notes
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
WIT Career Management
Effective Networking
Networking Definitions
• a group of people who exchange information, contacts and experience for professional or social purposes
• the links that connect needs with opportunities.
• relationship building exercises that deliver results
• a combination of personality, attitude and acquired skills
Profile of a Networker
Nosey Ethical Timing Work Organised Resourceful Knowledgeable Enthusiastic Responsible for self
Profile of a Networkier
• Nosey - aware and alert, look, listen, see events from new angles, ask questions, constantly identifying opportunities others miss.
• Ethical - strive to be fair and honest - know “what goes around comes around”
• Timing - sensitive to people’s needs, frustrations and moods - time events, meetings
• Work - the heart of NetWORKing is work, work and work. not Netchat, Netcoffee, Netgossip, it is NetWORK
• Organised - you acquire lots of information - find/design a system that works
• Resourceful - find resources - all kinds and be a resource to others
• Knowledgeable - great networkers acquire as much knowledge as possible and where appropriate share it with others
• Enthusiastic - enthusiasm is contagious and generates positive energy. Helps make things happen
• Responsible for self - acknowledge you are in charge of your life. Willing to learn, make requests and share.
Practical Guide – 7 Steps
1. Trust yourself
2. Empower yourself
3. Invest in yourself and the process
4. Design an action plan
5. Build relationships
6. Follow your action plan
7. Be realistic - evaluate what works
7 steps – Action Plan
• Make your network list (identify everyone you know)
• Organise your list into: Personal/Social Community/Sport Professional/School/Business
• Think of all the places you come in contact with people. List all the names
• Don’t forget web and email contacts are people and network contacts. Maybe you know someone but they don’t know you yet!
• Warning be aware Privacy act
7 steps – Action Plan
• Assign the following to each name
M = mentors and guides
C = contacts and good networkers
P = prospects for work/business
I = people who have influence and power
S = people who support you
• Some names will have more than one symbol indicating valuable in several areas
• This list will show you where you are strong or weak
7 steps – Action Plan
• Consider what you aim to achieve from networking. What are your current and future needs?
• Develop the following list(s):– NEED (what you require)– WHO (people)– WHERE (places)– WHAT (events)– WHEN (calendar)
• Based on the premise that you can accomplish anything if defined in small manageable chunks.
7 Steps – Building Relationships
• Relationship building is the very heart of effective networking
• 3 important factors– Compatible Values - can have different tastes and
disagree on minor issues while having a close, healthy relationship if compatible values/philosophy
– Common Goals - people headed in the same direction can support each other and offer guidance and assistance
– Shared Experiences - assist in building trust
• Means getting involved in the lives of others and sharing success, joys, sorrows and fears
7 Steps – Relationship Building
• Assume people want to know you, help you and support you. Start with an open attitude
• Evaluate your current ‘network’ identify your stars - take care of them
• Start by understanding personality styles, extroverted, high achiever, introverted, creative... Spend time learning who people are. Best done by listening and observing.
• Identify their personal and professional strengths. When you know strengths you can support and promote them.
7 Steps – Relationship Building
• What are the goals of your contacts?
• Create shared experiences by attending meetings and events together
• Be willing to share honest opinions and listen to opinions
• Learn what other people need
• Maintain regular contact with the truly important people in your network - make time!
• Send birthday, congrats, thank you notes
• Once in place USE IT - a relationship is only successful if YOU are committed to building and nurturing
7 Steps – Follow the Plan
• Action Action Action it’s up to YOU
• Identify sources and resources to help accomplish your goal(s)
• Make detailed lists
• Share your goals and action plans with trusted people who will support your progress.
7 Steps - Evaluation
• Maintain constant informal evaluation of networks plus conduct a formal evaluation
• Informal evaluation - maintain a state of awareness, look at action plan and network contacts be aware of what (and who) is working and what not.
7 Steps - Evaluation
GeneralEffectiveness
CostEffectiveness
Satisfaction
Personal/Social
Community
Professional/Business
• Formal Evaluation suggest design - form review contact lists and networking guide Create a scale
• Your evaluation will let you know if you got the results you wanted
• Networks have phases, which form a cycle of increasing networks
1 - Making contacts Experienced networkers spend considerable time and effort placing themselves where they will receive maximum contacts - joining organisations, reviewing events (voluntary work, newspaper, local notice board).
2 - Realistic process of selectionHolding onto unproductive people will slow down your success. Don’t have to stop all contact just don’t include in core network.
3 - Building the relationshipNo short cuts. Relationships grow over time with hefty investment of planning and energy.
Network Phases
Network Phases
• You can make contacts quickly - but you cannot build relationships quickly.
• Need to examine each phase on a regular basis to identify where weak
• To be truly effective need to operate on all three phases simultaneously
• Should always be searching for new contacts, continually reviewing those contacts to identify the more productive ones, and building relationships.
• Lack of understanding of the concepts of networkingmuch more than handing our business
cards and contact details• Lack of a networking plan
networking without a specific plan is like driving into new territory without a road map
• Not using your networking plan• Unrealistic expectations
do you expect too much too soon?
Networking Barriers
Networking Barriers
• Emphasis on getting versus giving successful networkers are willing to give before
they receive
• Poor evaluation process a good system helps: measure progress and
recognise achievements and milestones
• Unwilling to make the commitment Make the commitment to learn and practice networking:
understand that it costs work, time and effort but delivers results
Hints for Networking Events
• Introduce yourself to the people on the registration desk and try to catch up with them later
• Don’t be afraid to tell people you are a first timer
• Look for other people with L plates
• Always enter the lucky draw
• Take notes during presentations and ask questions of the speaker if you have the chance
• Don’t leave as soon as the formalities are over
Business Cards
• Never leave home without them
• Always give them to people when you introduce yourself
• Try to get 1 business card for every one you hand out
• If someone doesn’t have a card offer to write their details on the back of one of yours
Things to Talk About
• Think FABULOS– Family– Activities– Business– Uniqueness– Loves– Organisations– Sports
Make the most of Memberships
• If you are only going to sit in the corner and gossip with a friend – don’t go
• Volunteer • Contribute to the newsletter• Provide feedback• Encourage others to join• You only get out what you put in a
membership fee does not provide an instant result
Resources
• Robyn Henderson www.robynhenderson.com
• Peer Group Networkinghttp://www.deewp.co.uk/tipbook%20august%202002.PDF
• The Magic of Networkinghttp://www.positivepath.net/ideasRH3.asp
• The Secrets of Effective Networkinghttp://www.careerlab.com/art_secrets.htm
• Hot Tips for Attending Networking Functionshttp://www.corporatetrends.com.au/hendo2.html
Positive Impressions
• Warmth• Sense of Humour• Imagination• Confidence• Success• Individuality• Body Language• Conversational ability• Aspiration• Creativity• Kindness
Negative Impressions
• Self-centered• Close minded – judgmental• Poor conversational ability• Negative life attitude• Indecisive/lack of opinion• Whining/complaining• Hard sell
Key Advice
• Be sincere• Be prepared to give, initially, a lot more than
you receive• Invest time in practicing your skills• Find an approach that works for you• Always follow through