Networks, Connections and the Geoscience Ecosystem--
-by Caroline Wachtman, Bulletin Editor
I began the month by interviewing eight new HGS members to learn more about their education, careers, and what they hope to gain from membership in the Society. (Look for the We are the HGS column in upcoming editions of the Bulletin to read their stories.) These new members all seek to build their networks among geoscientists in Houston. Some were hopeful that network connections could turn into future jobs or business partnerships, and others hoped to gain mentorship. Their stories encouraged me to think more about the science of networking and how geoscientists build connections.
USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Networking can be approached by using the scientific method. First, specifically determine your question. Do you want to learn about a new role, a company, or a discipline? Are you looking for collaborators or financial supporters? Next, conduct background research to define the methods. Determine the people or groups who have experience with the topic. For example, if you are interested in learning about Energy Industry startups, you could check out free events at Greentown Labs or the ION. If you want to learn about being an independent geologist, you could check out SIPES. Third, develop a methodology to answer your question. For example, you might set a goal of attending at least one in-person event per month for six months. Plus, you might reach out to 10 people on LinkedIn or other social media. Fourth, evaluate your results. Did your actions help you answer your question? Re-evaluate your methods and pivot tactics if you aren’t moving closer to your goal.
The steps listed above require the user to be deliberate in setting goals and making a plan, and require the user to be resilient and tenacious. Meeting new people can be uncomfortable and awkward. Allow yourself to accept the discomfort and do it anyway!
GIVE BEFORE YOU GET
In Adam Grant’s book Give and Take, he describes the “Five-Minute Favor” that was pioneered by Adam Rifkin, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and highly skilled networker. A five-minute favor embodies the idea that building network connections can be short but impactful. Examples of five-minute favors include making an introduction for someone in your network, sharing knowledge, offering direct feedback, writing a helpful comment on social media, and others.
Making introductions is a five-minute favor I enjoy. For example, I recently introduced one of the newest HGS members to one of the longest-serving HGS members, because both individuals share similar business interests. This deepens my own network connections, is quick to execute, and it feels good to help people!
BE DIRECT
In recent years, I have connected with other Energy-focused professionals working in Houston through the Energy Underground network (Energy Underground|Eventbrite), organized by entrepreneur and energy advocate Kevin Doffing. Doffing’s meetings always start the same way: each person introduces themselves by stating where they work, what they want from the group, and what they can offer to the rest of the group. Although it may seem inconsequential, being direct about what you want to give and get has a profound impact on focusing discussions. The result is more meaningful networking relationships. For example, after learning about an attendee’s question involving partnering with national labs, I connected to share my own experiences and challenges.
ENGAGE IN THE HGS ECOSYSTEM
The benefits of networking may not be realized immediately. However, by purposefully growing your network with other geoscientists, you develop community, can increase your knowledge, and potentially gain personal or professional value.
Learn more about other geologists who are building connections across the HGS community:
• Read about Graeme Bagley’s role in connecting Upstream Oil and Gas leaders to exploration insights in Pivot Profile.
• Read HGS Legend John Seitz’s lessons on a nearly 50-year career, including the importance of leaders connecting and communicating with technical workers.
• In We are the HGS, see Craig Schiefelbein’s take on participating in HGS events to grow his network of potential customers, and see Robert Aylsworth’s model for utilizing network connections to help pivot his career.
• Hear from HGS NeoGeos chair Bryan Bottoms, along with Rachel Schelble and Megan Janzen, about the importance of helping clients connect data with business outcomes.