Networking Tip: Balance the “Emotional Bank Account”

Keepin’ it 100 with Willy T

Earlier this week, I had the chance to lead a professional development session with a group of extremely bright and talented State Student Leaders of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. As we approach our Association’s Annual Conference in Boston (this weekend!!!) I was asked to focus the conversation on networking.

During this session, we covered why it’s important, best practices, and networking-related quotes from “NIRSA Legends” that I gathered from some of my friends in the field. There’s one segment that I want to share with everyone because of its relevance to daily interpersonal touchpoints.

It’s the concept of managing an “emotional bank account” when communicating. I’ll explain:

When networking, it’s important to understand that the term itself is predicated upon mutual benefit. Similarly, to benefit a bank account, you’d want to put in deposits. Deposits in this sense can include being polite, positive nonverbal communication, remembering names and details, and sharing information that could benefit the other person.

Withdrawals on the other hand, refer to the things that would take away from the positive experience of others such as being rude, interrupting, sharing too much, and pushing a personal agenda.

Dr. Stephen Covey originally came up with this analogy, and he states that it is the base of all human relationships. We need to be cognizant of the deposits and withdrawals we’re making to maximize our communication with others and provide others with a positive experience.

And as a financial advisor might suggest, it’s usually nice to make deposits before seeking withdrawals!

With the NIRSA Annual Conference approaching - I’d be remiss if I didn’t post a throwback set of photos that exemplify one of the greatest experiences of my life. Serving as the NIRSA Student Leader, I had the chance to learn and grow with six student leaders and nine professional Member Network members as we represented the NIRSA member body for advocacy, development, and communication. I want to take the opportunity to thank this group for pushing me to be the networker, leader, and human that I am today.

Pictured: (Jordan Bishop, Earl Cabellon, Margie Cole, David Davenport, Heather Foster, Jess Gentry, Vicki Highstreet, Kelsey Jones, Andy Lemons, Tiffany Murphy, Megan Normansell, David Parker, David Peters, Pat Shank, Brian Smith - Photo creds to my friends from StevenMillerPix)

Peace, Love, and Networking,

Will Trent, MS

A “creative” who found his way using camera and a few design programs. Social Media Guru. Basketball Fanatic. Aspires to be “Tom Haverford” from Parks and Recreation.