Community NU – Tapping into the Wildcat Network Presented by: Aspasia “Sia” Apostolakis Miller
Learn how to: – build a series of win/win relationships – make a strong introduction – build and maintain your network – hear about some common mistakes to avoid – discover what it means to be a part of a 200,000+ alumni network
What is networking? “Successful networking is a process of deepening relationships, initiated through curiosity, unattached to outcome, guided by energy, and driven by the possibility of what can be created with another human being. It unfolds over time, sometimes years, and rewards us with clients, collaborators, allies, and better lives.�
Principles of networking • Principle #1: Networking is about developing relationships, not making contacts. Quality over quantity. Networking takes place over time, not with a one-time event • Principle #2: Networking is getting to know the whole person. • Principle # 3: Networking is about learning about others, not promoting yourself Be curious. Listen more. Speak less. Notice where their faces light up. • Principle #4: Networking is a two-way street, where you get more when you give first.
Principles of networking • Principle #5: Networking happens anywhere, anytime. • Principle #6. Network for variety. Catherine Kaputa: Great networkers don’t just fish for the big fish, the senior executives and power brokers. Networkers realize you need a lot of different types of people on the road to success. Different folks bring different influences and abilities into play. • Principle #7: Build trust by being genuine. • Principle #8: Be gracious. Treat your network with respect. Source: Carol Ross (McC83, 87)
Recap of principles -
Aim to develop relationships, not contacts Be a traveler in a foreign land Network for variety Be genuine Follow up by giving first, before asking for anything Source: Carol Ross (McC83, 87)
Make a strong introduction - Keep it short, keep it simple, keep it relevant “ N.E.O.N.� source Rob Sullivan (GJ90) - Where are you Now - Why is it Exciting or Energizing - What is your Objective? - What do you Need?
Sample Introduction “I’m Sarah Scott and I am currently double majoring in Journalism and Political Science. When I volunteered for my state senator’s campaign last summer, I realized that I have a passion for writing. I would like to find a summer internship in a political consulting firm where I can use my writing skills and my knowledge of political campaigns.”
Making First Contact by Email/Phone • Introduce yourself • Tell the contact how you got their information and your relationship to that person • Identify the purpose of your e-mail/call • Be brief and state your follow up intentions • Say thank you
Sample Intro by E-mail/Phone “Mr. Potter, my name is Patty Swanson and your cousin Lucy Gates is my roommate here at NU. She thought it would be beneficial for us to meet. I am currently a sophomore and I am very interested in Advertising. I would love to talk to you for 10 or 30 minutes to find out more about your job and how I might access opportunities in the advertising field. Would it be possible to meet with you sometime within the 2 weeks at your convenience?�
Build your network • Be enthusiastic and positive • Identify your informal and formal networks • Keep track of who you have contacted and when • Be a “giver” first, and a “taker” second • Exchange business cards
Your Formal Network Faculty Employer presentations
Trade Publications
Company reps
YOU
Professional Organizations
NU Alumni
Career Fairs
Your Informal Network Neighbors CoWorkers
Family
YOU Church
Friends
Student orgs
Roommates
Maintain your network • Cultivate your current network by using social networking sites • 3 or 4 contacts per person per year • Share information or an interesting article you read…”In case you haven’t seen this…” • Say a kind word, express appreciation • Ask how they are doing. Tell them what you are doing.
Common mistakes to avoid • Networking sporadically • Being a “taker” rather than a “giver” • Failing to follow up • Lack of acknowledgement/thank you • Providing a weak introduction • Missing an opportunity to be a “connector”
Be a part of a 200,000+ alumni network NAA Web site • NU alumni directory • Northwestern CareerNet • Northwestern alumni group in LinkedIn • Council of 100 • Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) • NU Alumni Clubs
Creating a LinkedInProfile • All of your positions (past and present) • Education • Tagline • Summary • Website connections • Get and give at least 3 recommendations
•Question & Answer •NAA Staff – Katie Wesner, Ass’t. Director, Student Services Students@alumni.northwestern.edu