become a networking rockstar
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Become a Networking Rockstar
Presented by:Heather R. Huhman
Who am I?
Founder & president of Come Recommended– Career and workplace education and consulting
firm specializing in young professionals– ComeRecommended.com is a social networking
site for internship and entry-level job candidates and employers
Entry-level careers columnist for Examiner.com
Career expert for a number of other orgs
What is Networking?
Creating a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship between yourself and a connection
Just because you follow someone on Twitter, read their blog or friend them on Facebook does not mean you are reaching that end goal. Networking goes beyond the initial meeting, whether online or offline.
Networking Statistics
70-80% of jobs are filled through networking– Employee referrals – Unadvertised openings – Connections with hiring managers/CEOs
What We’ll Cover
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch Retaining Information The Importance of Follow-UpManaging Your Network Leveraging Your Network Tips for Shy Networkers 4 Ways To Start Networking
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
Elevator pitch = a short sound bite where you explain who you are and what you’re seeking
Typically 30-60 seconds or 150-200 wordsKeep it short & concise in order to hold your
listener’s attention but still get enough information out to them
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
Comes in handy at networking events or when meeting hiring managers and recruiters
Helps you answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself”
Share a story– Mention past accomplishments and goals you’ve
reached (but be concise!)
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
What to include:– Your name (if meeting for the first time)– Current status:
• Are you looking for a job? • Currently employed but looking to transition?
– What you seek:• A job? A different field?
– Your experience, qualifications & passions– Call to action
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch
Your pitch might look something like this:– Hi, my name is (your name). I will be graduating/I
just graduated from (your school) with a degree in (major/minor). I’m looking to (future plans/goals). I recently ___. Can I take you out for coffee sometime to elicit your advice?
Retaining Information
Retaining Information
When you meet someone & get their business card, take a few notes on the back to remember important parts of your conversation
You can also create Twitter lists or spreadsheets of important contacts to remember key information (such as title/position, company, things in common, etc.)
The Importance of Follow-Up
The Importance of Follow-Up
No matter where you meet someone, the only real way to bring them into your network is by keeping in contact with them
After your first meeting, follow-up with them by:– Asking him/her out to lunch or coffee– Sending an e-mail– Engaging with him/her on social networking
sites
The Importance of Follow-Up
It’s important to keep in touch with your contacts – You know that it’s easy to forget someone if you
don’t hear from them in a while, so don’t let people forget about you!
Managing Your Network
Managing Your Network
Prioritize your contacts based on who you want to keep in touch with and how often– Tool: Gist.com
Add contacts in your address book, social networking sites & phone book
Leveraging Your Network
Leveraging Your Network
Master the “art of the ask” – Smart networkers know the strategies for
determining what to ask for, who to ask, and how to ask for any goal they want to achieve
– Help can come almost immediately if you’ve laid the groundwork correctly
Leveraging Your Network
Don’t just send an e-mail saying, “Hey, I’d like to meet to talk about job opportunities at your company. Are you free tomorrow?”
Instead, say, “I’m really interested in taking my marketing degree into the fashion world. Would you be open to a quick phone call or a brief meeting sometime to share insights on how you did it?”
Leveraging Your Network
Take cues from your contacts– If you ask for a meeting and they’re more
comfortable with a short phone call, take it
Come prepared with good questions
Tips for Shy Networkers
Tips for Shy Networkers
Attend events with an outgoing friend Reconnect with those who you already know
(former classmates, professors, neighbors, etc.)
Ask your current contacts to introduce you to someone they know
Start the conversation online and eventually take it offline
4 Ways to Start Networking
4 Ways to Start Networking
Make direct contact– Research organizations where you’d like to work
and reach out directly to a C-level executive (i.e., CEO, president, etc.)
Join professional associations– As a student or young professional, you often can
get discounted rates– Get the most out of it: regularly attend meetings,
become an officer & volunteer during events
4 Ways to Start Networking
Use social networking sites– Seek out interesting people, interact with them &
strive to take the relationship offline– Keep your profiles consistent, on-brand &
genuine– Don’t just “friend” people – networking is about
building a relationship with your contacts
4 Ways to Start Networking
Find a mentor– Look to existing relationships (professors,
acquaintances, professionals, etc.) – Gain advice and insight into your field and career– Connect with other professionals that your
mentor can introduce you to
Questions?
Heather R. HuhmanFounder & President
Come Recommended www.comerecommended.com
[email protected]: @heatherhuhman