The Data Front

Level Up Your Networking Game: D+W London, October 2024

Boost your networking skills with key takeaways from Data + Women London’s October event! Learn from experts like Sarah Bartlett and Elizabeth Maxson Martinet (EMax), and discover how to build meaningful connections in the data community.

As a passionate advocate for women in data, creating inclusive spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up is incredibly important to me. That’s why I was so excited to host a special Data + Women London event in October focused on networking and building meaningful connections.

Inspired by my own journey getting slightly more confident with networking (although I still find it terrifying!) and the incredible connections I’ve made through the data community, I wanted to create an event specifically focused on networking. It can be tough to put yourself out there, especially after years of virtual events, so I wanted to provide a safe and supportive space for people to connect, learn from experts, and build valuable relationships. It’s all about fostering those “aha!” moments and empowering each other to grow both personally and professionally.

“79% of professionals consider networking to be vital to career success”

Sarah Bartlett

This event was a bit different from the usual format, with a dedicated networking “game” and insightful talks from two amazing speakers. We even had a hybrid setup, allowing attendees to join virtually for the first part of the event! You can catch the recording of the afternoon in full on YouTube.

Networking Know-How & the Power of Community

First up, Sarah Bartlett, at the time a Director of BI & Enablement at JLL, London Tableau User Group Co-lead and now Tableau Visionary hall of famer, shared her incredible journey in the data world and how networking played a crucial role in her career progression.

She highlighted the following practical tips everyone could use later on or at their next event:

1. Networking is a Journey, Not a Destination. Sarah emphasized that networking is an ongoing process, building and nurturing relationships over time.

2. Set Goals and Be Intentional. Whether it’s meeting a specific person or attending a certain type of event, having a clear objective can help you focus to make the most of your interactions.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions. One of Sarah’s biggest tips was to ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking “How are you?” try something like “What brought you to this event?” This allows for a more engaging conversation and helps you learn more about the other person.

4. Make it About Them, Not You. People love to talk about themselves! Sarah reminded us to focus on the other person in the conversation and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.

5. Follow Up and Stay Connected. Networking isn’t a one-night stand! Sarah stressed the importance of following up with people you meet and staying connected – via a quick message on LinkedIn or engaging with their social media posts.

“80% of women leaders use networking to drive career success”

Sarah Bartlett

6. Lift as You Climb. This was one of my favorite takeaways from Sarah’s talk. As women in data, it’s important to support and uplift each other. As we advance in our careers, let’s remember to reach back and help other women climb with us.

7. Embrace Social Media. Sarah closed her talk by highlighting the role of social media in networking for connecting with people, staying updated on industry trends, and building your personal brand. [Keep an eye out for later in 2025 where we’ll have an event about your personal brand!]

She also had some great stats, beautiful slides & an engaging way of connecting with the audience – it was amazing to learn from her!

Next, I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Maxson Martinet (EMax), a marketing leader passionate about building supportive communities. She shared her experiences creating a thriving mom’s network at Salesforce and offered valuable insights on fostering vulnerability and authentic connections.

“Those struggles of finding that work-life harmony. I call it harmony, not balance. I don’t think those two things are ever balanced, so it’s finding that harmony to work together.”

EMax

EMax also discussed the importance of identifying gaps in existing networks and proactively building resources to address those needs. The stand out for me was hearing the term ‘work-life harmony’ for the first time, and that embracing vulnerability is something to lean into.

For the full interview, see my feature here.

Networking Game On!

After the talks, it was time to put our networking skills to the test! I hosted a fun, interactive game where attendees paired up with someone new every five minutes. Icebreaker questions (some data-related, some just for fun!) sparked engaging conversations, and the energy in the room was fantastic.

It was wonderful to see everyone connecting and building relationships in a safe and supportive environment. I definitely need a whistle for next time though and a clearer space for moving around!

Watch This Space!

This event was a fantastic reminder of the power of community and the importance of building genuine connections. I’m so grateful to Sarah, EMax, and everyone who attended for making it such a success!

Keep an eye out for the next Data + Women London ‘Spark Your Network’ event in March 2025 – I’d love to see you there!