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The Art of Networking: Beyond the Basics

The Art of Networking: Beyond the Basics. Grace A. Bagunu CSI - Communication and Leadership University of California, San Diego. Overview of Presentation. The Art of Networking First impressions Nonverbal communication 30-second commercial Practice makes perfect (or better)

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The Art of Networking: Beyond the Basics

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  1. The Art of Networking: Beyond the Basics Grace A. Bagunu CSI - Communication and Leadership University of California, San Diego

  2. Overview of Presentation • The Art of Networking • First impressions • Nonverbal communication • 30-second commercial • Practice makes perfect (or better) • Getting in the conversation • Maintaining the conversation • Closing the conversation • The Follow-up • What to do to prepare: Be Ready!

  3. First Impressions • Small talk is required for networking and can make or break a potential connection • Small talk is the first form of communication we often have with new contacts • Small talk is our “way in” to new interpersonal and professional relationships • Small talk is often our first opportunity to make a first impression!

  4. Nonverbal Communication • Over 90% of communication is nonverbal • 93% vocal and nonverbal, 7% verbal (words) • Eye contact is key • What you say matters, but not if you are staring at the another person’s feet! • Have a firm handshake • Dress appropriately • Position yourself for successful networking

  5. The Art of Networking • Networking requires effective interpersonal and social interaction skills • Tune into yourself and your conversational partners • Be aware of nonverbal behaviors and their meaning • Understand what is appropriate conversation topics in various environments and contexts • Watch for situational cues and be able to adapt • Stand tall and confident • Promote yourself well! • Use your 30-second “commercial”

  6. 30-Second Commercial • Introduction (name, school, major, background) • Professional Interests (current professional activities, next progressive professional move, ideal dream job) • Skill sets (what are you good at) • Leave an impression (share what is unique about you!) “Remember the rule: 7 +/- 2, people need to hear your name at minimum 5 times and as many as 9 times to remember your name!”

  7. Practice Makes Perfect • Networking requires constant practice • Low-risk contexts help prepare you for situations where the stakes are high! • Try talking to strangers every chance you get “Any place with other people is a chance to network!”

  8. Getting in the Conversation • Position yourself to meet others • Use eye contact/handshake/smile combo • Remembering their name is your next priority • “Hi, my name is Grace.” • “Hi Grace, I’m Ken.” • “Ken, so nice to meet you.” • If you approach a conversation that has already started, simply ask to join: • “I couldn’t help but overhear what you were discussing, may I join your conversation?”

  9. Maintaining Conversation • Networking is an art and requires presence • Use props, the setting or environment, or a current event to inspire interesting conversation topics • Research the company or potential guests ahead of time and ask questions related to new initiatives, new research, or current trends • Ask open-ended questions instead of closed ended questions

  10. Listening to Conversation • Listen for word cues, topic cues, change-of-tone cues • Be aware of when to take the lead in the conversation and when to follow • Let them know you care about what they have to say using nonverbal and vocal cues • Know when to end the conversation or segue into another topic

  11. Closing the Conversation • Don’t walk away without wrapping up the conversation • To exit a conversation that hasn’t ended, say: • “Please excuse me. It was very nice meeting you. I look forward to speaking with you again soon!” • The handshake/smile combo returns! • If the conversation has ended and you want to continue the relationship, be sure to exchange contact information • “Ken, it was so nice to meet you. Do you have a business card? I would like to follow-up with you to talk more in depth about your career path.” • If you suggest getting together again or connecting through social media, do it!

  12. The Follow-up • What do you do once you have collected a business card? • Write something meaningful to remember that person • Find a way to follow-up • Email • Phone • In-person meeting • Send important correspondence • Birthday card • Holiday card • Connect through social media • Facebook • Linked In • Twitter

  13. Be Ready! • Write your 30-second commercial • Practice having a firm handshake • Have business cards at all times! • Do research on the company/notable guests attending the event • Come up with appropriate open-ended questions to use while networking

  14. Grace A. Bagunu gbagunu@ucsd.edu

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