Networking for Success

1. Networking for Success Presented by MSJC Counseling Department

2. Agenda Networking: what is it? Why is networking important? Networking myths Everyone can be a successful networker Basic networking tools Hot spots Who is in your network? Informational Interview Your personal commercial Follow-up Final tips Books and web resources Questions

3. Networking: What is it? • Not asking for a job • “Networking is the deliberate process of • exchanging information, resources, • support and access in such a way as to • create mutually beneficial relationships for • personal and professional success”. • from Make Your Contacts Count, by Baber and Waymon • Reciprocal relationship: look for ways to help • Request for information and (you hope) for referrals • Relationships over time: show your competence and credibility Networking is the process of discovering and utilizing connections between people

4. Why is Networking Important? Explore your field of interest Expand your knowledge of the industry or field and opportunities within it Break into a field Work the job market the way employers do Refine your interviewing skills Build experience and confidence Help you achieve your goals: personal and professional

5. Networking Myths • It’s manipulative: not when you are open about your agenda • It’s only for extroverts, people who are good at schmoozing • They won’t talk to me • They are too busy to talk to me • “I tried networking…it doesn’t work”

6. Everyone can be a successful networker! • It’s OK to find the prospect of networking scary – most people do! • Everyone has valuable connections. • Find a networking style that is most comfortable for you. • Networking is not bothering people who don’t want to help you. • People enjoy: • Helping others • Talking about themselves • A break in their routine

7. Basic Networking Tools: at Networking Events • Names are important • Learn their name, give your name • Tagline: short identifier after your name, answering one or more of these: • Why are you here? • Who are you? • How do you relate to me?

8. Basic Networking Tools • What do you do? • Most common answers do not invite conversation – they stop it! • Two SHORT sentences, explaining Best/Test • Best: What do you do best? One thing • Test: testimonial to your talents • If you hate your job…talk about what you DO like, or want to do more of

9. Basic Networking Tools • What will we talk about? Your Agenda • When you prepare your Agenda, you increase your chances of: • Having interesting conversations • Helping others • Achieving your own goals

10. NetworkingHOT SPOTS at MSJC Classrooms Career Fairs Workshops Career/Transfer Center Special Events Sporting Events Student Organizations MSJC Staff/Administration

11. HOT SPOTS beyond MSJC • Professional Associations & Conferences • check out: http://www.cacareercafe.com/cool- connections/ • Regional Career Fairs & Events • Community Groups • Family/Friend’s Parties • Professional Service Providers • Trade Publications/Industry News • Online • Past & Present Employers

12. Who is in Your Network?

13. Putting it all to use:The Informational Interview A chance to learn more about the industry, the market trends, where your skills best fit. A structured, low-stress conversation with a person of your choice. Both the content of the information and the process of gathering it will be helpful to you. You are talking to get their insight, perspective and referrals, NOT to ask for a job.

14. Your Personal Commercial Your 30-60 second personal commercial is a script that allows you to introduce yourselfto the person you are contacting and let them know what you are seeking. Activity: Network Like a Pro What to include: Your name Your Program at MSJC Who referred you/How you got their name When you are graduating Your area of interest and background What you are hoping to learn about from them

15. Choosing Your Words Be Smart What NOT to say What TOsay instead • I hear “X” field pays well • I heard you’re hiring a lot of people right now • I really can’t stand it when…. • I need a job. Can you help me out? • I’m very interested in your field • I was impressed by your company’s presentation • I welcome your advice about coursework or other experiences that will help me break into this field

16. Informational Interview Preparation: • Know your product: your assets (skills, accomplishments, knowledge areas) • Know your target function, target industry • If you don’t (yet) – then craft questions to help you research this Tell Me About Yourself (TMAY): your 2 minute introduction; what do you most want this target to know about you? Key accomplishments.

17. Informational Interview: Structure You set the agenda for the meeting Prepare questions (sample Q’s on website) Research the industry, company and person before the meeting It’s NOT a job interview (but it might turn into one) Set a time frame and stick to it (generally 30 minutes)

18. Follow-up • Assess the experience • Record your notes and thoughts • Thank your contact • Keep in touch with your contact • Updates • Lunch, coffee, etc. • Periodic emails, cards, notes • Identify new groups to get involved in

19. Final Tips • Be conscious of your body language • Be enthusiastic! • No gum • Turn off your cell phone • Try and leave the meeting with three new contacts

20. Books and Web Resources • Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Baber and Lynn Waymon • Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Ronald Krannich • The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, Marti Olsen Laney • www.zumeo.com: this mini professional website is the perfect tool to help you impress your future employer. • www.collegecentral.com: the nations largest network of college job seekers. • www.rileyguide.com: excellent internet resource with links to web information on all aspects of the job search • www.careerjournal.com: good articles on career management, including networking • www.cacareercafe.com/pdf/hot-tips/10-Professional-Networking-91-100.pdf: Professional Networking Tips

21. Any Questions?