OK, this is it – the last installment of our gentle diatribe about the importance of networking to develop your career in the interior design industry. We’ve covered what networking is and isn’t, what you need before you get going, how and where to start, and what to do to set yourself apart. In this last critical chapter, we’re discussing how to follow up with all those people you better be meeting, the reality of six degrees of separation, the absolute “don’ts” of the process, and the lame excuses not to network. Before you read on, be sure to take a moment to peruse Parts 1 & 2 or you’re going to be a bit lost as we’re diving right in…

• | What do you do once you’ve met someone” Follow up soon.

Once you encounter someone with whom you would like to establish future contact, keep that relationship warm by following up within a week or two. If you wait longer than that, he or she might not fully remember you, so it’s important to help the person do just that. But how”

Don’t just try to connect on LinkedIn right away. Follow up with personalized, handwritten thank-you note. Not many people take the time to do this any longer, so it will definitely make an impression. Reference the circumstance in which you met, highlight parts of your conversation that made an impact on you, thank them for taking the time to speak with you, and allude to the hope of future contact. Since you should have taken their business card, you know exactly where to send it.

Wait about a week after you drop the note in the mail before following up with an email and/or trying to connect with them on LinkedIn. It will be more natural, and you’ll seem much less like a stalker. Now where you take it from there is up to you. The sky’s the limit.

• | Is the idea of “six degrees of separation” true” Absolutely.

Because of contacts I’ve made over the year, I’m connected to Neil Patrick Harris, Lea Michele, Faye Dunaway, Ozzy Osbourne, George Michael, and the guys of Duran Duran. How will this help me in the interior design industry” I have no idea. It may not. But you never know.

Potentially more important to my career, however, I’m connected with…

• Metropolis magazine Editor-in-Chief, Susan Szenasy
• architect, Charter Faculty and Faculty Mentor at USGBC, James Weiner
• interior designer and Contributing Editor at Green Building Advisor, Annette Stelmack
• Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Facility Manager, and IFMA Fellow, Chris Hodges
• established furniture designer, Brian Graham

A pretty impressive list, if I don’t say so myself. But why do I know these guys” Because I get out there. I go to conferences and events. I walk up to them and engage them in conversation. I ask to collaborate – usually in a volunteer capacity of some sort – and I offer to help them in any way that I can. It’s that simple. Try it – you’ll like it.

• | What are the “don’ts” of networking” Burning bridges and not reciprocating.

Burning bridges: Remember what I said about six degree of separation being true” It’s even worse in the interior design, architecture and construction industries. When you bad-mouth a current boss or colleague, a former boss or colleague, or a vendor with which you’ve worked, you come across as bitter and negative, which doesn’t make you a very attractive potential colleague or collaborator. Plus, if you trash talk someone, they hear about it, and then you have to work with person again, you’re going to have a miserable time of it. Just be professional and never say something about someone that you wouldn’t say in front of them.

Not reciprocating: If you ask for a favor, information or introduction, you better be prepared to do the same if that person comes to you for help in the future. Networking is not a one-way relationship. If it were, it wouldn’t be a relationship at all. If you constantly take and never give back, you will be passively burning bridges by establishing yourself as insincere, ungrateful, and selfish, which are not desirable traits. Just do unto others, baby.

• | What are some lame excuses not to network” Shyness and insecurity.

I’m shy. Who isn’t” We all have our moments. People can change – I completely believe that. Feel more comfortable being someone else than yourself” That’s what actors do all the time. Then play a person who isn’t shy. Don’t let this one thing hold you back and squash your potential. It will haunt you.

No one will want to talk to me. Rule No. 1: People love to talk about themselves. Rule No. 2: People love to talk about themselves. Just ask. You’ll be amazed at what people will tell you and how you’ll benefit from it. If nothing else, it’ll be entertaining, and you’ll have a good story to tell your friends.

Look, you’re going to have your “on” days and your “off” days. That’s OK. Not every day is a day to meet new people. The key is not to get discouraged and keep at it. After awhile it’s not so scary. Heck, you’ll get to where you’ll actually enjoy it. No kidding. The key is to start early – BEFORE you’re desperate for that job. People smell desperation and get frightened, so avoid it.

Now get out there and network.