Networking for Project Managers
Project managers are used to managing their projects for work on a daily basis, and they do a good job with this. What many PMs don’t do a good enough job with is managing the project that is their career.
Now you may say to yourself, “I have a great job, why do I need to network”? The answer is that networking not only helps you find other jobs, but it helps you to perform better at your own job.
Below are some ways that you can improve your network, and thus your career.
Offline
Get involved with your local PMI Chapter
- Dinner Meetings
- Volunteer Events
- Seminars/Training Events
Participate in local business organizations
- ToastMasters International
- Local Chamber of Commerce
Online
Join online PM Communities
- http://www.gantthead.com/
- http://www.pmconnection.com/
- http://www.theicpm.com/
- http://www.allpm.com/
Blog communities
- Read project management blogs and comment on posts that you find interesting. Over time, you will become part of the community for that blog and you can often become contacts of the blog owner.
- Join Twitter and follow project management professionals. Most will follow you in return. This tool allows instant networking and communication between users interested in the same topics.
Conclusion
No matter what route you take, you must dedicate time to your networking. Like anything that is worth achieving, it takes time and effort. When you begin the process of increasing your networking, you must be open and honest with yourself and others. You may feel outside of your comfort zone, but realize that most other people you are networking with are, or were, in the same position as you.
Good luck expanding your network!
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