Networking The what, the why, and the how

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Networking The what, the why, and the how?
By Steven Burda ? April 25, 2009
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Todays Agenda

• Introduction
• Networking what why?
• How Types Uses of Networking?
• Dos Donts of Networking!
• YOU can do it!
• Examples of effective use via Web 2.0
• Questions, Comments, Stories?

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Introduction Who am I?

• Temple University, FSBM, BBA
• St. Josephs University, MBA
• Villanova University, Post-MBA
• Currently The Boeing Company
• Past Lockheed Martin, SunGard Data Systems,
  CIGNA, SalomonSmithBarney

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Why am I here speaking?

• Worked in many departments, many people, made
  successful business deals/leads.
• Been there, done that known as Go-to guy
• Communicative Networking Expert
• Connector Career Coach My hobby!
• Started my own non-profit consulting company on
  my free time - Burda Consulting Co.

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Basics What is Networking?

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines
• networking ...
• the exchange of information or services among
  individuals, groups, or institutions.
• the cultivation of productive relationships
  for employment or business.

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Basics Why Network?

• Process of establishing mutually beneficial
  relationships. Give and take mentality.
• Exchange of information, ideas, and support.
• Bottom line, it will lead to
• - new opportunities, increased revenue
• - learning development, jobs/leads!
• - build trust, friendships, Skys the Limit!

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Basics How to Network?

• 2 types, many approaches.
• Traditional Networking (everyday!)
• - face-to-face, BNI, Social Events/Clubs, Job
  Fairs.
• - Volunteering, Dinners, Sport Events, Golf
  Outing, etc!!!
• Virtual Networking 21st century
• - Social media, Web 2.0, online collaboration,
• - sites like Linkedin, Skype, Plaxo, Ecademy
  (Business)
• - sites like Facebook, Twitter, Blogger (both
  BP!!!)

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• Easy in theory
• Harder in practice?

(yet everyones doing it!)
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Network successfully by

• Reach out Participate Stay connected.
• Meet, talk, listen Quality vs. Quantity
• Communicate, be concise.
• Be your best 1st impression matter!
• Offer help, advise, support.
• Take time, Give first rewards will come!
• Dig your well before youre thirsty.

Quote by Harvey Mackay
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(Virtual) Networking DOs

• Do connect with real world friends, colleagues.
• Do keep your profile current/updated.
• Meet new exciting people be an opportunist!
• Be likable, friendly approachable.
• Have confidence, but not arrogance.
• Be an optimist not a pessimist.
• Follow-up, introduce others, facilitate
  discussions.
• Brand yourself get known, be heard
  recognized!
• Personalize your requests approaches!
• Do have fun doing it!!

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(Virtual) Networking DONTs

• Dont presume anything while meeting new people.
• Dont assume people have to help/owe you.
• Dont be a salesman, even if you are!
• Dont think ME! but them!
• Dont ramble or go-off track.
• Dont spam/bother your network!
• Dont abuse your network Dont ignore others!
• Dont give up!
• Dont do it because you have to!

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YOU can do it too!

• You can be a successful networker!
• Its called networking because it takes work
  time, effort practice!
• Establish online presence, participate in
  discussions, earn expertise!
• Network, Network, Network.
• Mentor be mentored Read books
• ? "Never Eat Alone" ? "A Friend in Every
  City" ? "The Power of Nice" ? "The Virtual
  Handshake" ? "Seven Habits of Highly Effective
  People" ?

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Utilize sites like Linkedin for

• Job Market Research
• Control Information, Prepare for Interviews
• Company Research/Intelligence
• Re-Connect
• Personal Brand, Establish Credibility
• Connections Collaborations
• Resources for projects/articles
• Questions Answers Participate!
• Give Get References Promote Others
• Improve Google Ranking Stand out!
• Become a Bigger Business/Get Leads
• Passive (Real-Time) Digital Resume
• Sometimes its not just what you know, but WHO
  you know who knows YOU.

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Questions, Comments, Stories?

• I can always be reached at
• www.linkedin.com/in/burda
• e-mail burda.mba_at_gmail.com

http//burda.businesscard2.com