GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 1 Networking for the Shy and Nervous Karen Gui Careers Consultant Goldsmiths Careers Service 14 Nov 2012

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 2 Aims 1.Understand what face-to-face ‘networking’ is and why it is crucial to success in any career. 2.Be able to seize your next face-to-face networking opportunity with confidence.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 3 Objectives 1.Identify connections and networks. 2.Identify networking opportunities. 3.Formulate an elevator pitch. 4.Practise your introduction on several strangers.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 4 Networking is Interaction with a purpose. Building and maintaining a collection of connections through which to share information, ideas, advice, and support. Natural activity that you have been and still are doing anyway.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 5 Networking is NOT Insincere Painful Unnecessary Selfish ‘Schmoozy and boozy’

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 6 Why bother networking when I’m a genius and my talent speaks for itself? Because NOBODY achieves their career goals on their own. We all need to network our way to success.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 7 Exercise No. 1 The five-minute mixer.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 8 Generating contacts Friends Family Acquaintances Professional bodies Departmental staff Alumni Social Media

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 9 Draw your own network Guest Speakers Their networks Tutors

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 10 Priming for the event Practise the self-introduction. I want to help other people. [Mindset check] Everyone else is there to network, so they want to meet me, too. I’m going to make 3 new contacts and gain 3 new pieces of information. I’m going to enjoy myself!

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 11 Mama had good intentions but … You are now an adult, so it is OK to talk to strangers. Human beings are generally not shy by nature because we are hard-wired as communal creatures. We are social beings by birth.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 12 The length of your elevator pitch 60 seconds – to introduce yourself to Martin Scorsese in the lift and get him to finance your next film. 30 seconds – to introduce yourself to a recruiter representing the organisation you want to work in. 10 seconds – to introduce yourself at a networking event.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 13 Exercise No. 2 Using your Elevator Pitch

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 14 How to work the room Start small Stop apologising SMILE! Ask a question Listen

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 15 How to work the room (cont’d) (Business cards) Say the person’s name Be yourself Tap into your passions

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 16 How to work the room (cont’d) Ask for introductions Be generous Be prepared *Follow up and stay in touch*

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 17 How to work the room (cont’d) Disengage by moving on politely – “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, I guess we should continue to mingle.” People will understand as they are there to network too. No one expects you to stay with them for the whole event.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 18 Get over your fear of rejection Within (perhaps) 1% of your networking time, you may encounter a rude or unhelpful person. That’s their problem, not yours. Get away quickly and don’t waste time on them. Nobody wants to help them either!

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 19 Exercise No. 3 Work the room and introduce yourself to everyone else in five minutes. Use the ‘mini-elevator’ or networking pitch (10 seconds) LISTEN TO OTHERS – what can you remember?

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 20 Please do NOT Hijack the conversation. Cling to one person. Tell inappropriate jokes. Discuss sex, religion or politics (unless relevant in that networking context).

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 21 DEFINITELY DO NOT Let your eyes wander about / look over your shoulder while you are speaking with someone. This is probably the biggest turn-off at any networking event, and it certainly won’t help you expand your network!

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 22 Your next step Think of one person you would like to add to your network. Think of how to meet that person and what to say. Do it! Then remember to follow up and keep in touch.

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 23 Everyone else is doing it, what are you waiting for? Happy Networking!

GOLDSMITHS CAREERS SERVICE 24 Tel: Opening times Careers Library 9.30am – 4.30pm Mon – Thu 11.00am – 4:30pm Fri Quick Queries (15 mins) 2.15pm – 4.15pm Mon –Thur *Bookings for the week open on Monday mornings*