Let’s Network Ready, Set, … Wait a Minute! Jean Eason Member, 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