Networking webinar

Exploding Networking Myths

Lacy Nelson, M.Ed., PCC, CMC Associate Director, Executive and Alumni Career Services

Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management

Why do I have to network?

• I’m not good at meeting new people.

• I don’t know what to say.

• I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m looking for work.

• I don’t want to bother people.

• I don’t want people to think I’m taking advantage of them.

• I’m too busy to attend meetings.

Networking is Like An Awkward First Date!

Why do I have to go through all of these meetings?

Isn’t this being fake, inauthentic, dishonest?

I just want a job!

You Are Already A Networker Have you ever: Asked someone about a restaurant, a city, doctor, school, book, movie, directions, etc.?

You have exchanged information with someone who was happy to give advice and information.

Today’s Agenda • • • • • •

Why Networking? (Do I HAVE to Network?)

What is Networking?

So.. How Do I Network?

Before You Get Out There Sample Networking Conversation At Owen, We Take Business Personally

Yes, You Have to Network! § § §

More than 80% of job opportunities are found through networking Companies prefer to hire someone “known” to them On-line resume selection systems don’t “know” you and your application can be tossed

Yes, You Have to Network!

• Networking gives you more control over your career • You can learn about a company’s culture, salary structure, benefits, leadership and employees

Networking is NOT: § Calling your friends to ask them for a job with their company § An endless cycle of cold calling § Attending events and handing out your cards § Taking advantage of people § Sending out multiple copies of your resume Networking Video

Networking is: • Building Relationships • Exchanging INFORMATION • A Process of Give and Take • A Way to Get Your Message to the Market • A Way to Gather Information About Your Target Companies

Networking is: • Obtaining advice • Leaving a lasting impression • Obtaining referrals to continue expanding your network

Why Would Someone Want to Network With You? • Humanitarian Reasons • Self-Serving Reasons • Parental Reasons • Ego Reasons • Expansion of their own network • Get this person off my back

On Average, It May Take § 10-15 contacts to generate one formal interview § 5-10 formal interviews to generate one solid job offer

Evaluate Your Networking Skills Think about a Recent Professional Event or Social Event That You Attended and Answer

Yes or No:

Evaluate Your Networking Skills • Did you come to the event dressed appropriately to present a good image?

• Did you initiate a conversation with at least 10 people?

• Did you introduce yourself using good eye contact, a sincere smile, a firm handshake and a brief introduction of who you are?

Evaluate Your Networking Skills • When conversing, did you listen closely for common interests and special needs?

• Did you convey enthusiasm and interest in the person with whom you were speaking? Talk about you or talk about them?

• Did you find someone you know and stay with them the entire time or did you mingle?

Evaluate Your Networking Skills • Did you make a point of introducing any person you talked with to anyone else?

• Did you exchange business cards?

• Did you follow up with a significant contact with an email or telephone call?

• If this was a business event, did you research to gather information about the group, speaker or members prior to the meeting?

Where Do You Go To Network?

• • • • • • • • • •

Owen Alumni Personal Contacts Association Meetings Business Networking Meetings/Meetups Social Events Community Service Groups School (if you attend class OR sign up for a class) Your Child’s School (Parent meetings, etc.)

Sporting Events Any Group Who Shares An Interest of Yours

So… How Do I Network?

Create Answers to the Following Questions: § What kind of work do you do? (no jargon) § What do you want to do? § Why are you looking? Why do you want to leave your company? § What companies are you targeting?

Buy personal business cards: Kinkos/FedEx, Office Supply, vistaprint.com

So‌ How Do I Network?

Create a Marketing Plan: A Marketing Plan is a one-page outline of your targeted job titles, your Summary Statement from your Resume, an organized list of competencies, and a list of companies that you wish to target.

View a sample at owen.vanderbilt.edu, click on Alumni Resources

So… How Do I Network?

How to use the Marketing Plan: § Use it to stay focused and on track § Take it with you to your networking meetings to help your contacts help and advise you § Add to your list of target companies

So… How Do I Network?

• Create a List of People You Know and Begin With Them (friends and classmates) • Ask to set up a time to meet for a short discussion • I’m NOT asking you to find me a job • I’d really appreciate your advice

Networking Pointers Use the S-M-A-R-T Approach: Summarize your Message Share you Marketing Plan Ask Questions Ask for Referrals Trade Information

Networking Pointers § Successful job seekers spend 25 to 35 hours a week in job search § If 80% of jobs are found through word of mouth, how much time do you want to devote to networking per week?

At Owen, We Take Business Personally § Vanderbilt Business Network § Small by design for relationship building § Competitive & collaborative, not cutthroat § Vanderbilt Alumni network and relationships across the globe

At Owen, We Take Business Personally § We want to connect with you and help you determine a path for your career. § Degree programs: Executive MBA & Americas MBA § Non-degree programs: Executive Education

§ Schedule a personal consultation today at VanderbiltExecutive.com § Thank you!