Let’s NetworkReady, Set, … Wait a Minute!

Jean EasonMember, IEEE-USA Employment and

Career Services Committee

Networking is….

• What do you know about networking?

• How many of you came to this meeting with the goal of networking?

Successful Networking

• Effective Networking is based on: Relationships that are cultivated and nurtured An exchange of information, advice, and

referrals Mutual benefit and support

Successful Networking

• Effective Networking is based on: Relationships that are cultivated and nurtured An exchange of information, advice, and

referrals Mutual benefit and support

Networking Types

• Shotgun approach

• Big Game Hunter

• Stalker

• Angler

Networking Plan

If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up somewhere else.

–Yogi Berra

Networking Plan

• Career/Business Plan Self-assessment Goals Intermediate Objectives Action Plan to get from

A to Z

• Networking Plan Network analysis Identify targets Develop resources,

tools Plot a path to the target

• Intermediate contacts• Establishing

relationships• Organizations

• Should complement your career or business plan

Networking Tools

1. Elevator speech (self-marketing sound-bite)

Memorable introduction

Educate the listener on how they can help you

Networking Tools

1. Elevator speech (self-marketing sound-bite) Who you are and why you are worth the

listener’s time Pitch your strengths Accomplishments to back up your claims What you are looking for (subtle) Tailored to the situation or audience

Networking Tools

Elevator speech becomes the basis for…• Networking (Self-Marketing) toolkit

Business cards Résumé Bio References Portfolio Website (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) Business promotional materials (brochure,

presentation, etc.)

Network Along the Way

• Hone your skills and strengthen relationships by using your network to help develop: Career Plan Networking Plan Elevator Speech Networking Toolkit elements

One More Thing

Before you go to that Networking Event…• Prepare

Research – how does this event fit into your networking plan?

• Who will be attending• How can you establish a relationship• What do you want to ask for• What is the etiquette for the event

Have the appropriate self-marketing tools Have 3-4 ice-breakers in-mind Have an idea of what you can contribute to the

relationship

Networking Do’s

• Make it easy for people to help you Understand the relationship Give them enough information so that they are

comfortable referring you• Two-way street

Always be thinking of what and how you can contribute

Pass along information and referrals Do unto others before they do unto you

• Listen more than you talk

Networking Do’s

• Keep in mind the basic rules of etiquette Be considerate of others time Appear professional Show integrity and reliability Follow-up leads and acknowledge sources Thank your contacts. Let them know of your

successes. Keep in touch

Networking Don’ts

• No Hard Sell• Don’t be impatient

Takes time to develop relationships Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty

• Don’t pass out business cards indiscriminately

• Don’t misrepresent yourself• Don’t stalk• Don’t ignore people

Exercise

You have 3 minutes….GO!

• Pull out a business card• Find someone in the room that you don’t

know• Introduce yourself (elevator speech)• Find out one thing you can do for them• Find out one thing they can do for you