Find the Zen of Networking

A Rewarding Journey

One service that most members seem to want is more networking, at least according to the results of two recent surveys by AAPG and the DPA.

In light of the volatility within our industry, networking is increasingly important. Indeed, in my last column, I pointed out that networking is the one and only tool that can help you find your next opportunity, whether it be a job or a deal.

After reviewing the survey results, I have been wondering how to provide our members "more networking." The simple fact is that establishing and building your network is up to you; we can only provide opportunities for you to network.

Based on a number of the comments in the surveys and discussions with numerous colleagues, it is apparent that a fair number of members do not seem to know how to go about building a network. So what follows is a primer in the Zen of building a network.


Webster's defines a network as a system of interconnected individuals. So, the first, and perhaps most important step, is to determine the goal of your network. This will determine what group of individuals you need to connect with.

Do you want to be recognized as a technical expert in your field, or do you want to lay the foundation for finding your next job or to becoming an independent?

Or do you want both?

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One service that most members seem to want is more networking, at least according to the results of two recent surveys by AAPG and the DPA.

In light of the volatility within our industry, networking is increasingly important. Indeed, in my last column, I pointed out that networking is the one and only tool that can help you find your next opportunity, whether it be a job or a deal.

After reviewing the survey results, I have been wondering how to provide our members "more networking." The simple fact is that establishing and building your network is up to you; we can only provide opportunities for you to network.

Based on a number of the comments in the surveys and discussions with numerous colleagues, it is apparent that a fair number of members do not seem to know how to go about building a network. So what follows is a primer in the Zen of building a network.


Webster's defines a network as a system of interconnected individuals. So, the first, and perhaps most important step, is to determine the goal of your network. This will determine what group of individuals you need to connect with.

Do you want to be recognized as a technical expert in your field, or do you want to lay the foundation for finding your next job or to becoming an independent?

Or do you want both?

Step 1: Set your networking goal.

  • Example 1: To become well known as an expert in (your field here).

  • Example 2: To become well known by industry leaders as an individual who can get things done.

Once you know what group of individuals you need to connect with, look for ways to meet them.

Step 2: Become familiar with those in the professional community who can best help you achieve your goal.

  • Example 1: Read papers and attend talks and short courses in (your field here).

  • Example 2: Attend your local geologic society and AAPG meetings.

As you become familiar with the group of individuals you want to connect with, look for ways to establish your own reputation within the group.

Step 3: Become active with the professional group that best helps you achieve your goal.

  • Example 1: Give talks and short courses or publish papers in (your field here).

  • Example 2: Serve on committees in your local geologic society and AAPG; apply for certification.

As you establish your reputation, begin to take on more responsibility. If you want your network to include those members that represent the best of the best, then you should look to join a committee within the Division of Professional Affairs -- the "A Team" of AAPG. DPA membership is roughly 10 percent that of the association, yet over the last decade DPA members filled almost 60 percent of the leadership positions in AAPG.

Step 4: Become a leader among the professional group that best helps you achieve your goal.

  • Example 1: Convene a conference or chair technical sessions in (your field here).

  • Example 2: Chair committees in your local geologic society and AAPG; serve on a DPA committee.

By this point you should have successfully established a relatively strong network. You should now seek to broaden your sphere of influence and begin developing related networks.

Step 5: Become familiar with professionals who have interests related to yours.

  • Example 1: Read papers and attend talks and short courses in (fields related to yours).

  • Example 2: Serve as a meeting chair or vice chair; become a delegate; stand for office.

As you can see, the cycle repeats here, only at a higher plane. You'll find this is somewhat like seeking enlightenment: As you move to a continuously higher plane, you will find increasing contentment and satisfaction (although no one will admit to that).

To continue the analogy, just as enlightenment comes only to those who work hard to seek it, so too does a network become established only for those who take the effort to build it.

It will take several years to build just the foundation for your network, and to do so, you may have to be willing on occasion to use your vacation time, and your own money.

However, as with the journey to enlightenment, you will find that the journey, in and of itself, is rewarding.

Let me close with a few questions:

  • Have you started establishing your network? If not, why not?
  • Do you want the "A Team" to be part of your network? If not, why not?
  • If so, are you certified? If not, why not?

Take the time to become certified. It is an important step on your journey toward building your network.

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