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What I Wish I Knew About Networking - Q&A with BNY Mellon Pershing Director Lisa Crafford
Our November Forum, “What I Wish I’d Known About Networking,” is on November 14 at 2 pm ET. With networking top-of-mind, we’re spotlighting our Forum panelists. Lisa Crafford, Director and the Head of Business Consulting for BNY Mellon Pershing, shares tips for networking successfully in a digital world.
What are some ways students can approach networking if they’re not sure what practice area they want to focus on after graduation?
Start by networking with everyone! Don’t limit yourself since you’re not sure which area you plan to focus on.
Then, be sure and ask good, thoughtful questions. Consider asking how they got into their current role and their path to getting there. Answers to these questions may be helpful as you find the right area for you.
Can you share any tips for networking in a digital world?
My best tip for networking in a digital world is to reconsider how you utilize LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is an engagement tool – it’s a two-way street. Because of this, you should be commenting and liking other posts, not just waiting on people to comment and like your own posts.
What is your best tip for networking with others in the industry?
My top three tips for networking with others in the industry are:
- Ask people good questions
- Ask to meet people that they know
- Share book/podcast recommendations to start a conversation
Being thoughtful about the questions you ask and the conversations you have while networking will help you grow meaningful relationships with others in the industry.
Lisa Crafford is a Director and the Head of Business Consulting for BNY Mellon Pershing. In this role, Lisa leads the business consulting team for clients of Wealth Solutions to help them grow and strengthen their businesses. Lisa is also a regular speaker at industry events and contributes to the thought leadership at BNY Mellon Pershing.
Prior to joining BNY Mellon Pershing in 2015 as a Relationship Manager, Lisa spent 5 years with an RIA in the DC Metro area as the Director of Business Management. In this role, Lisa was responsible for operations, compliance, technology, human capital, finance, marketing, and business strategy. Lisa also founded Cogent Business Advisors, a unique study group for COOs, and is the coordinator of Bob Veres’ practice management conference (Insiders Forum) COO track.
Lisa earned her MBA from The College of William and Mary and a Bachelor of Business with a concentration in Management and French from the University of Technology, Sydney (Australia).
Lisa was named a Top 40 Under 40 by InvestmentNews in 2019.
To learn more about networking, register for our upcoming Forum on November 14.The Forum will feature industry experts that will discuss what they wish they knew about networking. You can register for the free event here.