Soar like a KITE - how AwakenHub member Maria Gallo makes networking work for her

In the run-up to our next event on 15th September with Kelly Hoey (on the theme of networking of course) we’re featuring some of our AwakenHub members telling their own networking stories, starting with Maria Gallo.  I interviewed Maria over zoom last week & here’s the content of our conversation.  We hope you enjoy the read!

1.       You’re originally from Canada, Maria, but these days live in Donegal.  Can you give us some background & tell us a bit about what you do before we get started here?

Thanks Mary. I’m the Founder and Principal of KITE- Keep in Touch Education. This is an alumni engagement services company focused on research consultancy and building innovative alumni services. I work with clients around the world on these projects. I also write several alumni thought leadership pieces (KITE White Papers, academic articles) and present at conferences (all virtual now!) based on my alumni research and experiences.

I live in Ballybofey, a feisty little community where everything is a five-minute drive from home, including my office in the shared workspace at the BASE Enterprise Centre in Stranorlar. I live with my husband artist Morgan Ferriter and my two little ones Luca (9) and Tara (5) (see gorgeous family photo below).

I’m originally from Toronto, Canada. A trip to Ireland and a chance meeting with Morgan led to my move to Ireland, then Donegal and eventually to starting my own business.  Serendipity played a big part in so many of the milestones in my life. But this wasn’t just luck. I believe I created the conditions for these events to occur, and my network was a crucial element of that too.  

2.       And why did you choose the specialism of alumni to focus upon?  It’s one of those areas where many have tried and most have failed, especially in Ireland & the UK.

I began my career as an alumni relations professional and fundraiser almost immediately after graduation from undergrad. I was one of those students very active in extra-curricular activities, so it wasn’t a surprise to many that knew me that I ended up on campus. I watched my friends navigate their careers off-campus. I saw the immense potential of how fellow alumni could help with their job search, give advice and even how campus contacts could help. I made lots of suggestions and introductions to help expand student and alumni networks (in a time before social media!).

I got curious. Surely there was more to alumni relations than an annual cycle of reunions and events?

I wondered why did alumni feel their college only contacted them when they asked for money? I believe this is why many alumni check-out. They are afraid of being asked for money. They don’t update their address and they see little value in the university after graduation. It’s a pity. They’re missing out on an enriching network of diverse people - with the bonus that these alumni have the shared experience of studying in the same place as them!

After completing my doctoral studies in alumni connection, I set out to continue researching and changing mindsets on the power of alumni connection. I established KITE to help organisations—including universities, colleges, schools and even government agencies—to think about alumni differently and create change from the inside out on how alumni strategy is designed to be more alumni-centred.

I also want more people to consider the value of their alumni selves. My TEDxBallybofey talk tackles this topic, how people can build their connections through their existing alumni shared experiences.

3.       When we chatted earlier this week, we spoke in depth about how effective networking leads to meaningful connections that lead to contracts and work.  Can you tell us a bit about how this has worked for you?

This happens to me a lot! My first job in Donegal was recommended to me through a fellow alumni contact. I have connected many people in my network with leads that led to fulfilling careers. I even secured my most recent client through a recommendation from a contact in my network. We both attended the same conference (shared experience alumni!) but never met in person.

Instead, we connected online and shared information about our businesses about a year ago. I never thought much about it at the time. I recently spoke at an online roundtable event hosted by him and wrote a blog post for his company on alumni connection. When he heard of the alumni engagement strategy contract going, he thought of me. Voila! Mutually beneficial networking!

It’s like having a radar. He was always on my radar and obviously I was on his radar. And you have dozens of dots on your radar (and hopefully you are on many other people’s radars too!). As things come up, you scan your radar.  Meaningful connection comes from having - and being - the sharp dots on a radar!

4.       Some people, especially women, sometimes say to me – I can see the benefit of networking but I just don’t have the time.  My heart always sinks a little when I hear this.  What would you say to them?

Make the time. This is the most crucial thing you can do for your business or your career. Carve out the time each week to build your network. How? In our virtual world you can keep it simple. Read online posts in your area of interest. Reach out to the author or person who posted the article. Arrange an online call. Reconnect with an old friend for a 20-minute Zoom.

The key is the mutually beneficial proposition: it can’t be all about you. You need to be giving much more than receiving. Be generous when you see those articles of interest on LinkedIn - who else might be interested in reading this? Send it on or tag someone. An interesting job post? Send it on. Be generous in a ratio of 5 or even 10 to 1. This will come back in spades! Also don’t forget when you connect with someone new no harm in asking: And who else do you think I could benefit talking to?

5.       Random LinkedIn requests – accept or delete?

I get loads of these. I admire people who take the time to connect. I read their profile and if we have shared connections or are alumni connections I accept. I am a firm believer that a LinkedIn connection shouldn’t be made without a short note to make a connection or offer context. Inclusion of this infinitely increases the chance that I will accept!

6.       The new normal – we can now work from anywhere.  With a levelling of the global playing field in terms of access to talent, should people be worried about competition for their job and what can they do to remain relevant?

I believe this is a great opportunity, especially for those of us in rural Ireland! Finally, we don’t need to make our way to Dublin or London to rub elbows and be seen, we can do this from the comforts of a Zoom call. This has democratised access in our networks too. It seems to be the norm now to connect with someone and then ask for a quick Zoom call follow-up. We become irrelevant if we decide not to participate or connect online. We need to keep our eyes sharp for initiatives, online webinars and events. Sign-up and participate. Challenge yourself to ask a question. Note the contributors or presenters that were inspiring and follow-up with them.

7.       Finally Maria, what are your top 3 tips or rules for others hoping to get more from their networking effort?

Again, follow-up, follow-up, follow-up - even if it takes a week or more, go back and write a kind follow-up message to connect. Follow-up with the connections you met at an event. Follow-up on what you said you would do after an initial call - an introduction, a document, whatever.

Second, be generous. Networking isn’t about you, you are part of an ecosystem, so there is give and take involved. Give much more in your networking efforts than you might receive, you will see the generosity returned for sure!

Finally, think of your existing alumni networks. These are your shared experiences. Even if you didn’t have the best college experience. That was the past. There could be a fabulous network that you’re missing out on! Alumni is not just about college, it can include all your shared experiences—sports teams, schools, awards, past employers—loads of networks to plug into. Embrace your alumni self!

Thank you Maria for sharing your story with us.  If you would like to contribute a blog, please get in touch with us at hello@awakenhub.com