Monique Kelley is the author of the new book Redefining Networking: How to Lead with Your Unique Value. She is a professor at Boston University.
Q: What inspired you to write Redefining Networking?
A: Throughout my career, I have seen the value of relationships and networking. Everything from getting a foot in the door at companies to being considered for opportunities that I didn’t know existed.
As I was leaving the corporate ladder to become a full-time professor of communications at Boston University and a fractional communications head/consultant, I really relied on my network and still do for clients (continuous clients for 3+ straight years since launching my consultancy), guest lecturers for my students at events and my classes, etc.
In fact, how I received the opportunity to publish this book with Routledge was through my network. I talk about that story further in the preface of the book.
Q: How would you define networking, and what would you say are some of the most common perceptions and misconceptions about it?
A: My definition is “earning your keep” with people. Investing our time, talent and energy with people.
Many other books and approaches talk about how to make networking easy. I’m saying the opposite - how can we make it intentional and effective; putting the “work” back in networking.
The most common misperception is that networking has to be with strangers or in big-room settings - the ones that typically spell my name wrong on a name tag or do not offer much return on investment.
Research shows that 80 percent of jobs are found through networking (Forbes, other sources as noted in the book). With that high figure, we can’t afford not to do it right.
Q: Did you need to do much research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: Boston University’s College of Communication (COM) invested in a research assistant for my book. I met Sarah Elashkar, a former graduate student at COM, at an event on campus for Middle Eastern and North African students, faculty and staff. I’m part Iranian-American, and Sarah is from Egypt.
As we were talking over delicious food, she mentioned that she wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I shared what I did for my business and how I had received a contract to write a book about networking. She immediately jumped in and asked for the opportunity to support it. It was a great example of mutually-supportive networking for a book on that very same topic.
It was surprising to me that nearly 80 percent of people know that networking is important, yet less than half do it. And for those who do, it’s usually when they need something. Barriers to networking all-year round include time, feeling awkward about asking someone for something and shyness.
My approach to networking is not just to get, it’s to give as well. I go through a three-step process that meets people where they are and is a more natural way to network, unique to them. It’s about adding value to the right audiences and through the right channels.
Q: What impact did it have on you to write this book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
A: I am overwhelmed that the book, in its first week, already reached #1 on Amazon’s Best Seller List for Business Ethics. The topic is really resonating with my network - everyone from my current clients who sent me selfies with them and the book, my students and former coworkers to my childhood friends who I haven’t connected with in decades.
Most everyone these days are seeking more authentic ways to connect. We are over the Zoom meet-and-greets and big cat-call events.
I hope this book helps everyone fall in love with mutually-supportive relationships and better understands the value that they can provide to others. We all can contribute value, but need to be clear on how to communicate that to the right audiences.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: What am I not working on! I’m currently participating in speaking opportunities about the book and networking through my affiliations with BU, CHIEF (I’m a founding member for the largest women’s executive networking community), as well as other organizations.
I teach full-time at BU. In addition to communications courses, I’m the first and only professor teaching COM Career Readiness. I also was just nominated to join a committee that is to develop a university-wide course on career readiness. We are kicking that work off in January, and I’m so excited to be a part of it for my alma mater and employer.
I also am continuing my fractional communications leadership role with AbbVie and global biopharmaceutical companies.
On the personal front, I’m coming back from a running injury and am excited to increase my running. In fact, I have running meetings with some members of my network. Who says you have to stick to coffee and lunches!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Please check out my website, https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/, for a graphic of the three-step process and more details on each step, more background about the concept of “earning your keep,” and to order the book. It’s available now, launched on December 15.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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