Networking Tips from Steven Burda by Steven Burda

Networkingâ&#x20AC;Ś The what, the why, and the how?

Steven Burda

Today’s Agenda        2

Introduction… Networking: what & why? How: Types & Uses of Networking? Do’s & Don’ts of Networking! YOU can do it! Examples of effective use via Web 2.0 Questions, Comments, Stories?

Introduction: Who am I?        

Temple University, FSBM, BBA St. Joseph’s University, MBA Villanova University, Post-MBA Dale Carnegie, Professional Certificate Candidate, 2010-2014, Doctor of Business Administration Currently: The Boeing Company (full-time) Currently: Burda Consulting Co. (non-profit) Past: Lockheed Martin, SunGard Data Systems, CIGNA, SalomonSmithBarney

Why am I here?

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Worked in many departments, with many people, made successful business deals/leads.

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“Been there, done that” – known as “Go-to guy”

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Communicative; “Networking Expert & Guru”

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Connector – “Career Coach” – My hobby!

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Started my own non-profit consulting company on my “free time” to pay-it-forward: Burda Consulting Co.

Basics: What is Networking? 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines networking ... – the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. – the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.

Basics: Why Network?

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Process of establishing mutually beneficial relationships. Give and take concept.

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Exchange of information, ideas, and support.

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Bottom line, it will lead to: - new opportunities, increased revenue - learning & development, jobs/leads! - build trust, friendships, “Sky’s the Limit!”

Basics: How to Network? 

2 types, many approaches.

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Traditional Networking (everyday!): - face-to-face, BNI, Social Events/Clubs, Job Fairs. - Volunteering, Dinners, Sport Events, “Golf Outing,” etc!!!

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Virtual Networking: 21st century - Social media, Web 2.0, online collaboration, - sites like Linkedin, Skype, Plaxo, Ecademy (Business) - sites like Facebook, Twitter, Blogger (both B&P!!!)

Easy in theory… …Harder in practice? (yet everyone’s doing it!) 8

Network successfully by…      

Reach out; Participate; Stay connected. Meet, talk, listen = Quality vs. Quantity Communicate, be concise. Be your best = 1st impressions matter! Offer help, advice, support. Take time, Give first… rewards will come!

Quote by Harvey Mackay:

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“Dig your well before you’re thirsty.”

(Virtual) Networking DOs…          10

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Do connect with “real world” friends, colleagues. Do keep your profile current/updated. Meet new & exciting people = be an opportunist! Be likable, friendly & approachable. Have confidence; not arrogance. Be an optimist; not a pessimist. Follow-up, introduce others, facilitate discussions. Brand yourself – get known, be heard, & recognized! Personalize your requests & approaches! Do have fun doing it!!

(Virtual) Networking DON’Ts… 

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Don’t presume anything while meeting new people. Don’t assume people have to help/owe you.

Don’t be a salesman, even if you are! Don’t think “ME!” but “them!” Don’t ramble or go-off track. Don’t spam or bother your network! Don’t abuse your network; Don’t ignore others! Don’t give up! Don’t do it just because you have to!

YOU can do it too!     

You can be successful networker! It’s called networking because it takes work: time, effort & practice! Establish online presence, participate in discussions, earn expertise! Network, Network, Network. Mentor & be mentored; Read books like… ● "Never Eat Alone" ● "A Friend in Every City" ● "The Power of Nice" ● "The Virtual Handshake" ● "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" ●

Utilize sites like Linkedin for… -

Job & Market Research Control Information, Prepare for Interviews Company Research/Intelligence Re-Connect Personal Brand, Establish Credibility Connections & Collaborations Resources for projects/articles Questions & Answers: Participate! Give & Get References: Promote Others Improve Google Ranking; Stand out! Become a Bigger Business/Get Leads Passive (“Real-Time”) Digital Resume

Sometimes it’s not just what you know, but WHO you know & who knows YOU.

My own success on Linkedin led to…       

New Opportunities; Business Proposals; even Job Offers! Meeting and collaborating with new, interesting people; both professionally and personally; locally and globally. Invaluable and ongoing professional learning & development. Found mentors and mentored others = mutual harmony! I’m ranked #1 most recommended & most connected person/connector/networker on Linkedin (of 50 million professionals). Increased my VCP = Visibility, Credibility, Profitability Featured, quoted and included in major books and magazines, such as CIO, The Economist, WSJ, Market Watch, Fins, others… September 2009 book: "The Connectors: How the World's Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life" (ISBN: 978-0-470-48818-8, Hardcover, 272 pages, Wiley & Sons)

Questions, Comments, Stories?

I can always be reached & be contacted at: www.linkedin.com/in/burda e-mail: burda.mba@gmail.com

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