The Art of Networking. Why Networking Matters?

The Art of Networking.

Why Networking Matters?

Mrs. Sophya Johnson, M.S. Assistant to the Director HDI Certified Customer Service Representative Centers for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL)

Overview 1. What Is Networking 2. 4 Reasons Why Networking In College Is Important 3. 5 Things Every College Student Should Know About Networking 4. Networking “How To’s” 5. Tips For Working A Room 6. Tips For Working A Table 7. Networking/Informational Interviews

8. Five Benefits Of Networking (For Entrepreneurs)

WHAT IS NETWORKING? file:///C:/Users/sophya.cyrus/Documents/My%20Box%20Files/CETL/CETL%20Information/Workshops/2.%20SPRING/2 018/Well%20Connected%20Employee%20Networking%20Competencies%20That/what-is-networking.pdf

 Network n. & v. a group of people who exchange information, contacts, and experience for professional or social purposes. (The Oxford Dictionary)  In any industry or career level networking helps you make connections in a personal way and build relationships of support and respect to discover and create mutual benefits.

 It is a skill set no serious professional woman or man of the 21st Century can be without.

4 Reasons Why Networking in College is Important

By Shellise West, Oct. 20, 2016 https://www.hercampus.com/school/sjsu/4-reasons-why-networking-college-important

 In college you all have one primary goal, to get our degree. But one thing that often times goes unnoticed is the importance of networking!

 Networking is a great way to connect with others in your field and create opportunities for yourself after college.  Creating professional relationships with other students and professors on campus is crucial but can seem daunting.

1. Knowledge is KEY

Networking allows you to become connected with a professional in your field or with students who are also going into similar fields.

It also gives way for you to become knowledgeable about your field from the experiences that it may bring.

This extra knowledge and experience can help benefit you before heading out into your prospective career.

2. Advice The advice given from your prospective networking connections can help you become familiar with what to do and what not to do when it comes to your potential career.

Making mistakes and learning from them is an important part of life, but in the college setting you are able to learn them in a safe and forgiving environment before having to face them in the real world.

Reaping the advice that peers and mentors have for you is essential to this so make sure to listen to everything they have to say!

3. Referrals Referrals are critical for students looking to work in their chosen fields.

Referrals from networking can give an upper hand when applying for jobs and allow for employers to see the potential in you.

A referral can also help with highlighting your skills and can help take you to the next level when done right.

4. JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Along with receiving a referral letter, networking can most importantly supply you with a job in your future.

That simple referral letter or connection you made while at your career fair can help you get your foot in the door and provide an actual opportunity to work in the position of your dreams!

5 things every college student should know about networking Posted by Joel Delgado × 12/16/2014 https://news.fiu.edu/2014/12/5-things-every-college-student-should-know-about-networking/83523

 It’s the old saying goes: it isn’t always about what you know, but who you know.

 That’s why networking, cultivating productive relationships for employment or business purposes, has become such an important practice for working professionals in today’s world.  Now more than ever, it’s important to build a solid network in order to open yourself to a wide array of career opportunities – especially if you’re still in college.

1. Networking isn’t just about making connections, but maintaining them, too.

 Many people make the mistake of thinking that good networking means meeting a lot of people and that’s it.

 The truth is good networking happens after initial meeting and intentionally reaching out and checking up on the contacts you’ve made in your field.

Cont.

 Make an effort to check in with some of the contacts in your network often or at least once every six months or during the semester.  Send an email.  Grab coffee or lunch.  Make sure you are working at developing relationships with the people in your network.

2. Don’t wait until you graduate to build your

network; start while you’re still taking classes.

If you’re waiting to graduate before actively building your network, you’re waiting too long. The best time to establish your network is while you are still taking courses. There are plenty of chances to start networking while you are still in school.

Cont.  Your professors often have experience in the industries you may want to one day have a career in.  They can provide you with wisdom, guidance and even set up introductions that could lead to a job in the future.  “Professors are often an untapped resource for students.”

 “They are knowledgeable and often have had successful careers in the fields that their students want to get into,” Cirion said.  The internships you apply for, the clubs and organizations you are involved with on campus and special events you attend on campus give you great opportunities to network as you work to earn your degree.

3. Don’t limit your network to professionals within your field.  Another misconception people make is limiting their network to people in their own industry.  If you are majoring in marketing or advertising, for example, don’t just network with marketing professionals or advertisers.  Make some contacts with careers in sports, health care, hospitality and tourism management and other industries that have a need for marketing.  You never know what doors might open up when you broaden your reach.

4. Networking happens in unlikely places and in unlikely ways. Always be prepared.  Networking doesn’t just happen at a career fair or conference.  It could happen anywhere – even as you walk the hallways or take an elevator to get to your next class.  Because of this, start thinking about crafting your own elevator pitch – the 30-second speech that sums up who you are, what you do and what type of job you’re hoping to land.  You never know when you might need to make a case for yourself.

5. Be mindful of your online/social media presence and in-person behavior.  Think potential employers are not checking your Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, profiles?  Think again. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 77 percent of employers now use social networking to recruit candidates.  “Students have to ask themselves what message their social media profiles are saying about them because that could be the message they are sending to potential employers,” Cirion said. “It’s very important to effectively manage your social media presence.”

NETWORKING “HOW TO’S” file:///C:/Users/sophya.cyrus/Documents/My%20Box%20Files/CETL/CETL%20Information/Workshops/2.%20SPRING/2018/ Well%20Connected%20Employee%20Networking%20Competencies%20That/what-is-networking.pdf

Start with a purpose. It does you no good to attend any networking function unless you define your objectives to know why you are there.

The name tag is worn on the right side to provide an easy sight-line to your name when shaking hands.

Have an effective handshake.

• This may appear obvious, but you have probably been on the receiving end of at least one “bone-crusher” and one “limp fish.”

• Practice your handshake to avoid giving one of those yourself!

Cont.

Be sure to introduce yourself!

• 1. Say your name clearly. “Hello, my name is Sophya Johnson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

• 2. Shake hands.

• 3. Use an “elevator” speech: describe who you are or what you do in ten seconds or less.

• 4. When appropriate, offer a business card, and ask the other person for one of his or hers.

Sometimes, it is more appropriate to exchange business cards when only you depart from one another.

Once the event is over, your networking doesn’t stop!

• Be sure to follow up with those you’ve met, keep in contact, share information and offer to help in any way you can.

• Be sure to send a written acknowledgement or “Thank You” note to your networking contacts.

TIPS FOR WORKING A ROOM  In many networking events, you will find yourself with time to “mingle” among the other attendees before the formal program begins.  It may be beneficial for you to spend some time planning and preparing how you will “work the room” to get the most from your efforts.  Start with small talk.  Don’t stay too long in one place.  After eight to ten minutes, excuse yourself with pleasantry such as, “It was nice meeting you…”  Let preparation and practice be your guide.  Spend some time planning your conversation generators.

TIPS FOR WORKING A TABLE Many networking events will feature a meal if held during meal time hours.

It is crucial to practice good table etiquette to make the best impression.

Make the introductions.

Sit and listen to learn.

Keep your business cards handy.

Practice good table etiquette.

• Proceed as if you’re host of the table.

• Start the conversation by asking questions: why people are there, what they hope to gain, how they found out about the event.

• Avoid monopolizing the conversation.

• Do not deal them out impersonally.

• Let common sense and consideration of others be your guide.

Article: Chow Down on These 20 Dos and Don’ts for Business Dinner Etiquette https://smallbiztrends.com/2017/06/businessdinner-etiquette.html

NETWORKING/INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS The informational interview is a tried and true method used to gather information and gain insights when searching for career opportunities and exploring new options. When asking for an informational interview:

Be clear on your mission.

• Be honest with people by respecting their time, and don’t have a hidden agenda.

Make sure you have the right person.

• Sometimes your initial contact can direct you to someone more appropriate to your mission and purpose.

Be open to suggestions as to who else you might contact.

• Be prepared and interested.

• Prepare your personal introduction, and plan your questions.

• Take notes, and try to keep the meeting to a half hour.

Always send a “Thank You” note!

• Send an email thanking them for the interview

Adapted from “how to use interviews and networking,” by Deb Koen, Vice President of Career Development Services; as it first appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Sunday January 19, 2003. Used by Permission.

5 Benefits Of Networking (For Entrepreneurs) https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/five-benefits-networking/

 As an entrepreneur, the benefits of networking are critical to your personal growth and business development.  Small business is all about networking, building relationships and taking action.  Building a successful business takes a lot of time and drive, so it’s good to have a network of friends and associates to draw energy from and keep you going.  By surrounding yourself with people who share a similar drive and ambition, you are more likely to move forward as a group.

What are the five benefits of networking for you and your small business

1. Shared Knowledge

2.

Opportunities

3.

Connections

4. Increased Confidence

5. Raising Your Profile

1. Shared Knowledge • Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge.

• Whether it’s asking for feedback or discussing your point of view, it will help you expand your knowledge and allow you to see things from another perspective.

• It is also likely that within a group there will be those who have already been where you are today.

• This provides you with an opportunity to learn and avoid some of the common pitfalls they experienced.

2. Opportunities • It’s natural that networking will result in opportunities.

• The thing you will not know is when or how they will materialize.

• Whether it’s a referral, offer partnership or request for your service or product, it is important to be ready to seize opportunities when they come along.

3. Connections • Remember you are not just gaining exposure to the people in the room, you are building connections with their network too.

• If someone they know has a need that matches your business, if you have made an impression, you will likely get a referral.

• And remember it’s not just a one-way street.

• If someone in your network matches a business you encounter at an event, don’t hesitate to share their details.

• It will only strengthen your relationship.

4. Increased Confidence • By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, it will help increase your confidence.

• This is an important attribute as a business owner, because your business growth is dependent on talking to people and making connections.

5. Raising your profile • Being visible and getting noticed is a big benefit of networking.

• By regularly attending business and social events, people will begin to recognize you.

• This can you help to build your reputation as a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive person by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

• You are also more likely to get more leads and referrals as you will be the one that pops into their head when they need what you offer.

CONCLUSION file:///C:/Users/sophya.cyrus/Documents/My%20Box%20Files/CETL/CETL%20Information/Workshops/2.%20SPRING/2018/Well%20Co nnected%20Employee%20Networking%20Competencies%20That/what-is-networking.pdf

Networking can be a fun and easy way to enrich your life, broaden your horizons, and enhance your career. But, it can also be potentially devastating if you act rudely, insensitively, or ignore the needs and desires of others. Remember, crucial to your success is that you treat networking as an exchange of ideas, information and experience.

Cont.

 You are not selling or simply telling or “sponging” off of others for your own benefit only.  Be generous in sharing your talents, experiences, and ideas, and always be respectful of those around you.  Don’t Burn Bridges. Build Bridges for your future success.

 Good luck and have fun!

Contributed by Diane Mashia, Patron Member, Rochester Women’s Network. Diane Mashia is President and Lead Consultant for Learning Out Loud, a professional development organization dedicated to performance improvement through active participation

Contact Information Mrs. Sophya Johnson, M.S. Assistant to the Director HDI Certified Customer Service Representative Centers for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (: (256) 372-8783 *: sophya.johnson@aamu.edu CETL AAMU Webpage CETL Facebook Page