Reaching Goals through Networking Relationships ©Mubeena Mohd

At the end of this presentation, you will be equipped with an introduction to the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 1.The purpose of Networking 2.Basics of the Networking Process 3.The types of Networking 4.Social and behavioral aspects of Networking 5.Managing your Network 6.Combat excuses of not networking Here are ideas for further interactive exercises post-presentation: 1.Role-Play of a Networking Interaction 2.Sharing your experiences about Networking 3.Working out your personal Networking Plan Presentation Overview

What an organization sees on paper is not the complete representation of yourself. Networking should relate to your own personal and career goals. Network so that people can know you through other people Network so that you will know more about your industry/business/company Network so that you get inside information about jobs before being posted Network so that you will face less competition, with a chance to shape a job Network so that you get the all-important meeting with an unresponsive person Network so that you can market those skills that may not be much in demand The Purpose of Networking

Prior to beginning your networking efforts, it is essential to plan based on personal goals and priorities. To gear up for marketing yourself, follow these guidelines. 1)ASSESS YOURSELF 1)ASSESS YOURSELF. What are your personal and career goals in life? 2)RESEARCH YOUR CAREER GOALS 2)RESEARCH YOUR CAREER GOALS. What is needed for success in this field? 3)MAKE A PLAN OF ACTION 3)MAKE A PLAN OF ACTION. How do my skills fit and in what kind of firms? 4)DEVELOP A SELF-MARKETING STRATEGY 4)DEVELOP A SELF-MARKETING STRATEGY. How can I make myself known? 5)PREPARE FOR INTERACTION 5)PREPARE FOR INTERACTION. Practice interview tactics / business meetings. 6)EXECUTE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION, MAKING ADJUSTMENTS AS YOU GO ALONG 6)EXECUTE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION, MAKING ADJUSTMENTS AS YOU GO ALONG. Where can I go for help, resources, and expert advice? Plan to Network

Friends Family Colleagues Acquaintances “A” Group: People you already know. This group can... Advise you on your CV Give tips on how you could present yourself better Help you to identify idiosyncrasies and additional skills “B” Group: People from “A” Group links. This group can... Provide information about current industry needs Direction on where your skills might fit in the field Tell you what to emphasize on during interviewing Inform you about what you need to learn for current trends Industry Professionals Prospective Employers “C” Group: People directly linked to your goals. This group can... Get you your ideal job situation Do what the other 2 groups can do in addition to making your goals come true Maintain and develop your career path A B C Network Groups

Friends Family Colleagues Acquaintances A Ask this group about getting referrals to people they know who would be valuable resources for you. They might know some important professionals working in your targeted field. Discuss your goals with those you trust and seek their ideas METHOD: Telephone call or social engagement Industry Professionals B Work to arrange an informational meeting with these professionals who you contact with the help of your “A” Group. Express your goals in-depth to them and impress them. Your aim should be for them to introduce you to their colleagues/counterparts. METHOD: Send an Approach Letter without CV, take an appointment. Prospective Employers C Conduct your informational and referral meeting with this group for a possible job or business opportunity immediately or for the future. METHOD: Send an Approach Letter without your CV, followed by a phone call requesting an appointmentIntroduce your CV when there is a prospective interest for the future. METHOD: Send an Approach Letter without your CV, followed by a phone call requesting an appointment. Introduce your CV when there is a prospective interest for the future. Recommended Steps

a)Can you tell me a bit about your background? b)How did you get started in this industry? c)What is the culture of your organization? d)Can you describe a typical work day or week? e)What advice would you offer to someone trying to break into this industry? f)What do you like the most and least about the industry? About the job? About the company? g)How would you approach a job search for this organization or industry? h)Could you recommend other colleagues with whom I can speak? Is it OK to use your name when I contact them? Use these sample questions for your informational interactions with “B” or “C” Group members that you have contacted. After the interview / business meeting, it is highly appropriate to send a Thank- You letter that expresses your appreciation of the person’s time, what was primarily discussed, your plan of action as a result of the meeting, and your intention to keep the person updated. This may remind the person of who you are if he/she forgets due to his busy schedule. Also if you end up landing a job / contract, thank all those in your Network Groups as you may always need them. Following Up

No one likes a one-time friend, acquaintance, or colleague. It is uncomfortable to become reconnected only when one person needs something. Be ahead of all the rest and keep your contacts even when times are good. Let others know what you are currently up to. Send out those s and holiday cards! Share your successes informally so that they won’t be surprised if you call them for some assistance in the future. Set lunch dates with colleagues and friends. Make the best of your breaks during your work day. This way, you will get to know what is going on with other people and the industry in general. Look people up if you happen to travel to their hometown for business. Be sure to return the favor when they come to your city. Give back what you got from networking. If anyone you know might benefit from upcoming events related to their market, and/or people that you know, give that person a call. They will be flattered that you thought of them. Become an event leader. You can throw a party, organize a meeting for like-minded professionals, or even reaching out to your academic institution can get you valuable input from people with different perspectives. Staying Networked

“I’m too busy to network” - Networking can be an invaluable time-saver when you are faced with a lot of work. You can tap into your network to get added help on your projects. “I’m too shy to network” - Once you get over the initial fear of networking, shyness can actually be an advantage because you will listen instead of dominating or imposing. “I hate crowds” - Get to know one person at a time and make use of online resources and membership benefits from professional associations as well. “I don’t like being too fake” - Networking requires honesty and openness. It is about being yourself but exposing your talents as effectively as possible. Excuses Not to Network

Mubeena can help you in your Networking effort! Use me as your personal resource to kick-start your networking process and other self-development initiatives. I can help..  Provide you with guidance to define your personal goals  Assess your behavioral competencies to match with your goals  Write your Approach Letters and enhance your CV  Create customized training protocols for interviewing techniques  Maintain your Plan of Action for networking  Formulate plans for other aspects of your overall self-development How Can I Help You?