Networking The Networks

Posted by Jim Stroud

February 16, 2006

Stumbled across an intriguing post and wanted to share it…

KK says-

“I know of no better guide to becoming a researcher than this book, which exists only online. Written by a professor to help his PhD students learn how to network and develop their professional skills, it is great advice for anyone who wants to create a place for themselves in the information economy. It’s all about finding, feeding, and harvesting networks of other like-minded folks, and growing your own distinctive node. While the author naturally focuses on how academia works, there is enough valuable wisdom here for anyone doing original research (and you should!) — whether corporate, journalistic, or part-time blogging.”

This is the ebook he (assuming that “KK” is a he) is citing:

Networking on the Network:
A Guide to Professional Skills for PhD Students
Phil Agre
66,000 words; 2005
Free

And here are a couple of excerpts…

You are not choosing which network to join; rather, you are creating a new network of your own.

Here is the procedure: (a) choose someone you wish to approach and read their work with some care; (b) make sure that your article cites their work in some substantial way (in addition to all your other citations); (c) mail the person a copy of your article; and (d) include a low-key, one-page cover letter that says something intelligent about their work. If your work and theirs could be seen to overlap, include a concise statement of the relationship you see between them. The tone of this letter counts. Project ordinary, calm self-confidence. Refrain from praising or fawning or self-deprecation or cuteness or making a big deal out of it — you’re not subordinating yourself to this person; you’re just passing along your paper. Don’t sound like you’re presupposing or demanding that you’ll get a response. Try a formula such as, “If you should happen to have any comments, I would be most interested to hear them”. A good final sentiment for your letter is, “Will you be at such-and-such conference?”.

One could make some interesting parallels between this method and professional networking and sourcing methods for that matter. Check out the book yourself and let me know what you think?

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