NetworkingNetworking

Sarah MooreMesa College Career Center

Networking DefinedNetworking Defined

Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing out part, expecting nothing in return.”

Fisher & Vilas in Power Networking

What is Networking?What is Networking?

Making connections that over time show your competence and credibility!

Building reciprocal relationships in which YOU look for ways to help!

Not asking for a job—request for information and (you hope) referrals!

Why is Networking Important?Why is Networking Important?

61% of jobseekers found employment though networking

A referral generates 80% more results than a cold call

“It’s not what you know, but who you know!”

Why is Networking Important?Why is Networking Important?

Chaos in the job market: most information not in advertised jobs (hidden job market)

Help you achieve your personal and professional goals

Build experience and confidence

Networking MythsNetworking Myths

It’s manipulative: not when you are open about your agenda

It’s only for extroverts/folks who are good at schmoozing

They won’t want to talk to me They are too busy to talk to me

The Benefits of NetworkingThe Benefits of Networking

To provide you with suggestions and resources to utilize in achieving your goals.• areas to explore• companies to research• associations to join• internet sites to explore

Basic Networking ToolsBasic Networking Tools

Names are important! Learn their name, teach your name

Tagline: short identifier after your name, answering one or more of these:Why are you here?Who are you? How do you relate to me?What do you do/want to do?

The 30-Second CommercialThe 30-Second Commercial

A Commercial About You! To be used as an introduction when

networking. To let others know:

who you are what you’ve done what you want to do

Basic Networking ToolsBasic Networking Tools

What do you do?Most common answers do not invite

conversation—they stop it! Two SHORT sentences, explaining Best/Test

Best: What is one thing you do best? Test: Testimonial to your talents

If you currently hate your job…talk about what you DO like, or want to do more of

Basic Networking ToolsBasic Networking Tools

What will we talk about? (Your agenda)When you prepare your agenda, you increase

your chance of Having interesting conversations Helping others Achieving your own goals

Networking Tools: Your AgendaNetworking Tools: Your Agenda

Write down, before the event:What can you GIVE?What do you hope to GET?

List results you want, information you need, types of contact you are seeking

Seek to GIVE first: what’s their agenda?

Top 11 Networking TipsTop 11 Networking Tips

1. Do you homework: research the people BEFORE the event, plan your strategy.

2. Set your goals: write your agenda.3. Face-to-Face: first impressions, firm

handshake4. Introduce yourself: be interesting and brief

Top 11 Tips…Top 11 Tips…

5. Prepare conversation starters.6. Act like a Host.7. Keep it short: 5-8 minutes per

conversation.8. Card Exchange: ask for a business card,

write notes and follow-up.

Top 11 Tips…Top 11 Tips…

9. Graceful exits.10. Follow-up: write thank you notes to those

who offered helpful information within 24 hours.

11. Reciprocal relationships: offer and look for ways to help.

Time to Network!Time to Network!

Networking can be done at any time.• Examples

The sooner you start networking the more alliances you will create.

The Law of 250The Law of 250

Every person knows about 250 other people. Each person you know knows about 250 more people,

so that is 62,500 people at your 2nd level of acquaintance.

Each of the 2nd level people know about 250 people, so that is approx. 15,000,000!

It is important to note that typically it is not your 1st

level of contact that hires you…in fact you may find that the hiring authority may be 3 or 4 levels deep.

Networking OpportunitiesNetworking Opportunities

Classmates Family & Friends Teachers/Professors Conferences Career Fairs Industry Associations/Professional

Organizations

Networking can be a non-threatening

experience.

A Word About Professional Associations…Do’sA Word About Professional Associations…Do’s

Get on a list serve Attend industry functions Attend meetings Before you speak with someone at a professional

meeting, create a list of targeted organizations for which you would like to work and names of keppeople in the organization

Generate referrals and keep track of what, what, when

A Word About Professional Associations…Don’tsA Word About Professional Associations…Don’ts

Don’t simply inquire about current available jobs, an approach that often leads to an abrupt end to the discussion

Don’t network without a common interest

Associations Web SitesAssociations Web Sites

http://www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm Association directory by category

http://www.asaecenter.org/Directories/AssociationSearch.cfm State search

http://www.ipl.org/div/aon/ Great resource for specialties in the industry

Informational InterviewInformational Interview

What is it? A chance to learn more about the industry, the

market trends, where your skills best fit. You are talking to get the person’s insight,

perspective and referrals, NOT to ask for a job.

Preparing for the Informational InterviewPreparing for the Informational Interview

List ALL your contacts, using categories to help you brainstorm: personal, professional and organizational

Prioritize your contacts: proximity, perspective, power

Preparation cont.Preparation cont.

Know your product: your assets (skills, accomplishments, knowledge areas) Prepare your 30 second commercial!

Know your target function, target industry If you don’t (yet)—then craft questions to help

you research thisWhat do you most want this target to know

about you…key accomplishments.

Structure of the Info InterviewStructure of the Info Interview

You set the agenda for the meeting Prepare questions (http://www.quintcareers.com) Research the industry, company and person before

the meeting It’s NOT a job interview (but it might turn into

one) Set a time frame and stick to it (generally 20-30

minutes)

Info Interview Follow-upInfo Interview Follow-up

Thank you follow-up letter very important! Continues to build the relationship/impression

Tell them what you plan to do with the resources, introductions, and information they have provided

Advanced follow-up: write again after you’ve read that article, attended the meeting, or met that person (they may hit “reply”…)

Next Steps…Next Steps…

Set Goals: What is your Next Step? 30 second commercial Clarify your networking agenda Identify groups to be actively involved in On the job In your community In your profession

Next Steps…Next Steps…

Get Support Feedback on your 30 second commercial Friends or an “Action Team” to support your

goalsMore information to increase confidence

Books and Web ResourcesBooks and Web Resources

Make Your Contact Count, Anne Baber and Lynn Waymon Dynamite Networking, Ronald Krannich The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World,

Marti Olsen Laney www.rileyguide.com, excellent internet resource with links to

web information on all aspects of the job search www.careerjournal.com, good articles on career management,

including networking http://www.quintcareers.com

Questions???