This month’s theme is “learning & growing”.  There are a number of ways we as information professionals can discuss and even illustrate our growth.  Consider making a post today that talks about a resource or service that helps you professionally.

In addition, there are some great conversations taking place via LinkedIn Groups.  Why not weigh in…

Group: Special Libraries Association
Discussion: My background is in math, science, and software engineering.

Group: Special Libraries Association
Discussion: In the latest issue of Information Outlook, Seth Godin provacatively states that we need more incompetent librarians. He says that competence is the enemy of change. Does he have a point?

Group: SLA Europe and Leadership & Management Division of SLA
Discussion: Just curious, how often would you say that you engage in conversations via LinkedIn, i.e. once a week, twice a week, none, etc.?

Recently, I upgraded the group Facebook account for the Special Libraries Association Leadership and Management Division (SLALMD).  One the better features added to the  group upgrade is the ability to set up an email account for the group.

Why is a Facebook group email cool? Well, you can now simple email the group to send a post. By having an integrated email account, members of the group can:

• Send post easier and make posting a more practical part of communicating
• Sends post faster without logging into Facebook
• Help make posting to the group space a more shared process among members

http://jvenupub.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/nice-upgrade-added-to-facebook-groups-r/

These tips are from Joe Groden of JG Consulting.

1. Choose the right groups. Not only those groups that share common interests, but branch out to groups where your target customers participate. In addition, there are networking groups solely formed to refer business to each other.
2. Set goals. Have a realistic goal for the number of new contacts to make at each meeting/event. Most importantly, set goals for the follow-up to any contact made. This could include setting an appointment or lunch date, a follow-up call or email, or sending out some appropriate information. 
3. Create an intriguing introduction. It should be no longer than 30 seconds, tell what you do and how that benefits the listener. You would have to modify that introduction depending on the contact. 
4. Make a good impression. This is not the time for a sales pitch, or a “life of the party” act, but being you and showing interest will have the most value. 
5. Gather good information. Listen carefully for clue’s regarding the life and interests of the person you are talking with. The real goal is developing a relationship that can have future value.

Originally posted in the SSECP blog.

To encourage discussion, LMD has a monthly theme for the blog. This month it’s networking". Do you have a favorite book related to this theme? Personal reflection? Tips for networking at the SLA Conference? Please share!

My favorite networking event of the year is just around the corner, and LMD has two conference social events perfect for networking, building relationships, and catching up with friends.

Sunday, 9pm-12am – LMD Open House – Sheraton Grand B
Good food, good drinks, good friends! Mingle with colleagues and enjoy refreshments during our traditional open house.

Tuesday, 9pm-12am – LMD, IT & Physics-Astronomy-Math Joint Open House – Sheraton Grand C
Under the sea, come dance with me! Promises to be a great time.

An SLA member asked me recently about how long it would take to build a  professional networking after moving to a new geographic location.  We were interrupted, so my answer was too brief.  Since this is a question that others may be asking, I’m posting my answer here.

When you build a network, you are trying to do three things:

• Find people to network with
• Learn more about them
• Build trust between you

Once you have done those three things, then you are able to refer each other or even work together.

As information professionals and librarians, finding other professionals will not be difficult.  You can use various library directories, including SLA’s, to locate other information professionals.  You might meet them at workshops or local events, or schedule time to visit their facilities.  If you are new to the area, visiting their facilities would be a great way of learning what resources are available to you in the region.

Learning more about them — and giving them an opportunity to learn more about you — takes time.  it means seeing those people at other events or seeing/communicating with them online.  It means being open about who you are and given an opportunity to talk about themselves.  It means learning about them as professionals and as interesting individuals.  Remember — networking isn’t always about work.

You have to be willing to share who you are and what you know.  You have to be willing to "be there" without an agenda and open to the possibilities.  And you have to be patient.  Trust is not always built overnight.

As an SLA member, it is likely that your current network can help you connect with people in the network that you want to build.  Your current network can help to validate you are someone who is worthy of trust, but you won’t be able to rest on your laurels.  You will need to contact people, talk with them, share yourself, and build the network that you want.

As you begin to build your new networking, try these three things:

• Have an open house at your facility and invite librarians and information professionals from the region to attend.  Don’t worry if you have a small space.  It isn’t about the physical library, but about the virtual library and what you do.  Think of it as an hour (or so) of good information exchange under the guise of an open house.
• Attend a few local library events and be sure to circulate and say "hi" to people.  If you collect any business cards, email them a quick note afterward with a "nice to have met you" message.
• Get on a local library discussion list and post occasionally.  In addition, locate the librarians on LinkedIn and Facebook (etc.) and interact with them there.

If you have hints, tips or techniques, please leave a comment with them!  What has worked for you?  What do you wish that you had done?