Understanding the science of networking
- What networking is
- relationship building
- genuine interactions with other people who share some similarity with you
- exchange of information, ideas, support
- What networking is NOT
- Fake, insincere, useless
- a bother or intrusion
- a skill that requires a particular personality type to be successful
- only a way to get a job
Approach to networking
- Motivations for networking
- What do you want to get out of this, a job, a connection?
- Managing expectations
- Networking looks different for each person
- Hardest part is getting out there to begin with
- Timelines/results
- How do you kno if you are successful with your networking?
- Common scenarios for networking
- Networking reception/event
- Information sessions
- Once you get a business card, send a follow-up thank you email with details of what you talked about with that recruiter/rep, and tell them you want to know more about their work.
- Informational interviewing
Mastering the Art: Elevator Pitch
- Your story
- Think about who you are talking to/who the audience is when deciding what to include
- What is relevant as it relates to them?
- Who are YOU? How did you get to this point? Where do you hope to go?
Mastering the Art: Verbal Communication
- Questions and conversation starters
- What are some great ways to start a conversation?
- What questions should I stay away from?
- How do I jump into a conversation?
- How to be assertive and confident
- Do I need to know about sports entertainment, news, etc?
- Appropriate/inappropriate language
- Be a little more professional than the person you are talking to
Mastering the Art: Nonverbal Communication
- Nonverbal communicatino/etiguette
- Attire: what are your clothing choices saying about you?
- Approach everyone with confidence and smile!
- Use an open stance posture
- Eye contact
- Graciously invite others to join your conversation
- Don’t linger too long
- If there is food served, remember that it should not be the focus
- Leave your right hand free for handshaking
Thank you and follow up
- ALWAYS send a thank you
- You are not really networking if you never follow up after the first (or second) conversation
Using the science to master the art
- Quality over quantity
- Information seeker (not a job seeker)
- Never miss an opportunity to say thank you
- Listen
- Be genuine and true to your word
- Impressions matter
- Mentors
- Follow-up