Networking advice for a CPA

Q:  I am told networking and professional relationships are important for my career.  I am a newly minted CPA, an introvert, but a very competent professional.  How do you suggest that I network?  What are some good first steps?

Professional relationships are a major ingredient of a successful career.  Introverts face an even greater challenge networking.  But that doesn’t mean you don’t network.  However, it may mean developing a more planned and deliberate approach to networking.

Start slow and small.  Work to build your confidence.  First, invite a former co-worker or college roommate to lunch or coffee.  As you continue to network, your confidence will grow.  Don’t expect an immediate return from each and every meeting.  Invest the time in the relationship and the business will come.

USA500 is a regional community of trusted advisers.  Many of USA500’s members are CPAs, who are eager to network and build meaningful relationships.  Although one of the primary goals of USA500’s mission is to increase commerce for members, the network also provides a robust “rolodex” of resources for your clients.  David Yas, the President of USA500 shared his philosophy on networking.  “The myth is that you need to ‘simply get out there.’ It can be both daunting and counterproductive to try to produce results from a hodgepodge of cocktail parties and committee meetings.  Instead, make a simple goal of two to three meetings per week where you can have business discussions with others. Then keep track of the follow-up. The easiest place to start is with people you know well. ‘Jane, can we grab coffee this week? No big agenda, but I would like to talk about ways we can help each other professionally.’ That low-pressure approach can yield multiple introductions. And your network, slowly and steadily, begins to grow.”

LinkedIn is a valuable networking tool and can help with in-person networking.  However, it does not replace in-person networking.  In-person meetings are still more valuable than a LinkedIn connection.

I would suggest that you establish a networking goal for yourself.  It might be three networking meetings per week or perhaps five networking meetings during the summer months but none during tax season.

After launching my business more than 15 years ago, I still hold myself to networking goals.  I have a LinkedIn networking goal of 3 to 5 new connections per week.  Regarding in-person networking, I attend at least one group networking event per month and meet at least 5 new contacts per month (in-person).  Since my summers are typically quieter, I often with attempt to do more of my networking over the summer.  I also find that many are more willing to meet over the summer, since traffic seems to be lighter and schedules seem to be less demanding.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.