Networking outside of work

[Anonymous]

So I moved to a small town, which prides itself on people from here. I got a public facing job just due to the fact that there weren’t locals my company wanted to hire, for whatever reason. Since I’m not from here, I work hard at getting along and fitting in. Lately, I seem to have been invited to more social events by the ladies’ “old guard”… not sure what to call them other than the group of women with social influence. Charities, boards, fundraisers, luncheons…

What do I need to know about “making it” with this crowd? I figure my approach is smile, be polite, look pretty, do any work I commit to, and not share too much about myself lest I be subject to gossip.

I guess I’m also wondering if anyone has anecdotes about how this type of stuff helped their careers. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Kick someone's ass the first day, or become someone's btch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kick someone's ass the first day, or become someone's btch.

Ok troll, anyone else?

[Anonymous]

Don’t show or tell any weaknesses. Assume everything you say will be disseminated across town. Be ok with whatever you say to be repeated.

Figure out who is in charge. If you can’t stand trying to befriend them (subtly, please), then at least try not to piss them off / fly under the radar.

[Anonymous]

Are you in the Midwest? If so quit trying they'll never let you in. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t show or tell any weaknesses. Assume everything you say will be disseminated across town. Be ok with whatever you say to be repeated.

Figure out who is in charge. If you can’t stand trying to befriend them (subtly, please), then at least try not to piss them off / fly under the radar.

+1

Also assume anything you say will reflect on your company (even though that’s really unfair).

Be genuine but don’t share anything too personal.

[Anonymous]

Express a lot of interest in the way they do things. Watch people and mimic their behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you in the Midwest? If so quit trying they'll never let you in. Seriously.

So much this. My mother was shunned. The ol’ bags were horrid to her. She was wealthier. Prettier. Nicer. They couldn’t stand it. She was so happy to finally get back to Chicago.