Networking with

Confidence & Ease

Bill Sherman LCB Career Svcs

UO AMA Presentation

The Game Plan• Get in a “networking mindset”– Clarify your goals– Focus on the rewards, not the risk–“Feel the fear and doing it anyway.”

• Work the room– Don’t just talk to the people you know– Make at least 3 professional contacts

The Greeting

• Connect eye-to-eye• Smile sincerely• Offer hand• Present a firm, dry handshake• Introduce self

Let’s Practice!

a) Too weakb) Too strongc) Too wetd) Too colde) Just right

The Conversation

• Be positive, energetic, curious• Ask thoughtful questions• Listen attentively• Toss the “conversation ball”

back and forth

Questions for Peers

• What is your major course of study?• What professions interest you most?• Where do you want to go after

graduating?• What do you hope to get out of the

Main Event?

Questions for Employers

• Tell me more about your position—what do you do?

• How do most people break into this profession?

• What changes do you anticipate happening in your industry?

• Any advice for a young professional looking to succeed in a tough economy?

The Entrance & Exit• Joining a conversation–Step into the view of the person speaking–Contribute when there is a natural segue

• Departing from a conversation–Express appreciation for having met them–Excuses: refresh drink, get (more) food, talk

to someone, attend to an obligation

Let’s Practice!

• Approach one person you don’t know very well• Introduce yourself• Ask a “get to know you”

question

Questions?