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Effective Networking Strategies. Learning Objectives. - Understand the importance and value of networking - Identify a current network of contacts to build upon - Leave with a specific networking action plan. What is Networking?.
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Learning Objectives • - Understand the importance and value of networking • - Identify a current network of contacts to build upon • - Leave with a specific networking action plan
What is Networking? ‘A process where you develop long term relationships with others for mutual benefit.’
Why is Networking Important? • It is truly all about WHO YOU KNOW! • You can meet people with similar interests • There could be 100’s of applications for 1 opening • Some open positions are never posted • It can help you professionally and personally • People know people who know people Anyone you meet at any time of day is an opportunity to network!
What networking looks like • You have a need • Find contact(s) who may be able to help • Reach out to ask for GUIDANCE, ADVICE or HELP • Tell the contact how you are connected • Provide more details about what you need • Hopefully you receive a response! • Follow through on the guidance given • Thank the contact(s) and stay in touch
An example • Your dream is to work with a sports team in a big city • You know a grad from your school who works as an accountant in Chicago • You email to ask if he knows of anyone in the sports field • You mention the two of you were in the same marketing class a few years ago • You provide more about the sports-related positions you think would be fun and some orgs of interest; ask if he has advice about where to start • He replies and says that his cousin works for the Chicago Bears and he can connect you by email • You follow up with his cousin once he makes the e-intro • You thank him for his help and keep him updated!
Where it happens Professional networking can take place in several ways: • One-on-one meetings • You reach out to meet or talk individually • Research company and prepare questions in advance to ask • Be ready to provide the contact some background information about yourself and what you are looking for • Networking or social events with a group of people • Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
http://marketing.linkedin.com/sites/default/files/attachment/MindsetDivide_Infographic.pdfhttp://marketing.linkedin.com/sites/default/files/attachment/MindsetDivide_Infographic.pdf
Best Strategies for networking • Know how to properly reach out to some one using professional communication. • Ask for ADVICE or GUIDANCE for your internship/career search (don’t ask for a job). • Start with the people you know first. • Use resources such as family, advisors, career center staff, mentors, alumni. • Know yourself/your interests, what you are good at; go in with some knowledge about what you like and how your skills fit.
Best Strategies for networking • Keep a spreadsheet to help you organize and track who you have talked to and any follow up. • Find events to attend and go with a goal in mind, take friends if you need the support but be sure to spread out. • Use social media to help you! • Have a fresh resume that you can easily make changes to and send upon request. • Be genuine in getting to know the person and offering to help him/her as well. • Use an email you check often. • Don’t overwhelm yourself.
Troubleshooting • What if I am shy or the thought of going to a networking event makes me cringe? • What if I reach out to someone and I never hear back? • Is it better to email the contact directly or ask someone to do an email introduction? • What if someone gave me more people to talk to and I just got offered a position? • What if I spent all this time networking and it led nowhere?
How Can You Networkeffectively? • Let’s get to work! Networking Worksheet • Set goals & identify current network • Set networking goals • List who you know • List who knows who you know • Action plan for connecting • Highlight one you plan to work on this summer See example and fill out your own!
In closing… Learning Objectives of this Session: • Understand the importance and value of networking • Identify a current network of contacts to build upon • Leave with a specific networking action plan
Thank you! Julie Schrader Manager, Employer Development Butler University Internship and Career Services Atherton Union 315 4600 Sunset Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46208 jschrade@butler.edu (317) 940-8802