Presented by Heather Mylan-Mains, MBA, CBAP Deputy VP

Presented by
Heather Mylan-Mains,
MBA, CBAP
Deputy VP Chapters, IIBA
Become a BA Jedi Master by learning:
Techniques for networking
 Tips for relationship building
 How to motivate and inspire as a leader

Networking
How important is it for BAs to meet people?
Very important.
Let’s practice!
Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.
Networking
Prepare yourself.
Networking

Prepare the ‘elevator introduction’
 Three things to share about yourself and three
things to ask them
 Consider context of meeting
○ Personal
○ Professional
○ Other
 Keep it to 3 minutes, short and impactful
Networking
Now you’re prepared.
Try it again!!
Networking



Networking is a practiced skill.
It allows leaders to build trust that fosters influence.
Start small with one relationship…
Networking

One relationship leads to another…
Networking

And then you are meeting people in galaxies far
far away…different departments…different
buildings even….different companies….
Networking

Finally you get to the RIGHT
stakeholder you need to
create success on your
project….
A scruffy looking nerf herder
Networking & Leadership?
Leadership is about …..
Influence
 Trust
 Networking can be risky!
 Confidence comes from
taking risks!

SUMMARY For Networking
Prepare for networking
 Create an elevator introduction
 Practice
 Create time to network
 Start small and
expand your sphere
of influence

You are networked now what?
Relationship Building
How?
Relationship Building

Invest time in the relationship
Relationship Building

Relationships are reciprocal, not just self-serving.
Relationship Building

Help solve problems.
Relationship Building

Take the lead.
Relationship Building

Remove roadblocks.
Relationship Building

Reward and celebrate success!
Relationship Building

Evaluate the relationship
 Some need to develop.
Relationship Building
 Some relationships need to end.
Relationship Building
 Avoid Energy Vampires!
Relationship Building Summary
Invest time
 Care about people
 Help out
 Take risks
 Evaluate relationships

How to Motivate & Inspire
Be a mentor
 Be positive
 Be affirming
 Be encouraging

How to Motivate & Inspire

Be willing to be mentored
How to Motivate & Inspire

Be requested
How to Motivate & Inspire
Be a delegator
 Be empowering

How to Motivate & Inspire
Be a risk-taker
 Be responsive

How NOT to Motivate & Inspire
Motivate and Influence Summary
Be a great leader
 Motivate through action
 Inspire through example
 Take risks
 Be positive

Leadership Academy honors
BA Jedi Mind tricks are really just Networking
and Relationship Skills
 They are POWERFUL!

BA Jedi Mind Tricks

We can influence our stakeholders to
convince them
“These are the processes you need to
change!”
BA Jedi Mind Tricks

“A Jedi must have the deepest
commitment, the most serious mind” –
YODA, Master Jedi

So should a Business Analyst!
Questions?
Thank you!
Stay Connected!
Heather Mylan-Mains
Deputy Vice President Chapters, IIBA ®
Heather.MylanMains@iiba.org
LinkedIn Heather Mylan-Mains
Twitter @HeatherM_M