How To Network With Alumnae

With awesome events like homecoming approaching for many universities it's time to start thinking about alumnae networking, you should also be thinking about this year round as well. Alumnae are an important part of any sorority and they should be valued members that you want to spend time with and appreciate. Today I am going to share a few tips with you on how to make alumnae feel welcome in your sorority and how to feel more comfortable getting to know alumnae.

1. Realize they are just as nervous as you are: Your alumnae don't have super powers where they aren't nervous about being at your event. They are just as nervous as you are to be attending your event. They may be coming alone so they may not know anyone at the event. Some alumnae come from different chapters and they are just shy to be around so many people they don't know. Just like you are nervous to meet them, they are doubly as nervous to meet you. 

2. Start by talking to alumnae in a non-formal setting: It's so much easier to start talking with alumnae if you start small. Maybe send an email to the president of your local alumnae chapter and ask her if she knows of any alumnae with similiar interests to you. Start small and ease your way into getting to know alumnae. A one-on-one dinner with just one alumnae or a Facebook conversation might make it easier for you to jump into talking with multiple alumnae.

3. Introduce yourself: Your alumnae might not remember your name, but a great way to start a conversation is with a handshake; introduction; and smile. You might have a common interest through something you mention like a chair/officer position you hold or held. It might be the thing that gets ya'll talking all afternoon.

4. Make room in your conversation for multiple people: Absorb people into your conversations if you feel that a certain alumnae is being left alone or if you feel a sister needs help having a conversation with alumnae. Tag team your alumnae discussions and form bigger groups, becuase bigger groups mean different conversation topics that can take place. Be aware of your surroundings though just in case your alumnae are uncomfortable with the bigger group of people.

5. Just do it: Nike's slogan really works here. Networking and talking with alumnae is never going to be easy. It's going to be hard to do it, but sometimes you have to just go and do it. It's going to be uncomfortable, but if you just let yourself do it and not second guess yourself you can have some really awesome conversations with your alumnae.

I hope these tips helped you as you begin to have conversations with the alumnae of your sorority. If you just sit and talk with them you can learn so much about your sorority history just by giving your alumnae a few minutes of your time.