NETWORKING 101: IN PERSON AND ONLINE

Meet the Panelists  Brooke Fessler, Epsilon Kappa '97  Christina Patton, Epsilon Psi '97  Deanna Merino-Contino, Gamma Nu '95  Dolores Tersigni, Delta Mu '95

What is Networking? o The act of meeting new people in a business or social context o Developing strong connections and relationships with others within your career area o It’s being engaged and engaging with others

“Selling” Yourself vs. Networking  Saying “Hi” and passing out business cards  One-way street: “I want to tell you all about me!”  Does not include any follow up  Conversation + interest = exchange of information  Two-way street: “What can we do for each other?”  It takes time to build credibility + trust SELLINGNETWORKING

In Person + Online

Networking In-Person  Never Eat Alone (the book + the meal)  Mentally prepare: What’s the plan?  Have a 60-second “Elevator Speech” ready  Use your recruitment skills  Introduce, investigate, impress + bump

Networking Online  You are your profile  Take it all in before you type  Establish yourself in the community  Equal parts of asking, sharing + promoting

Do’s + Don’ts

Networking Do’s  Join a professional organization  Volunteer  Find a mentor  Organize your contacts  Ask for informational interviews  Keep networking

Networking Don’ts  Forget your resume or networking cards  Be afraid to ask for help  Think that networking happens only at “events”  Neglect to thank everyone who has been helpful

So Now What?

Tips: New Contacts  Be the first to make follow-up contact  Choose your method of contact wisely  Keep the person that referred you in the loop

Tips: Existing Contacts  Send Updates: How are things are going  Be Interesting: Articles, videos, etc  Provide Help: Referral, volunteers, info

Getting Started

Freshman Year o Participate in organizations and activities o Get to know your… o University faculty/staff o Fellow students o Alpha Chi advisors/alumnae o Get a “big girl” address

Sophomore Year o Create a resume o Explore internship opportunities o Join student/professional organizations o Order networking cards

Junior Year o Make a list of companies you’d like to work for o Create a list of potential networking contacts o Conduct informational interviews o Join online discussion groups

Senior Year o Decide where you want to live after graduation o Investigate professional organizations o Explore campus career services o “Work” your contacts

After Graduation o Join an ΑΧΩ alumnae chapter o Local and “home” chapter o Join your university’s Alumni Association o Keep in touch with key classmates

Resources o Book: Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time o Networking Cards: o Online Resume: o BEC:

Questions? Your turn to talk… What do you want to know?

Today’s Homework

The Assignment  Make five or more contacts today  Choose at least three to follow-up this week  Put one thing you learned today into action