Joan Holman, Chief Information Officer at Strasburger & Price

Joan Holman, Chief Information Officer at Strasburger & Price, has strategically used networking and relationship building as tools to grow and advance her career. Despite the fact that she is content in her current role, she continues to network across industries and within her own field, and works to develop and maintain relationships with recruiters. These actions have enabled her to understand and evolve with the industry, and leverage her knowledge of her own market value when it comes to negotiating her worth. In Episode 5, Joan and I talk key tactics women in tech can use to identify their own value and keep up with this ever-changing industry. Always take the call when you are approached by recruiters Always take the call when you are approached by recruiters, even if you aren’t actively looking. The position may not be for you, but you may be able to point them in the right direction. This will help you develop a relationship that may one day lead to the right opportunity down the line. Help others and you will help yourself. It’s a lot easier to ask about budget when you’re not asking for yourself. These recruiter conversations will help you identify your market value as you help connect them with someone fit for the job. Give value and gain value. Network outside of your industry Network outside of your industry to establish a breadth of connections. You’ll gain experience that’s not yours, expand your footprint and land even more opportunities as you establish yourself as their industry go-to. Understand your own value, and don’t lose sight of it. You must know what you can bring to the table, what contributions you can make, what skills and expertise you have, and where that fits within an organization.