Master Connector Jodi Brockington Shares Insider Tips on Using Tech to Build Your Network

On the first day of the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, participants got insider tips on quality networking via the “Power Networking Primer.” Facilitated by Jodi Brockington, founder of NIARA Consulting (@NIARAConsulting), a business coaching and development firm, attendees of the seminar got the chance to learn from a master connector about how to build quality relationships and network to enhance your circles.

Check out a few tips from Brockington’s session on how to utilize technology and social media for networking success:

1. Don’t overwhelm yourself with social media overload. Be sure to filter who you want to follow and what you want to know in terms of the people you connect with online and their updates, Brockington advises. And you don’t have to be on every platform. Choose those that you can leverage best based on your industry and professional networking needs.

2. Utilize apps that help make networking and following up that much easier. Apps like CardMunch allow you to take the challenge out of trying to keep up with business cards or remember names. “We all have those piles of cards that may just sit on our desk collecting dust, but apps like CardMunch allow you to take a picture of your business card, upload it directly into LinkedIn, put the information into your iPhone contacts and ask for the connection on LinkedIn,” Brockington says. “So, now you have three ways to instantly connect with someone, and there’s no need to keep those piles of cards.”

3. Get to know people via their social media profiles to break the ice and organically connect when in person. Paying attention to details and relating beyond just business talk is key, Brokington says. “Nowadays people meet each other online before meeting personally, so that’s also a great way to get to know people’s interests beforehand and truly build a relationship.”

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! Join us for the landmark 10th Annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2—4, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, one-of-a-kind executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now! https://blackenterprise.com/wps