Making the Right Connections: Networking Effectively Richard E. Bauer, III, DMD, MD Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine Staff Surgeon, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Networking Defined: - the informal process of linking people to each other as resources - assisting, supporting, and helping others find the resources they need

Also Known As… Linking Rainmaking The “good ol’ boys” Schmoozing Connecting “6 degrees to Kevin Bacon”

Network Early and Often

Networking Tools Your business card Business cards of others

Networking Tools Your business card Business cards of others Name badge Brochures Notes – On back of cards Memory hooks –Help others remember you –Use them to remember others

Good Networking Is an attitude Takes work Does not happen overnight Not a one-way street Has a pay-off Is a process Is reciprocated Does not end

5 Ways to Network Effectively… 1. Look presentable. 2. Force yourself to get a few points across to your audience, ensure you control the conversation enough to be remembered. 3. Don't try to work the room. It is not the quantity but the quality. 4. Don't limit yourself to networking events. 5. Prepare to stay in touch. Follow up. Make a point of contacting people whom you met within a day or two either by phone or .

5 Ways to Network Effectively…  Look presentable.

5 Ways to Network Effectively… 2. Force yourself to get a few points across to your audience, ensure you control the conversation enough to be remembered.

5 Ways to Network Effectively… 3. Don't try to work the room. It is not the quantity but the quality.

5 Ways to Network Effectively… 4. Don't limit yourself to networking events.

5 Ways to Network Effectively… 5. Prepare to stay in touch. Follow up. Make a point of contacting people whom you met within a day or two either by phone or .

Building your network Current network – you already have one! –friends, family, lecturers –contacts from voluntary work, societies/clubs –Part-time work, internships voluntary work

Building your network Expand your network by: –Attending careers fairs, employer presentations, conferences –Alumni services –Ask people you know for other contacts –Join professional associations (student memberships) –Study abroad do mission work –Online networking

Social Media Facebook YouTube Instagram Flickr Twitter

What happens if I Google you? First impressions count – even online! 45% of employers use social networks to screen job candidates 35% of employers did not offer a job based on a candidate’s content uncovered on a social networking site Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are targets Provocative photos / references to drinking and drug use are cited by employers as ‘red flags’ Bad mouthing previous employers/colleagues and poor online communication skills also a problem

So… Lock down your Facebook account! Choose and accept your friends wisely Be careful what you post What does your online behavior/ presence say about you?

Networking Mistakes 1.You're not really there. 2.You put off networking until it's too late. 3.You network only with people like you. 4.You're too busy to follow up. 5.You’re “that guy”.

Networking Mistakes 1.You're not really there.

Networking Mistakes 2. You put off networking until it's too late.

Networking Mistakes 3. You network only with people like you, or people you like.

Networking Mistakes 4. You're too busy to follow up.

Networking Mistakes 5. You’re “that guy”