Networking for Nerds by J. Meier

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Written by: Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil and Lori Ruff Edited by Carly Walker and Cari Stewart Layout/Artwork by J. Meier Brought to you by

NETWORKING FOR NERDS? Let’s be honest, we’re nerds. Typically we’re not known for our social skills but that’s about to change. We’re going to show you how to focus and apply the knowledge of social networking to social media. Use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks to get a job right of school. Not only that, but we will help bridge the gap between your online networking and your face-to-face networking. You with us?

industry, it is more important now than ever to know the right people who can help you stand out from the rest. This book will help you with the two types of networking. NETWORKING VIA THE INTERNET

WHY NEW GRADS NEED SOCIAL NETWORKING Some people get that first job because of their education, others through family members or sheer luck. But a big part of getting your perfect job is being ready when opportunity strikes. And a huge part of opportunity striking is being in situations where it can strike and strike often. So how do you dominate the job seeker playing field? Your Weapon: Social Networking Networking means creating and maintaining professional relationships to eventually unearth your post-grad job. It’s cliché, but we will say it anyway…. often times it’s not what you know as much as it is who you know. And with changes in the job

NETWORKING IN PERSON

It is geared toward the college geek that is ready to get social and launch their career. There are so many places in college to meet students, professors, and internship mentors. If you don’t branch out and talk to people now, you will be missing out on great job and life opportunities later.

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START YOUR NETWORKING EARLY

START BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:

If class starts at 10:40, you set your alarm for 10am, or at least the smart ones do. The same principle applies to your job search. Start early so you’re prepared by graduation. We suggest you start networking your sophomore year.

Figure out what you want to do for a living or what you are passionate about

Why so early? Why not? Start accumulating contacts and building relationships now so they are there to help you by the time you graduate. It takes time to build sincere relationships.

Invest time by doing things that apply to that field or apply to your passion

This is where this book comes in: Start meeting people who inspire you in the field (either through online or personal networking)

ONLINE NETWORKING LINKEDIN PREREQUISITES

2. Get Connected (add people to your online networks and follow their social involvement) 3. Engage- get involved 4. Be Ready and Respond

Just like every school has a pre-requisite, so does LinkedIn and Social Media. Here are some social media pre-reqs in order: 1. Create a Sweet Profile on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

Pay attention to the order in which you build your network. It’s important. This helps you take advantage of opportunities and avoid costly mistakes.

EXAMPLE OF A “COSTLY MISTAKE” Sending out a lot of LinkedIn invites and driving people to look at a cruddy profile that you haven’t finished setting up. If they accept your invitation, you lose your chance at a good first impression. You may never get the opportunity again.

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YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HOUSE Start by getting your social media house in order. Also, get familiar with social terms across the board. Your “Social Media House” is defined as… 1. Your Presence a. Your Profile (All networks) b. Information (FB) c. Pictures (FB) d. Pages (FB, for some) 2. Your Network a. Connections (LI) b. Friends (FB) c. Followers (TW) 3. Your Actions a. Friending (FB), Inviting (LI), Following (TW) b. Commenting (FB, LI), Posting (All networks) c. Liking (FB, LI), Sharing (FB, LI) d. Tweeting (TW) LI – LinkedIn FB – Facebook TW – Twitter

SOCIAL NETWORKING TO DO LIST: Start a LinkedIn Presence. a. Learn to USE LinkedIn b. CRAFT a professional and complete LinkedIn profile. (see tips on page 7) c. BUILD your LinkedIn network. d. ENGAGE others. Edit your Facebook Profile. a. Edit profile, info, pictures, and actions to make sure your account is professional b. Lock down your security settings. Don’t allow people to automatically tag you (like in photos or notes). Also, look at what friends and friends of friends can see under the privacy settings. c. Delete posts that you may regret. Ask your peers for their honest input. Keep in mind recruiters will use Facebook to DISQUALIFY candidates. d. Enjoy your college life! Keep updating your Facebook and have fun socializing on the network.

Learn to Tweet. a. Create a Twitter account and start tweeting. b. Tweet about what you like, what you don’t like, what you do. Notice what others are doing and saying. Respond. c. Employers expect a college grad to know a little bit about Twitter and are really impressed when you know a lot. d. Be smart – Recruiters may use what you tweet to disqualify you. Keep your social media updated. a. Keep your social media sites consistent and updated. b. Visit and check all of your communications at least weekly.

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YOUR IMAGE ACROSS THE NETWORKS You have one image to show the world; so make it good. Claim Your Name Major social networking platforms let you create a custom “URL” (that www. thing) for your profile. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter all do. It’s a little late in the game at this point if you have a common name, but work with what you have. Try and secure your name or the same variation of your name on all platforms. Lori was successful. Since Mike’s name is more common, he had to be a little creative: Linkedin.com/in/mikeoneil Facebook.com/mikeoneil Twitter.com/mikeoneilrocks If you can get your name on all three, GREAT! You might add a middle initial or a variation of your name. Just make sure it’s easily recognizable as YOU.

Image in Social Media Your image should… …be YOU, not someone else. This should go without saying. …attract people for the right reasons. …make others want to connect with you. …help you get the job you want and DESERVE! You really don’t know who will see your profile, notice your comments, or draw opinions about you based on your social media involvement. One arrogant post, one raunchy comment, one regretful picture can erase lots of hard work. On the other hand, a steady string of really great comments or posts and you get an equally positive effect. Always make sure that you are posting images, comments, posts, and video (Note: post to YouTube and use the Share link) that will tell people about you and impress future employers.

Social Media Party Fouls 1. Posting a picture of someone else and saying it’s you. 2. Posting pictures that are inappropriate or tasteless. 3. Putting everyone’s e-mail address in the “To:” field on a surprise party invite. 4. Posting private videos on YouTube without makin them unlisted. 5. Be careful of words about others that you post in a public place:

• • • • •

That @#?&% she … We were at the party and … Professor Standwick is a … Dude – did you see the party pics of Natalie on Flickr? We’re just gonna sneak into the party.!

DAMAGE CONTROL The road to our success on Social Media was and is - littered with potholes. You’re bound to do something stupid; just try to keep it to a minimum. For when you do something stupid, here are the steps to recovery: 1. Say sorry – just like kindergarten 2. Adapt – don’t make the same mistake twice 3. Move on!

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CREATE YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE When you start, remember to use a word processor to create your profile text. When you are finished, copy and paste it into LinkedIn. This will help you avoid making little mistakes that word processors can catch for you: spelling and grammar. It also keeps your information saved in another format in case you have technical difficulties while you input it online.

As you are writing, keep in mind that LinkedIn’s formatting is pretty limited. You get ALL CAPS, special keyboard characters (~ > | #) and some pretty cool symbols (│ ▌ ◊ ► ◄↔ ♦ • ). That’s about it.

Picture Keep it simple, and professional.

Headline This is one of the most important parts so make it compelling.

Experience Keep it simple, and professional.

Education Years are fine to include, but there’s no need for months.

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Picture – It depends a little on your field. Creative types have more freedom. However, for the most part, use a simple and clear headshot photo of just you. A clean, white background is best; iPhone quality is fine. Make it recognizable. Look interesting and by all means – SMILE!

LINKEDIN PICTURES GOOD IDEA

BAD IDEA

Headline – Aside from your name field, the LinkedIn Headline is the most important field on your LinkedIn profile. Use compelling, colorful words and formatting ex. (♦ Keywords │ Key Phrase). Think of this as the reason someone would click on YOU instead of someone else in a list. Summary – This is a conversation between you and potential employers. It is a message FROM you, not just a collection of information ABOUT you. Things to write: • Who are you? • What makes you different (in a good way)? • What inspires you? • What do you have to offer in terms of experience, skills, education, and knowledge? • How can others help you? TIP: Look at lots of other profiles and adjust your profile to look similar to the ones you are most impressed with. Specialties – A list of keywords and key phrases designed for both search engines and people. Create your keywords, variations, and look at synonyms and variants (try http://thesaurus.com). Group similar words together: Example – Industrial Engineer, Industrial Engineering | computer programmer, computer programming, computer simulation, computer modeling | HTML, PHP, flash video

Experience – You can include all your jobs, but be careful how you present them. Paperboy? – I prefer to call it “print media distribution”. Everyone started somewhere. What jobs have you had?

For each job, try this simple approach: 1 - What does the company do? “The Denver Post is Colorado’s largest print newspaper and is also one of Colorado’s top websites.” 2 - Who do they do it for? “It caters to readers - business professionals and individuals alike.” 3 - Where do they operate? “While The Post caters to all of Colorado, it focuses on the greater Denver area” 4 - What was your role? “My role was to ensure customers got the information they needed to start their day. I delivered their paper.” 5 - What made you special? “I had former Denver Bronco Terrell Owens on my route. I was able to meet him and get to know him!”

All together now…

“The Denver Post is Colorado’s largest print newspaper and is also one of Colorado’s top websites. It caters to readers - business professionals and individuals alike. While it caters to all of Colorado, it focuses on the greater Denver area. My role was to ensure customers got the information they needed to start their day. I delivered their paper. I had former Denver Bronco Terrell Owens on my route. I was able to meet him and get to know him!”

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Education – Use language that is important in today’s business environment. List your High School as well. No need for months, use years only. Include special projects, educational activities, etc. Web Sites – This is no place for Twitter or Facebook links. If you are involved in activities or are employed, include a URL. Since this might be tough for you, include the URL to the school’s department showing what you have been learning. TIP - Rename the label. From the list, select “Other” and add a custom label, i.e., “What I am learning” or “OfficeMax Website” or “Business Fraternity Site” Interests – What do you truly enjoy? Show your human side, include personal interests. Use comma’s between your interests to create links. Example – Concerts, Festivals, Football, Denver Broncos, Skiing, Phish, and The Simpsons.

Example – Rockies Venture Club, RVC, Business Marketing Association, BMA Personal Information – Include both your email and postal address. Only “connections” can see this, so include the email address again in the Contact Settings section as well. Ignore the birth and marital information. Contact Settings – Simply check all 8 check boxes. Include an e-mail address so people can reach you outside of LinkedIn. LinkedIn Groups – Join at least 20 LinkedIn Groups (you get 50 total). Join large groups in your region, your desired industry or profession. Include several that cater to your PERSONAL interests. If you like rock and roll, add a group!

Groups and Associations – This is a list of industry, professional and social organizations you have ANY connection to. You need NOT be a member to list it. This is why you volunteer, attend events, and get involved in associations. Use commas to create links here, too. Include both the full spelling AND the abbreviations.

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FACEBOOK PROFILE TIPS Facebook is evolving all the time. Not just Facebook’s technology, but the very culture of Facebook. It is no longer a Website “by college students for college students.” in fact, it is arguably the most valuable entity on the Web with $ Billions at stake. Everyone—from students to seniors and even businesses—is on Facebook now. That means the rules of the game have shifted. It’s not a frat party or a dorm party anymore. Since you started with LinkedIn, you have a lot of what you need already. At least the company and education information will be easy. You can even use the same content from your LinkedIn profile. By all means share the music, TV shows, movies, and games you enjoy. That’s what Facebook is for. Your personal interests may be a way to show employers how well you fit with their culture. Keep in Mind: Your profile photo needs to be within “employable boundaries.” We do NOT recommend the same picture as LinkedIn; you can be a little bit more casual. Just make sure that’s your image is consistent; everyone should be able to recognize you across social networks.

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TWITTER PROFILE TIPS Twitter is simplest of all. There’s not much space and there aren’t a lot of questions. Twitter Screen Name This can be your name or something more creative. Just make sure it’s strategic and specific to you. For example: Real Name = Mike O’Neil Twitter name = MikeONeilRocks

OR OR

Lori Ruff LinkedInDiva

TIP! Make sure your Twitter screen name makes sense and the real name you list is your real name so people can find you. Certain Twitter searches look in both of these fields. Make sure people can find you in searches no matter which way they search. Profile • Twitter Name: First Name (space) Last Name and nothing else! • Twitter Bio: You only have 160 characters, so you need to be creative. It’s a bit like a LinkedIn headline – keyword rich. • URL: Your website or blog where people can learn more about you. • Photo: Keep it appropriate and tasteful • Background Image: A .jpg • Location: City, State

BACKGROUND IMAGE EXAMPLE:

Background Images Twitter allows you to upload a single background graphic (e.g. jpg) to accompany your thumbnail picture and text. Since it’s an image, it can be a mix of pictures, graphics, text, etc. (anything you can save as a single image). You can create this image yourself or find a preexisting image. The image should hug the left site of the screen when others look at your Twitter profile. Since it’s all graphics, nothing is hot-linked or clickable. Tweets It isn’t your profile that really defines you on Twitter, it’s your tweets and commentaries. Since employers will use Twitter to DISQUALIFY rather than to qualify potential employees, the fun is deflated a bit. Sorry. Be yourself, just make sure you don’t tweet or join twitter conversations that would be considered inappropriate by a potential employer.

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FINDING A JOB WITH ONLINE HELP Finding a job using social media requires building relationships early on. Here are the steps to building contacts: 1. RESEARCH potential companies you would love to work for. 2. Find a MENTOR at the company and build a relationship with them. 3. Continue to DISCOVER new companies through contacts. Research Research the companies you would like to work for. What you learn will give you an upper-hand for future communications and possible interviews with them later on.

Discover New Companies Keywords are your key (pun intended) to finding companies you want to work for through social media. Just type industry terms into the Keyword field in the Advanced Search Screen of LinkedIn. Also, ask new contacts and mentors about companies in the industry that they are impressed with. More than likely, people who have your dream job also know the dream companies to work for.

Checklist for Researching a Company:

THE EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE

1. Use the company web site to learn: • what they do • who they service (their clients) • their territories (where they do business) • what makes them special (their competitive advantage) 2. Look at their company blog. What are they writing about? What are the current issues at the company? 3. Like their Facebook page (if they have one) and pay attention to their activity. 4. Search for and “Follow” the company or company representatives on Twitter and LinkedIn. 5. Look at what people are saying about them on Twitter (search @CompanyName). 6. Find their LinkedIn company page and follow it, learn from it. Read recommendations on the company page as well as individual profiles of the people you might meet to get a sense of what their strengths and needs are. 7. Search people at the company on LinkedIn, especially those in roles that you may interact with. Learn THEIR terminology. Get the lingo down that they’ll use in conversations, interviews, and on the job.

Find a Mentor Connect with someone at a target company with your desired career, or who has similar interests. Build a long-term relationship so you can use their expertise to help you stay on the right track to get your dream job. They can also help introduce you to hiring managers.

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Employers expect you to have current social media skills, so do NOT disappoint them by not having these profiles set up and active! Employers first look for negatives in your social networks. It’s a quick and easy way to weed out applicants. They mostly look at Facebook and Twitter to disqualify you. Make sure you don’t have anything on your profiles worthy of disqualification. BIG TIP: Want to WOW potential employers? Master LinkedIn. Fit in and STAND OUT on LinkedIn! You’ll impress employers with your involvement and knowledge of LinkedIn.

OFFLINE AND EVENT NETWORKING Unless you intend to run an anonymous online business forever, you will need to do some business and meet key decision makers in-person. The same applies to job hunting and career advancement. Wheel and deal with hiring managers when you have the chance so you can bypass the Human Resources Department (HR). Networking with Curiosity You can use curiosity to get in with business professionals. Try these to get some time with real business professionals: “Can you help me? I’m a sophomore in Engineering at ASU and I want to be sure that I’m in the right field and doing the right things to get me ready. It seems like a really good idea to prepare early.”

Networking through part-time Jobs Get the right part-time job. One of the most highly regarded jobs in employment circles (especially sales and marketing) is bartending and waitressing. You deal with the general public in unrehearsed situations - resolving problems, understanding commissions (tips), scheduling, managing projects and financial responsibilities with many people simultaneously. It’s perfect training for the marketing and sales world. Find other jobs while in school that allow you to rub shoulders with those who are well connected and experienced in your desired industry. Start early and don’t be afraid to get involved.

“Are there things you would have done differently? Can you please help me prevent making some avoidable mistakes, maybe help me focus my efforts in the right direction? Perhaps I could provide some value in return, perhaps do a little research for you.” “Could you spare a little time, perhaps 30 minutes, to tell me about your experiences, what you like or don’t like and where you think the industry is headed?”

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HOW TO HANDLE SOCIAL EVENTS LIKE A CELEB The Wingman Attend events with a friend or two. To use a dating analogy, be each other’s “wingman”. Working with a friend, you can cover twice as much ground and you have an easy fall back in case you start to feel uncomfortable. But don’t use your wingman as a crutch! Dress for Success This is where you need to fit in but STAND OUT. Dressing appropriately will help a lot. For Guys: A sport coat, dress shirt and khaki pants are standard fare for guys. For Girls: Slacks and a great top and jacket is a must for girls at networking events. For both: Don’t forget shoes should be shiny or at least very clean. Conversation Be up to date on current events, including business happenings. You might prepare by having an interesting topic of the day to discuss. Choose a topic you are interested in so your conversation is more natural and meaningful. We use USA Today to get news and pop-culture tidbits to start conversations. They have great iPhone, Android and Blackberry apps to make it easy to scan on the way there if you’re not driving! TIP - When you join in conversations at events, ask people their opinions. It helps overcome some anxiety and gives you something to respond to. It’s much easier to listen. Remember, people LOVE people who will listen to them.

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LINKEDIN PICTURES GUYS

GALS

Business Cards People don’t expect a business card from you at these events. But you do want to get THEIR business cards. If you are in a conversation and they are being exchanged, say “may I please have one?” Name Tip - Pay attention to what each person says and TRY HARD TO REMEMBER NAMES. Try to relate them to someone you already know with the same or similar name. Business Card Tip - Make notes about your conversations on the backs of their business cards; who introduced you, what you talked about, and anything else you want to remember. BRING A BALLPOINT PEN. People will be impressed that you cared enough to note the details of your meeting. Since most people don’t follow-up at all, you will stand out.

JOHN DOE CEO 555.555.555 JOHNDOE@CEO.COM

e e sam h t t sa nteer at I do. u l o V JOHN A th DOCE M Y CEO

555. 555. 555 JOHN DOE@ CEO. COM

Volunteer your way to a paid job Volunteer to help professional associations. You will be well remembered and event organizers will often introduce you to people you should know. What an endorsement! Help most needed at events:

• • • • •

Event setup Event registration General office help Guest information or VIP assistance Sponsor and exhibitor help

Almost none of this requires any special skill. They do, however, require you to be willing to work. Here’s how you can start on the right foot: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Be timely – show up early Be willing to learn Look the part – be impressive and employable Ask how you can contribute Look for things you can do to help on your own – take initiative 6. Look for ways to take a load off the event organizer 7. Ask the organizer who you might benefit from meeting, perhaps they will even make an introduction for you.

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Follow-Up When you meet people, especially through an introduction, it is your job to follow up. Like we said before, a business card helps; make sure to get one and take notes!

INVITATION EXAMPLE:

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That night or the next day, invite them to connect on LinkedIn and reference the event. Once they accept, a simple thank you message will put the icing on the cake.

THANKYOU MESSAGE EXAMPLE:

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GET INVOLVED NOW Classes to take Here are classes to take to improve your networking abilities and employability:

– – – – –

Communications General business Marketing Writing - creative and technical Public speaking

These classes are usually electives. They are designed to increase your comfort in all types of business situations. They also help train you to engage in meaningful business conversations. Look for professors that are plugged into the local business community and follow current trends. They have more connections with job opportunities and they will probably connect with you on LinkedIn! IDEA: Very few professors today have real world social media experience and their LinkedIn profiles tend to show it. Maybe you can help!

Extracurricular Activities Take advantage of extracurricular activities to build meaningful and potentially profitable relationships. Enhance your networking through team sports, clubs, music ensembles, etc. These friendships may result in business opportunities later in your career. Business Events You Should Attend Here’s where it gets fun; leaving campus. Find off-campus events to attend. Contact the Executive Director (ED) of your local Chamber of Commerce, professional business associations or university alumni associations and ask them:

– Can you attend their business events?

– Can you help or volunteer? – Do they have any special programs for students?

Finding Events Sign up for business newsletters – Opt in. Get newsletters that include information about local events. Do a local Google search of “Business Professional Associations” as a starting point. Check out local professional Meet-up groups (www.meetup.com) that align with your interests. Make sure you connect through other networks when you meet someone at a Meetup event. Look for local or regional LinkedIn Groups. Examples: Linked To Denver, Linked Minnesota, Linking the Triangle (Research Triangle Park outside Raleigh, NC), or Linked Local Marin County, or even Network Charlotte. In addition to local LinkedIn groups, search for industry, role-based or special interest groups that provide local networking opportunities with other like-minded folks.

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The Friends and Family Network Do an inventory of your friends and family members. Identify those who can potentially help you find a job in the future. These can be those who own their own business or connectors who somehow know everyone. Make a spreadsheet with their name, relationship and email address. You never know who can set up an introduction. When making your list, consider the following:

• Where do they work now? • Where did they work in the past? • Are they members of any associations, clubs? Get the idea? You are looking for places to branch out and build a network through people you already know. Remember that you are not just connecting to a certain individual; you are connecting to their network of friends and colleagues. So even if your parents are in a field you don’t want to pursue, they may have other beneficial contacts. When an introduction is set up, show respect and follow through with that connection. Let people know what you are looking for. Be sincere and act confident (not arrogant) even if you don’t feel it. If you don’t give a good first impression, it reflects poorly on the person who referred you. Make sure to put your best foot forward and it will increase your chances of having someone continue to refer you to multiple contacts.

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BUILDING GOOD SOCIAL HABITS SOME “DO’S”

1 2 3 4

Follow up! Do what you promise and you will be remembered well by people who can have an impact on your future. Listen and respond. Engage in conversation and offer your opinions. People want them and respect you for sharing your fresh perspective. Show up early and offer help when practical. Build relationships with the movers and shakers of the business community. When you attend lectures of local business people, be sure to take a moment to thank the speaker personally.

SOME “DON’TS”

1 2 3

Don’t dominate conversations without asking people for their input. Listen with intent when others are speaking. Acknowledge their input and respond appropriately. It may sound silly, but don’t chew gum… or eat or drink heavily at an event. You can assume a rate of about one drink per hour with appetizers.

Don’t upload photos or tag pictures of friends or companions without getting their permission first. You might as well learn etiquette now. Some people are not comfortable “being online” and will be offended at your lack of respect.

4 Don’t wait, get going now! 18

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CONCLUSION Combining the power of online networking with offline networking is your key to success. Make sure you look like you don’t need but have. Acting employed and successful is the ultimate foundation for a confidence that will shine through any discomfort, even if networking gives you an upset stomach! Let us know about the success you experience using the principles discussed in this eBook. We’d love to hear about it. Success is right around the corner. Reach out and help others. Share this eBook. Help your friends. They‘ll do the same for you!

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BIO’S In brief, we are Mike O’Neil & Lori Ruff, The LinkedIn Rockstars™. We’re nerds, gadget freaks, tweeters, meeters, eaters and leaders in this space. Find more resources and connect with us at http://RockStarNetworking.com. And when we come to your town, come and meet us in person. We’d love to meet you too.

CONTACT Mike O’Neil & Lori Ruff The LinkedIn Rockstars Training@RockTheWorldMedia.com

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