Using Your Society Connections

By Vicky Petete, CPA, CGMA

As I enter my third month of retirement, I have had the chance to look back on my career and the things I enjoyed most about the accounting profession. I have to say that one of the many things I enjoyed most was the opportunity to network—not only with accounting and banking professionals, but also with individuals across many different industries.

For many, the word “networking” causes anxiety and fear. Individuals picture a big, noisy room full of strangers. They may be insecure about how to meet new people, begin a conversation or fitting in while making valuable connections.

So where does one begin to network? Luckily, Oklahoma CPAs have the OSCPA to provide many different opportunities to network with a group of link-minded professionals. Here are some ideas and suggestions to get started when networking at your next OSCPA event:

• Networking does not necessarily require meeting new people. It can also be an opportunity to connect with individuals you have known but have not had the opportunity to interact with.
• Start a conversation by asking open-ended questions that encourage discussion and conversation.
• If you enjoy helping others, use networking as an opportunity to benefit others. What are you good at, and what do you like to do? Find an organization or event that resonates with your interests.
• Remember, networking doesn’t have to be small talk. It can be conversations that are intimate and help you as well as the other individual become vulnerable, even if you’re meeting them for the first time.
• Know that networking is not always inclusive. But you can change that narrative by owning your identity, understanding your strengths and becoming confident.

• Recognize that it is important to always listen closely. Networking is about building relationships, not just making contacts. People want to know that you have heard and appreciate their experience and what they have to say.

• If adding more events to the calendar feels overwhelming, take the opportunity to utilize events that are already on your calendar to network. Whether it be at your children’s ball practice, at church or even at a CPE event, you can utilize any opportunity to meet those around you. Plus, you probably have more in common than you think.

Networking doesn’t have to feel opportunistic. It can be a moment used to make genuine connections. Yes, many of your connections can provide you with advice and contacts, help you make more informed career decisions and possibly grow your business. But those same connections can also become lifelong friends and colleagues.

The important thing to recognize is that networking is much more than meeting new people. Networking is the process of building relationships while making connections.

I truly believe that many of the opportunities I have been given while serving the accounting profession and community are the result of taking advantage of the OSCPA’s networking opportunities.

Whether it be through serving on one of the many of the Society’s committees, attending CPE events or attending a social gathering, I hope you will utilize this great organization as your primary resource for your networking endeavors and your quest for building strong relationships.

Vicky Petete, CPA, CGMA—an OSCPA member since 1980—has served on the Society’s Strategic Planning, Banking, Membership and Governmental Committees. Petete is the 2010 recipient of the OSCPA Public Service Award, the 2012 inductee of the OSCPA Oklahoma Accounting Hall of Fame and a member of the OSCPA’s inaugural Pathfinder class (2019). Petete has also served on the Oklahoma Accountancy Board where she served on the Budget/Audit, Outreach, Enforcement and CPE/Experience Committees. 

Want to read more? Check out the November/December issue of CPAFOCUS