businesses in their basements.

Some groups hold regular dinners, some golf together, some walk the beach. The activity and setting aren’t important—what matters is that the women are there to help each other become the best they can be, in spite of whatever obstacles they may face.

©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Page 4: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Get going! Starting your own Stiletto Network is deceptively easy. Most groups begin organically, with two or three smart, motivated friends who want to expand their horizons and increase their spheres of influence. They organize a dinner and each one invites someone the others don’t know, preferably a woman from another industry.

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Strive for diversity. “The most effective groups draw women with diverse skills. By creating ties with and learning from women in other fields, we are able to bring lessons and new ideas to our own companies. Cross-industry groups provide a strategic advantage for women in the workforce today.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Don’t let imaginary obstacles get in the way. “Some of the most inspiring are among local small business owners and women trying to reinvent themselves. These women feel rejuvenated and help move their businesses a mile forward—together. You don’t need to start with any major connections. Have a dream and willingness to help others, and assemble your tribe.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

You’re never too young to start making connections. “When you start young, you’re able to assemble your “board of advisors” early, and you can compare notes coach each other through all stages at work. You can help each other script difficult conversations around compensation and promotions.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Transcend the old boys’ club. “These groups are especially crucial—a life boat!—for women in stalwart industries such as finance and law. They help each other script difficult conversations around compensation and promotion, but they also direct business each other’s way. They’re generating a huge money trail, and male counterparts are taking notice.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Make meaningful connections. “This type of marketing isn’t about going to large events, so many people find it more accessible—if not a relief! Because each woman brings someone the others don’t know, immediately there’s a sense of trust, because each person at the table has the backing of someone else there.”

Page 10: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

You don’t need an agenda. “Most groups just started out talking about their hopes and dreams, and in the course of these conversations, they realized they could help each other. If you’re trying to find a new job or enter a new industry, 10 heads are so much more powerful than one. These women are true advocates for each other.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Freelancers, unite! “Stiletto Networks are freelancers and entrepreneurs. They recreate the social interaction we had in previous corporate jobs, and also assure we pick up our heads and become attuned to developments in other fields.”

Page 12: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Share duties among the group. “One way to distribute the responsibility and ensure each woman stays engaged is to appoint someone new each time to host, decide on a topic and lead a discussion.”

Page 13: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Find your group’s sweet spot. “Networking can take place anywhere, but it should definitely be fun. I’ve found groups of women who enjoy walking, dining, drinking, golfing, lying on the beach—you name it. The key is to assemble women with diverse skills and perspectives who want to help others achieve their dream.”

Page 14: Beyond-the-Surface Networking

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

Oh, the places you’ll go. “A few of the impressive things women have done as a result of Stiletto Networks: created the most downloaded app in the history of Warner Bros.; overseen the largest high-yield bond offering of 2010; joined the founding team of one of the fastest-growing start-ups in history and steered it toward a $1B IPO; and launched the most successful fundraising campaign pilot in the history of the Red Cross.”

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 15

Join the conversation!Connect: Professional Women’s Network, Powered by Citi, is an online community on LinkedIn that helps women achieve the careers they want and discuss the issues relevant to their success.

For more great insights from Connect members, check out the discussions here, here, and here. Visit linkedin.com/womenconnect for more information and to join the group for free!

To learn more about Stiletto Networks, check out Pamela’s book,Stiletto Network: Inside the Women’s Power Circles that are Changing the Face of Business.

PHOTO CREDITS:Slide 1: Dell’s Official Flickr PageSlide 4: TED Conference/FlickrSlide 5: m. uptegrove/ShutterstockSlide 6: U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv/FlickrSlide 7: Eric Peacock/FlickrSlide 8: Guillaume/Flickr

Slide 9: Dave Cynkin/FlickrSlide 10: Maryland Gov Pics/FlickrSlide 11: Andrei Zarubaika/ShutterstockSlide 12: WeNews/FlickrSlide 13: TED Conference/FlickrSlide 14: Sam Hawley/Flickr

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CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK 16©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.