HOW TO MASTER THE ART

OF NETWORKING
By Rodney Apple, in partnership with APICS
 INTRODUCTION

There’s a long list of things you can and should do to help advance your career. Just a few
examples include fine-tuning your résumé, seeking out a mentor, obtaining more education,
making strategic job moves that enhance your skill set and marketability, networking, and
improving your interviewing and offer negotiation skills.

From my perspective, the most misunderstood and undervalued career development

strategy is networking. I can understand why, because networking is an activity that often
doesn’t produce immediate or tangible results. Networking requires most people to step
outside their comfort zone and engage complete strangers. In addition, many professionals
believe networking is a complete waste of time unless you’re looking for a new job or if your
current job is in sales, marketing or recruiting. Furthermore, a lot of people simply don’t
understand what networking is, and go about it the wrong way—which tends to lead to
rejection, disappointment and/or frustration.

In this white paper, I explain the reasons that it’s important for everyone, regardless of
career level or success status, to embrace networking as a core career development
strategy. I will explain what networking is all about and what networking isn’t about. I’ll
provide you with plenty of tips and best practices on where to network and how to
network—as well as a list of networking apps, tools and websites you can leverage to
optimize your networking effectiveness. You’ll also learn which networking tactics you
should always avoid.

2 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

HOW TO MASTER THE ART
OF NETWORKING
BY RODNEY APPLE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH APICS

Table of Contents

Networking 101 4
What is Networking 5
The Benefits of Networking 6
Where to Network 10

Networking Best Practices and Tips 14

In-Person Networking Best Practices 15
Online Networking Best Practices 17
Job Search Networking Tips 19
LinkedIn Networking Tips 19

Networking Tools to Get Started 20

Ice Breakers and Conversation Starters 21
Networking Apps, Websites and Tools 21

Summary: Developing Your Networking Plan 24

NETWORKING 101
WHAT IS NETWORKING

Definitions of Networking
The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions;
specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
Source: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/networking

Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular
communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question “How can I help?”
and not “What can I get?”
Source: businessdictionary.com/definition/networking.html

Here are the two most important takeaways from these definitions:

1. Networking is centered on creating and developing “mutually beneficial” relationships.

2. The approach to networking should be focused on “How can I help?” versus “What’s in it for me?”

If you want to maximize your return on (networking) investment, always strive to find out how you
can help others. This is the key to developing mutually beneficial relationships.

Networking is Not About the Number of Connections

I’ve noticed people on LinkedIn who post, often with great braggadocio, about the number of first-
level connections they’ve made to date. They act as if there’s a contest to see who can accrue the
most connections on LinkedIn. Many of them are “open networkers,” meaning they’ll connect with
anyone and everyone on LinkedIn for the sole purpose of building up their number of connections.

Growing your number of connections is not networking! It’s more like a race to nowhere, and I would
argue that people who randomly connect with anyone are doing more harm to their network and
personal brand than good.

True networking means you’re networking with a purpose—and that purpose should always
emphasize quality over quantity, with the goal of developing mutually beneficial relationships.
I’d rather have 50 connections that are quality connections than 10,000 connections with random
strangers I have nothing in common with.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 5

 Furthermore, if you’re not initiating any contact with the people whom you’re connecting with online,
you’re not building a network at all. You’re simply adding digital connections and contacts that sit
there like a bump on a log. Anyone can build up their number of connections, but it takes effort and
purposeful planning to convert your digital connections into mutually beneficial relationships.

Beware of “What’s in It for Me?” Networkers

If you’ve attended enough networking events, it’s likely you have encountered these types of
individuals. They’re the ones who move from person to person as quickly as possible to hand out
as many business cards as they can. They typically do all the talking, won’t let others get a word in,
and/or interrupt someone before the person finishes speaking. They focus their efforts on pitching
their products, ideas or services within minutes of meeting someone, or they do their pitching in the
following days.

Do yourselves a favor and try to avoid spending much time with these types of networkers, because
it’s very doubtful that they’ll help you in any way. I’m not suggesting that they’re “bad” people—just
that you’re better off seeking out individuals who genuinely show interest in you. You need to engage
with people who take the time to listen to you, ask you good questions and leave you with the
impression that they could help you out at some point—whether it’s now, tomorrow or even years
down the road.

THE BENEFITS OF NETWORKING

There are a lot of incredible benefits you can receive from networking, but there’s one in particular
that you absolutely need to be aware of. This is what I consider the “holy grail” of networking:

Networking is a top predictor of career success.

According to multiple peer-reviewed studies, simply being in an open network instead of a closed
network is a top predictor of career success. In the chart below, which came from a Forbes article
that highlights a network science study by the University of Chicago, you’ll notice that those who
possess large, open networks perform better in their careers compared to those who have small,
closed networks.

The article goes on to explain that those who stay in a closed network typically hear the same ideas
from the same people, which reinforces their current thoughts and belief patterns. On the other
hand, those in open networks are exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking. I’ll add that those
in open networks are exposed to a lot more opportunities than those who stay in a closed network.

6 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

 Having followed the careers of many of the candidates I’ve recruited and placed in the last 20+
years, I can attest that the most successful people I’ve recruited all had very strong networks.
They focused on seeking out mutually beneficial relationships throughout their careers, and they
approach networking with a “How can I help?” mindset versus a “What’s in it for me?” approach.

Other important benefits of networking include:

Relative Performance

Network Constraint

Large, open network where you Small, closed network where

are the link between people from you are connected to people
different clusters who already know each other

Building mutually beneficial business relationships.

I’m sure you’ve heard the sayings, “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” and “The more you give,
the more you receive.” Both are very true and they apply to all aspects of life. As humans, we all
need mutually beneficial relationships to survive and thrive in life—and this applies to our careers,
relationships and business dealings. When it comes to your career, seeking out and cultivating
networking opportunities with the right people can absolutely increase the benefits you receive.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 7

Opening new doors/creating new opportunities. Networking facilitates relationship building for
mutual benefit and the enhancement of your personal brand. This can help open doors that you
don’t even know exist, and can generate new opportunities beyond your wildest imagination.

Learning and exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking. Hanging out with the same people who
share the same beliefs and perspectives can limit your ability to learn, expand your horizon and
develop an open mind. Networking, on the other hand, can help you grow as an individual, broaden
your horizon and learn new ways of thinking.

Problem solving. Networking can provide you with a plethora of ways to quickly solve a problem
because you can instantly reach out to others who are both willing and able to help.

Job search and career development. Many people make the mistake of networking only when they
find themselves unemployed or eager to find a new job. As soon as they find a new job, they stop
networking until they’re ready to find a new job once again. This can put you at a disadvantage
compared to those who proactively network on a routine basis. Having a strong network in place
can help speed up your job search efforts, and as an added bonus, you’re more likely to “receive” job
opportunities even when you’re not looking.

Business development/generating leads. If you’re in sales or marketing, networking is paramount

for lead generation and optimizing your ability to generate revenue. The most successful
salespeople are typically also the strongest networkers.

Recruiting and hiring talent. A strong network can do wonders for quickly identifying candidates
for your job openings. My supply chain network is absolutely one of my top competitive advantages
when it comes to both client development and recruitment.

Staying on top of industry trends and happenings. Your network can be a great resource for
keeping track of industry news and emerging trends.

Elevating your brand, expertise and/or reputation. By consistently sharing your expertise and
seeking to help others, your personal brand will improve. This is an excellent way to market yourself
without ever having to use a sales pitch. When people need a problem solved or have a job opening
that fits your background, they’re more likely to think of you if you’ve done a good job of staying
active with your networking and providing value to members within your network.
Satisfaction from helping others. Networking facilitates your ability to assist people. It feels good
to do things like help others, solve their problems, facilitate introductions that lead to meaningful
relationships or land someone a new job.

Earning credits to maintain professional certifications. Some certifications require you to achieve
a certain number of education credits each year to maintain your certification status. Many
associations host networking events that are educational in nature and allow you to meet this
educational requirement.

Building self-esteem and confidence. The more time you spend networking, the more confident
you become in communicating with people of diverse backgrounds.

Coaching and mentoring. Networking allows you to make new connections and seek out
opportunities for coaching and mentoring.

Facilitating introductions and referrals. As your network expands and diversifies, you’ll become
a natural when it comes to “matchmaking” and helping others connect to the right people. This is
also considered “giving” and will come back around when you’re in need of help with introductions
and referrals.

Interacting with business peers. Getting to know others who do the same type of work you do, but
for other companies, is a great strategy for several reasons—including job networking, problem
solving and facilitating the exchange of ideas for improvement within your niche.

Conducting market and competitive research/analysis. If you’re networking with the right people
at the right companies, it can help you with conducting research on market opportunities and
your competitors.

Generating new business ideas/ventures. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor or someone

who’s always looking for a way to design a better mousetrap, having a robust network in place
facilitates the exchange of ideas and can serve as a great source for innovation.

Identifying/meeting new suppliers and service providers. A sound network enables you to seek
out referrals for suppliers and service providers, as well as obtain vital information regarding a
supplier’s strengths and weaknesses.

Building new friendships. I’ve developed many long-lasting friendships from networking. I even met
my wife at a networking event for recruiters several years ago!

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 9

 WHERE TO NETWORK
Ask for Referrals (Influencers, Coworkers, Alumni, LinkedIn Connections, Etc.)
If you’re early in your career or aren’t quite sure where you should begin networking, I highly
recommend polling people you know to generate some referrals and ideas. Inform them of your main
purpose for networking and the benefits you hope to receive so they can provide you with the right
types of referrals. Aim to build networks with diverse groups of people, not just people who work
directly within your profession.

Join Supply Chain Associations (e.g., APICS)

From a career networking perspective, it’s tough to beat joining a supply chain association and
taking advantage of all the networking opportunities the association provides. Here are a few
suggestions that you should consider:

Attend local chapter meetings. This is an excellent way to meet and socialize with other supply
chain professionals within your local or regional area. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to learn
something new, since most chapter meetings are educational in nature and typically feature a guest
speaker. Simply visit the main association website to discover the closest chapter to your current
location and seek out the schedule of events so you can sign up for meetings that interest you. To
find an APICS chapters, visit apics.org/chapters and learn about APICS local chapters and events
near you.

Volunteer for the chapter. Seek out volunteer opportunities—they’re a very easy way to meet a
lot of supply chain professionals without being the one who has to take the initiative and spark
up the conversation. This is great idea for those who are introverted in nature or are brand new to
networking. An example is signing up as a volunteer greeter for chapter events at which you greet
members as they arrive, sign them in and/or distribute name badges.

Sign up for supply chain facility tours. Most chapters conduct occasional tours at facilities such
as manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers. These are great events to attend
because they’re highly educational, and you might meet others from the company that’s hosting
the tour—an added bonus.

10 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

Attend conferences. Since conferences typically take place over multiple days, this is by far the
best and easiest way to meet a lot of supply chain professionals within a short time frame. Some
companies sponsor their employees to attend various supply chain conferences, so you should
research this at your employer to find out what the process is, and make your manager and other
leaders aware of your interest in attending conferences. If this isn’t an option at your employer, you’ll
need to pay your own way to the conferences. Always try to sign up early to ensure the best rates.

I recommend that you take the time to research the list of speakers whom you wish to hear, and
consider reaching out to anyone you’d like to meet in advance of the conference to schedule a
meeting place and time. If you really want to meet a particular speaker, consider arriving early
(prior to the scheduled presentation) since the speaker typically will be hanging out, waiting for the
room to fill. Or, you could wait until after the speaker finishes his or her presentation to strike up a
conversation. Either way, always be respectful of the speaker’s time and of others who are waiting
to meet the speaker. Be prepared and have your business card handy. Also, prepare a question or
talking point you’d like to use to strike up the conversation.

APICS offers conferences around the world. Visit apics.org/events to find the conference right
for you.

Network one on one with association members. Most supply chain associations have an online
membership directory that allows you to search for other members using criteria such as industry,
company, location or job title. I encourage you to use this tool to identify and engage with other
association members.

Chamber of Commerce Chapter Events | uschamber.com

There are thousands of local Chamber of Commerce chapters in the U.S. alone. These are great
resources for networking with small business owners and their employees.

Business Networking International (BNI) | bniamerica.com

Similar to the Chamber of Commerce, BNI has local chapters all over the country and serves as a
conduit for business networking.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 11

 Meetup | meetup.com
The world’s largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group
or find one of the thousands already meeting face to face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local
communities each day, each with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

Eventbrite | eventbrite.com
The world’s largest self-service ticketing platform. Its mission is to bring the world together through
live experiences. It’s a great resource for identifying networking events in your local area.

LinkedIn Groups
A great source for discovering events in your area. I recommend searching for your city in the “Groups”
search bar to identify local groups that interest you.

Business Journals Events | bizjournals.com/calendar

This is a very popular directory for business news and events organized by metropolitan cities. Its
schedule contains numerous networking events, ranging from industry-related conferences to local
business awards and everything in between.

Local Alumni Chapter

If you live in a big city, there’s a fair chance that your university has a local alumni chapter. I strongly
recommend that you make an effort to connect with your school’s alumni. Most people are very
willing to help out others who went to the same university.

Volunteering, Charity Events, Fundraisers or Civic Associations

Every city in America offers multiple avenues for supporting various causes within its community.
These are great places for networking while serving your own local community.
Examples: Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Moose, Lions, Etc.

Diversity Groups and Associations (e.g., Women in Logistics, NBMBAA, NSHMBA)

There are plenty of diversity associations that offer networking opportunities as well.

Take a Class or Course

Check out the classes your local universities and community colleges offer. Networking isn’t only
about business. I encourage you to network with others who share the same passions and hobbies.

12 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

Other Professional Associations
Seek out business help groups and associations such as Toastmasters, which is devoted to helping
people with public speaking and presentation skills.

Online Networking
n Media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, etc.

n Networking communities: Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, etc.

Business Seminars and Retreats

There are plenty of seminars and business retreats you can attend to meet others who share the
same interests.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 13

 NETWORKING BEST PRACTICES AND TIPS

14 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

IN-PERSON NETWORKING BEST PRACTICES
In order to achieve the best bang for your networking buck, it’s very important that you think
strategically about networking, develop goals and action plans, and understand what you need to
do before, during and after each networking event. It’s also important to understand the actions and
behaviors you need to avoid. Here are some networking best practices you should follow for
in-person networking events.

Develop an In-Person Networking Strategy

n Define your networking objectives and the benefits you desire to achieve from each networking event.

n Identify the types of people with whom you wish to connect and develop a target list ranking them
in order of most important to least important.
n Determine the networking opportunities/events appropriate for you and schedule them in
your calendar.
n Set goals, action steps and deadlines to ensure that you stay on track with meeting your
networking objectives.

What to Do Before Every Event

n Conduct research to identify the contacts you want to connect with (speakers, influencers, etc.).

n Connect with target contacts in advance of the event on LinkedIn, Twitter, email or other
appropriate social channels.
n Aim to schedule a brief intro meeting with target contacts at the event, which could include
coffee, breakfast or simply an opportunity to “put a face with a name.”
n Develop and practice your 30-second “elevator pitch” so, if asked, you can quickly convey what
you’re all about and your unique value proposition without even thinking about it.
n Check your business card supply and stock up if necessary.
n Consider volunteering for the event—for example, checking attendees in as they arrive.
n Prepare and memorize a list of questions and conversation starters to help accelerate your ability
to engage others.
n Set goals to achieve for the event (number of contacts to meet, job leads, etc.).

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 15

 What to Do During Every Event
n Listen! This is a critical skill to master if you want to become an expert networker.

n Dress to impress, but try to stand out from the crowd. This can help jolt people’s memories if you
reach out to them after the event. For example: “I was the guy wearing the purple tie—we met
right outside the entrance to the hotel.”
n Go alone if possible, and seek out others who are alone. This maximizes your odds of meeting new
people, since groups are more difficult to engage than individuals.
n Focus on meeting new acquaintances instead of spending time with your colleagues.
n Greet each person with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile.
n Always be genuine and maintain a professional, upbeat attitude.
n Arrive early to get a feel for the event layout, and assist others arriving as well.
n Put away your phone and be present at all times.
n Seek to find out how you could help other attendees (referrals, introductions, etc.).
n Ask a lot of great questions—this helps build rapport and trust.
n Collect business cards from every contact you meet.
n Learn something new and attend the sessions that interest you.
n Always remember: The more you give (help), the more you receive.
n Play matchmaker and make introductions when appropriate.
n Last but not least, have fun!

What to Do After Every Event

n Immediately write down your thoughts, impressions and follow-up actions.

n Follow up with contacts within one or two business days and again, ask how you can help.
n Connect with each person on LinkedIn and other pertinent sites.
n Interact with contacts you met on social media—comment on their posts or share their content.
n Set calendar reminders to stay in touch via email and/or phone.
n Schedule time for coffee, lunch, dinner or after-work beverages.
n Ask contacts if there’s anyone in their circle whom you should know.
n Share content, tips and advice you feel would be beneficial.
n Measure how you performed against your goals. Adjust your strategy if necessary.

16 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

What Not to Do at Any Event
n Don’t “wing it” when it comes to networking events. Always plan ahead.

n Don’t forget to bring business cards, even if you’re unemployed.

n Don’t forget to obtain business cards from each person you meet.
n Don’t try to sell your products or services. An event is not the right time or place for selling.
n Don’t race to pass out as many business cards as possible.
n Don’t make a beeline for your seat. Use this time to work the room.
n Don’t hang out with people you already know—it’s a waste of your networking time.
n Don’t ask others for help or favors—do the exact opposite.
n Don’t brag, lie or put yourself above others. This is an instant turnoff.
n Don’t forget to follow up with new contacts within one or two business days.
n Don’t talk too much or look around the room during a conversation.
n Don’t consume too much alcohol.
n Don’t forget to practice and master your “elevator pitch.”
n Don’t forget to ask great questions and focus on building rapport.

ONLINE NETWORKING BEST PRACTICES

Here are some best practices you should follow to maximize your results and benefits from online
networking activities:

Develop an Online Networking Strategy

n Define your online networking objectives and the benefits you desire to receive.

n Identify the types of people you wish to connect with online.

n Determine the networking sites appropriate for you (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
n Set goals, action steps and deadlines.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 17

 Personalize Each Introduction (Invitation to Connect) Request
n Answer three questions in your introduction request to build confidence and passion:

– What problem do you love to solve in your profession?

– How do you accomplish that?
– What are you looking to do next with your skills and in your career?
n For example: “I love managing procurement because it gives my company a competitive
advantage. I collaborate very closely with my suppliers to help drive out costs and inefficiencies
throughout our supply chain. I’m looking to connect with procurement professionals like you
because I hope to expand my knowledge base and identify new techniques to improve my overall
procurement skills.”

Engage and Qualify Each New Connection/Contact

n Always think: “How can I help this person?”

n Never try to sell or push strongly for help on the first contact.
n Identify and state the potential benefits of connecting.
n Plan to schedule a call or meeting if it makes sense to do so.
n Develop goal(s) for what you wish to accomplish per call/meeting.
n Use Outlook or a CRM to track contacts, follow-ups and conversations.
n Stay connected and on your contacts’ “radar screen.”
n Schedule check-ins from time to time, but don’t just call or write to check in—try to provide
something of value, such as an article of interest.
n Share valuable tips, advice and content your contacts could use.
n Follow their online activity—share content and comment on posts.

18 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

JOB SEARCH NETWORKING TIPS
Here are a few networking tips you should use when you’re in job search mode:
n Always keep networking! Never wait until you need a job to start networking.
n Develop and maintain a target employer list at all times (20 to 50 target employers).
n Share your target employer list with your primary networking circles.
n Connect on LinkedIn with contacts at target employers:
– Potential hiring managers and supply chain leaders
– Supply chain recruiters and HR partners
– Peers doing the work you do now or are aspiring to do next
n Always ask for referrals—they are the #1 source for hires.
n Always ask how you can help each contact, and return any favors you receive.
n Leverage email job alerts to develop hot networking leads (e.g., Indeed.com).
n Follow target employers on LinkedIn to stay abreast of job leads.
n Focus on two-way conversations, not just adding connections.
n Remember: Network quality > network quantity.

LINKEDIN NETWORKING TIPS

Here are tips to help you move from just a LinkedIn user to a successful LinkedIn networker:
n Be active, helpful and build meaningful connections.
n Improve your search rankings. (Hint: Understand the basics of search engine optimization.)
n Upload your contacts (to Outlook, a CVS file, Gmail, etc.) to quickly grow your connections.
n Routinely publish content to LinkedIn’s publishing platform to build your personal brand.
n Regularly curate and share professional/SCM content to help with personal branding.
n Engage in group discussions with the goal of contributing value and helping others.
n Again, network quality > network quantity.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 19

 NETWORKING TOOLS TO
GET YOU STARTED

20 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

ICE BREAKERS AND CONVERSATION STARTERS
You can avoid the feeling of awkwardness when you first meet someone, especially if you or that
person is an introvert, by memorizing a few of these ice breakers:
n “Hi, I don’t know that many people here so I wanted to introduce myself. I’m [name] and I work
at [company].”
n “What brought you here today?” and/or “Where did you travel in from?”
n “Lots of great information has been shared at this event. What have you enjoyed the most so far?”
n “What session or presentation have you enjoyed the most and why?”
n “What speaker or sessions do you recommend attending?”
n “I’ve been wanting to meet you after reading an article you wrote about [X] (you should reference
how you know the person’s name). I’m [name] and I work at [company].”
n “What do you hope to get out of this conference?”
n “Are you here on your own or are you attending through your employer?”

NETWORKING APPS, WEBSITES AND TOOLS

Here’s a list of apps, websites and tools you should leverage to help optimize your networking
effectiveness:

Sidekick | getsidekick.com
Sidekick tracks emails you send to inform you if your recipients received and opened them, and
whether they clicked on the links you wanted them to. This is a fantastic tool for following up on
résumé submittals, interviewing status and job leads.

Bond | getbond.com
Remembering to keep in touch with people can be tricky, but Bond helps you search through your
contacts to see who you haven’t talked to in a while. You can schedule recurring reminders for when
to connect, and the app allows you to connect via numerous channels such as LinkedIn, Gmail,
email, phone and WhatsApp.

Banjo | ban.jo
Banjo instantly organizes the world’s social and digital signals by location, giving an unprecedented
level of understanding of what’s happening anywhere in the world, in real time. Use it to get the
pulse on or sentiment of events you’re attending and to meet new people.

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 21

 JibberJabber | jibberjabber.com
Allows you to keep track of the information you collect during a job search. Track the companies you
apply to (your target companies) and each job you apply for, and log the status of each application
and who you sent your résumé to. You can keep track of who’s in your network and how strong your
relationship is with each person, and associate them with your target companies.

MeetUp | meetup.com
The world’s largest network of local groups, MeetUp makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group
or find one of the thousands already meeting face to face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local
communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

EventBrite | eventbrite.com
EventBrite is similar to MeetUp, and you can search for networking events by category.

Rapportive | rapportive.com
This Gmail extension shows you everything about your contacts right inside your inbox, including
LinkedIn profile information. You can immediately see what people look like, where they’re based and
what they do. You can establish rapport by mentioning shared interests. You can grow your network
by connecting on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social channels.

Feedly | feedly.com
A single place for all the knowledge you rely on to think, learn and keep ahead. This RSS news reader/
organizer allows you to keep track of your favorite news articles, blogs and trade journals, all from
one easy-to-navigate website and app. It’s great for discovering new companies to target, job leads
and industry trends, and can provide real-time content to share at a networking event with your
network or on social media as a conversation starter.

FindAnyEmail | findanyemail.net
This tool uses publicly available data to connect and validate email addresses on over 1.5 billion
social media accounts.

LunchMeet | lunchmeetapp.com
Inspired by the best-selling book Never Eat Alone and built using the LinkedIn™ API, LunchMeet
allows for meaningful, face-to-face networking wherever you are, whenever you’re available.

Cloze | cloze.com
Cloze automatically keeps track of email, phone calls, meetings, documents, Evernote, LinkedIn,
Facebook and Twitter—and everything from dozens of other services. And it’s all organized for you,
by contact, company or meeting, without any busy work. Cloze even grabs email signatures so your
contacts are always up to date.

22 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

WhatsApp | whatsapp.com
WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app that allows you to exchange
messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry,
Android, Windows Phone and Nokia—and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because
WhatsApp Messenger uses the same Internet data plan you use for email and web browsing, there’s
no cost to message and stay in touch with your contacts. In addition to basic messaging, WhatsApp
users can create groups and send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.

LinkedIn Mobile Apps | linkedin.com/mobile

LinkedIn is the granddaddy of all career networking apps. Be sure to download these mobile apps to
your smartphone so you can easily network and keep track of your contacts while you’re on the go.

n LinkedIn. Stay engaged with people you know, discover industry insights and share your expertise.
It’s professional empowerment in your pocket.
n LinkedIn Job Search. Gives you all the tools you need to easily find your dream job. Quickly find
jobs wherever you want with location-based search, and get automatic job recommendations and
notifications based on your searches.
n LinkedIn Pulse. Your daily news, powered by your professional world. Pulse breaks through the
noise with timely and tailored news you need to know, saving you time. See what your network
and peers are reading, be informed with the top news in your industry and get notified when your
connections make the news.
n LinkedIn Groups. Gives you access to like-minded professionals so you can learn from their
experience. Join private communities, enjoy meaningful conversations and get ideas from experts.
Post comments, questions or photos to add to any discussion.
n LinkedIn SlideShare. Learn on the go with the millions of visually stunning presentations available
at your fingertips.

Facebook Groups | facebook.com

Facebook has a lot of different industry- and career-oriented groups you can join, and can be a great
resource for networking and discovering hidden supply chain job opportunities. For example, check
out the Supply Chain Jobs group on Facebook. This global group is for the sharing of supply chain
management job vacancies, career development advice and networking.
 

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 23

 SUMMARY: DEVELOPING YOUR
NETWORKING PLAN

24 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

Thanks for taking the time to read this white paper. I’m really hoping that you walk away with some
ideas and tactics you can put to use with your networking efforts.

I encourage those of you who are apprehensive about networking and engaging with complete
strangers to start with online networking versus in-person networking. It’s a lot easier to strike up a
conversation with someone online, especially if you focus on engaging peers within your industry or
even people you don’t know yet at your current employer. Engaging with others will help you build
your confidence, and pretty soon you’ll be ready to attend in-person networking events as well. You
can also try to identify what I call a “networking buddy”—someone you can partner with to attend
networking events together.

I also want to emphasize again that you should write down your networking goals. These goals
should include corresponding action steps and deadlines to help you achieve them. Action steps
could include reaching out and connecting with X amount of new contacts per month, attending
Y amount of supply chain association meetings per month, or meeting up with someone new for
coffee or lunch Z amount of times per month. By proactively scheduling networking activities
on your calendar, you’ll ensure that you’re focusing on consistently developing and growing your
network. It will seem like part of your normal routine in no time.

For additional career tips and strategies, I encourage you to visit apics.org/careercoach, where you
can download our current portfolio of white papers or replay past webinars.

To your success!
Rodney Apple

HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING 25

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rodney Apple is the founder and president of SCM Talent Group, LLC—a national supply chain
recruiting and executive search firm that recruits across the end-to-end supply chain discipline.
For nearly 10 years, Rodney worked at the corporate headquarters for The Coca-Cola Company and
The Home Depot, where he led professional and executive recruiting for their global supply chain
organizations. To date, Rodney has successfully filled over 1,000 professional- to executive Level supply
chain positions for clients ranging from Fortune 15 to startup. Rodney also authors “The Supply Chain
Talent Blog,” where he shares advice on job search strategy, résumé optimization, interviewing tips,
career development, hiring and more. For more information, please visit scmtalent.com.

Visit apics.org/careercoach to read the library of white papers authored by Rodney Apple.

26 HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF NETWORKING

 ABOUT APICS

APICS is the premier professional association for supply chain management and the leading provider
of research, education and certification programs that elevate supply chain excellence, innovation
and resilience. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), APICS Certified
Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference Professional
(SCOR-P) designations set the industry standard. With over 45,000 members and more than 300
channel partners, APICS is transforming the way people do business, drive growth and reach global
customers. To learn more about APICS, visit apics.org.

© 2016 APICS