More on Networking

Just two more days until The Art of Networking.  So here come a few ideas you might use as objectives  for the evening – and for other events that offer the opportunity to connect with people.

Set a goal to talk with two or three people. This works! As an introvert, going to meetings with the objective to meet three people makes all the difference in whether I actually walk up to people and start a conversation – or run for the door as soon as the meeting is over.  I have met some incredible people I would never have met if I hadn’t pushed myself a little (or a lot) to take the initiative to meet them.

Turn off your cell phone. Yes, completely off.  If your phone were to ring it would be embarrassing—and that funny little sound it makes when it vibrates is louder than you think.

Do not head immediately for the hors d'oeu·vres-no matter how hungry you are. The people you meet are more important than the snacks.  

Smile. Sounds so simple but sometimes hard to remember.

Since we’re on the subject of mouths, remember your breath mints. Note: I didn’t say gum which is way too easy to start chompin’ and poppin’ when you are nervous.

Keep a distance of 18 inches or so between you and the individual you are talking with. Any closer and you might find that person backing away.

Look everybody you talk with in the eye and genuinely listen as they speak with you. You just might be surprised what you learn.

Ask for business cards. If you have business cards of your own, put a few in your pocket but don’t offer one unless the person you are talking to asks.  Important note: put the business cards you collect in a different pocket than your own business cards. 

Don’t dominate any one person’s conversation. Talk with a person and learn a little about them. Give your 30 second commercial. Tell them it was nice to have met them. Ask for their business card. Move on to another person.

Send each person you meet a note the following day telling them it was a pleasure to meet them and thanking them for the opportunity to talk with them. 

Networking. . .that's what it's all about. 

Get a job!

~jan

“The way of the world is meeting people through other people. “  ~ Robert Kerrigan

30 Second Commercial

Congratulations! You are going to attend The Art of Networking next week. You want to develop your "elevator speech" aka 30 second commercial.

As yourself:
1. What are my key strengths?
2. What are some adjectives to describe me?
3. What am I trying to let others know about me?
4. Why am I interested in this person or their company or industry?

Outline your elevator speech.
1. Who am I?
2. What do I have to offer?
3. What problem can I help solve?
4. What do I want the listener to do as a result of hearing this.

Finalize your elevator speech.
1. Write a sentence about each note you wrote to answer the questions above.
2. Connect all these sentences, adding words and phrases to help them flow.
3. Review what you wrote and cut out long or unnecessary words or jargon.
4. Finalize your speech making it no longer than 30 to 90 seconds.

Familiarize yourself with your speech. You want to sound spontaneous and fresh each time you use it--not memorized.

Networking

If you’ve been anywhere close to our office, or website, you’ve heard the term networking. In fact, you’ve probably heard it more than once. So, what is the big deal about networking?  

Networking is crucial to your job search. So much so that it is how 65% of people find jobs.

Networking is about connecting with people. And, reconnecting.  And, building relationships.  And, maintaining those relationships.

We heard a great networking success story last week. One of our WSU Alum landed the job he wanted out of state. How? He contacted a connection at WSU to say he was job hunting. That person told her staff. One of her staff had a connection . . .who  had a connection at the company our Alum wanted to join.  Bottom line: our alum has been in his new job a couple of months now.  

Anywhere people are gathered is a place to network. Another of our former students got a job through a lead he heard about from someone he met in line at the grocery store.  Another through a connection he learned about from his barber. A few years ago, I found a great job through a tip I received in an elevator.  So, really "What's not to like about networking?"

We believe in networking so much we’ve organized a special event. The Art of Networking will be from 5:30 – 7:00pm Oct. 26 in the Ulrich Museum of Art. Take advantage of this chance to have fun as you enjoy horde ours and learn more about networking in a relaxed setting. 

Don’t wait. RSVP now to jan.mead@wichita.edu or 978-3435.  

Get a job! 

~jan

Jan Mead, Assistant Director, Wichita State University