Networking

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Networking
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What is Networking?

• network / nétwerk  n. v. a group of people who
  exchange information, contacts, and experience
  for professional or social purposes.  (The Oxford
  Dictionary)

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Networking Defined

• Getting out and meeting people either formally or
  informally in groups or one-on-one
• Learning a little about other people and telling
  them a little about you
• The process of actively communicating with people
  who may be able to give you career information,
  advice, and/or job leads
• An on-going process throughout your career

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Networking Myths

• Myth Networking is attending big social or
  professional events with large crowds.

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Networking Myths

• Reality Although some networking does occur in
  these settings, networking can also occur in
  other venues, such a small groups or one-on-one.

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Networking Myths

• Myth If I go up to someone and start talking,
  they will think I have an ulterior motive.

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Networking Myths

• Reality As long as you are friendly and
  grateful, not pushy, most people will see you as
  ambitious, outgoing, mature, and professional.

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Networking Myths

• Myth If I ask a professional questions or for
  information, I will be imposing and they will be
  annoyed.

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Networking Myths

• Reality Most people are happy to do something
  for someone else, if asked.

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7 Ways Networking Can Help You

• Obtain information about careers, companies and
  people in an industry.
• Gain job leads and information about potential
  sources of employment
• Build personal contacts that can help make you
  known to potential employers
• Gain mentors to assist you in your job search and
  career development
• Determine current market value for your skills
• Learn about stability and pay scale of a company
• Evaluate the possibilities for a career change

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Networking How Tos

• Start with a purpose. This helps you define your
  objectives and stay on task
• The name tag is worn on the right side to provide
  an easy sight-line to your name when shaking
  hands.
• Have an effective handshake no bone-crushers or
  limp fish! Practice your handshake to avoid
  giving one of those yourself!

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• Be sure to introduce yourself!
• 1. Say your name clearly. Hello, my name is
  _______. Its a pleasure to meet you.
• 2. Shake hands.
• 3. Use an elevator speech describe who you
  are and/or what you want to do in 30 seconds or
  less (more on this later).

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• 4. When appropriate, offer a business card, and
  ask the other person for one of his or hers.
  Sometimes, it is more appropriate to exchange
  business cards only when you depart from one
  another.

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• Once the event is over, your networking doesnt
  stop! Be sure to follow up with those youve
  met, keep in contact, share information and offer
  to help in any way you can.
• Networking is always a 2-way relationship!

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• The Elevator Speech or
• 30-Second Commercial

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The Scenario

• You step into the elevator on the top floor of a
  20-story buildingthe CEO steps on with you. You
  have until that elevator makes it to the first
  floor to let the CEO know the job you are
  interested in, the skills you offer, and why you
  should be hired. What do you say?

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When to Use an Elevator Speech

• Job or internship fairs
• Networking events
• Interviews (for instance, the question Tell me
  about yourself)
• Employer briefings or information sessions
• ANYTIME you are in the presence of a potential
  future employer!

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The Goal

• The main goal of an elevator speech is to entice
  your listener to continue the conversation

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The Strategy

• Clearly state your interests / reason for the
  conversation
• Clearly state the skills that you offer
• Share your unique qualifications with a direct
  invitation to continue the conversation
• "What advice do you have for me? Can you suggest
  any employers I should be contacting?"

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A college student or new graduate might use the
following basic structure

• Hi, my name is ___________. I will be
  graduating/I just graduated from Albright College
  with a degree in
• _____________________. I'm looking
  to_____________________.

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• Beware of an Elevator Speech that inspires the
  thought "so what?" in the listener.

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Examples

• "I'm a college senior majoring in history, and
  I'm interested in working in the field of
  advertising. I've completed a portfolio of
  advertisements that I created while volunteering
  for several nonprofit organizations. I received
  your name from my career center and I would like
  to speak with you for a few minutes about career
  opportunities in advertising. I was hoping that
  you might have some suggestions for me of
  agencies or individuals I might contact."

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• I am very excited to explore the possibilities
  of getting an internship as a Market Research
  Analyst. After doing extensive research about the
  career I have discovered that it is perfectly
  matched to my strengths, interests and abilities.
  Plus, I have taken a course here at Albright
  where we conducted surveys, focus groups and
  in-depth interviews and thoroughly enjoyed it
  while receiving the highest grade in the class.
  I believe that I have a real talent to become a
  leader this field. Do you have any ideas of
  companies in this area that might offer this type
  of internship?

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Avoid the So What? What is your hook?

• Did you study abroad, and if so, what did you
  learn?
• Did you do an internship, and if so, what
  accomplishments or skills did you gain?
• Did you conduct research in your field?
• Are you a campus leader?

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Make the Connections!

• Whatever your hook might be, make sure to help
  your listener make the connection to your overall
  goal!

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Write your Elevator Speech!

• Review Hello, my name is_______ and I am a
  junior ______and ______ concentrator. (Now you
  fill in the rest! What makes you unique? What
  is your career goal? How can you convey the
  essence of who you are?)

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Elevator Speech Tips

• Make your Elevator Speech sound effortless,
  conversational, and natural.
• Make it memorable and sincere. Open a window to
  your personality.
• Write and rewrite your speech, sharpening its
  focus and eliminating unnecessary words and
  awkward constructions.

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• Avoid an Elevator Speech that will leave the
  listener mentally asking "So what?"
• Include a compelling "hook," an intriguing aspect
  that will engage the listener, prompt him or her
  to ask questions, and keep the conversation
  going.
• Don't let your speech sound canned or stilted.

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• Practice your speech
• Don't ramble
• Be warm, friendly, confident, and enthusiastic
• Take it slowly- Breathe
• Project your passion for what you do
• Maintain eye contact with your listener

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• Incorporate brief and concise examples and
  stories to help support your points
• Use concrete, listener-friendly language, but at
  the same time, don't be afraid to paint vivid
  word pictures.
• End with an action request such as What advice
  do you have for me?

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• Always thank the listener!
• Reciprocate-ask him or her what career they are
  in, or where they went to college
• If you are able to provide information that is
  beneficial to your listener, please do so!
• Consider sending an email or thank you note to
  someone who gave you information or advice

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• Its time Write your Elevator Speech!

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Identifying Your Network

• People You Know
• Family, friends, classmates
• Professors, advisors, coaches, tutors, clergy
• Your former bosses and co-workers
• People you meet when doing volunteer work
• Members of professional associations
• Networking events in your town

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• People You Dont Know
• Family and friends of your family and friends
• Co-workers of your family and friends
• Alumni
• On-line networking groups
• People working in your industry
• Anyone at companies you are interested in
• Human Resource directors
• Community service organizations

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Preparing For Networking Events

• Research all you can about the field
• Prepare your Elevator Speech
• Have a Networking Plan
• Who will be at the event?
• Who do you want to connect with?
• Do research about those people and companies

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• Dress Appropriately
• Bring your Resume
• Option Create a Business Networking Card
• Similar to a business card
• Name, address, phone, email
• Instead of a business, focus on your target
  areas, areas of strength, or areas of impact
• Put these on the back of the business card

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Tips for Attending Networking Events

• Attend targeted events
• Mingle dont just stand there! Walk around the
  room. Groups of three are easy to get into!
• Limit Eating and Drinking
• Build Rapport show interest in other people

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• Exchange information listen to what the person
  is saying and see where you can help
• Ask questions, but dont ask for a job
• Get business cards and referrals
• Follow-Up write emails, make phone calls, write
  a thank you note

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Timeline for College Networking

• Freshman Year
• Participate in as many activities and
  organizations that your schedule will permit
• Be a curious friend ask questions of your
  friends and their families, etc.
• If you have a job, establish relationships with
  your supervisor and co-workers

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• Sophomore Year
• Join a fraternity or sorority
• Continue being involved on campus
• Conduct informational interviews
• Create or update your resume
• Think about an internship
• Volunteer in the community to gain experience

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• Junior Year
• Have professors, career development staff, and
  professionals critique your resume be ready when
  someone asks for it!
• Brainstorm a list of 100 networking contacts
• Make a list of places/companies you want to work
  for

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• Junior Year, continued
• Create a Networking Card
• Check out alumni from your sorority or
  fraternity ask for names of alumni who are in
  your desired field
• Step up the informational interviews
• Introduce yourself to every guest speaker
• Complete an internship

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• Senior Year
• Decide where you want to live
• Narrow down the list of dream employers
• Join professional organizations
• Find a mentor
• Maintain your current contact list
• Continue informational interviewing
• Write notes to or email all of your contacts and
  previous informational interviewees

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• If almost 75 of all jobs that people obtain are
  through the art of networking, shouldnt you be
  doing it too??