Episode 26 How to Successfully Network as an Employee with Debra Walker

In this episode, Faithann explores networking from an employee’s perspective with Debra, a business development professional at Armstrong Company. Debra shares her experience of building relationships and representing her company through networking. Faithann and Debra discuss how employees can leverage networking to grow their business, the benefits of intentional relationship-building, and how employers can support their employees in these efforts.

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Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Deborah & Armstrong Company:

  • How Debra got into networking.

  • Overview of Armstrong Company’s relocation services.

• The Power of Networking for Employees:

  • How networking benefits both employees and their companies.

  • The importance of intentionality in building professional relationships.

• Debra's Networking Journey:

  • How she transitioned from Ohio to Oklahoma City and built her network.

  • Her introduction to Business Networking International (BNI).

  • The impact of finding a community and establishing her own chapter.

• Employer Support & Permission for Networking:

  • How Debra approached her company for permission to join BNI.

  • The financial investment companies make in networking and its ROI.

  • Why Armstrong Company values employee networking.

• The Value of Exclusive Networking Groups:

  • How BNI’s seat-specific structure fosters strong professional relationships.

  • The difference between referrals and leads.

  • Why exclusivity in networking enhances credibility and trust.

• Networking Beyond BNI:

  • Other industry-specific networking groups Debra participates in.

  • The importance of continuous learning and connections within an industry.

• Tracking & Reporting Networking Results:

  • How Debra demonstrates ROI to her employer.

  • The value of tracking referrals, closed business, and engagement metrics.

  • How businesses can measure the effectiveness of employee networking efforts.

• Final Takeaways:

  • Why networking is a long-term investment.

  • The importance of tracking results and being proactive.

  • Encouragement for employees to seek employer support for networking.

Resources Mentioned:

• Armstrong Company OKC Website

• Business Networking International (BNI) 

• Debra on LinkedIN

Connect with The Networker's Tour Guide:

• Free First Impressions Guide

• @thenetworkerstourguide

• Faithann on LinkedIN

• Email your questions to faithann@thenetworkerstourguide.com

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