Helpful Networking Tips
2 v. 20—The Networking Paradox. To
have a great conversation with 2 or 3 new contacts who really understand your
objectives and for whom you can provide help, too, is success.
We offer you a chance to connect with
the
se people—and also meet 20-30 o
the
rs during
the
speed networking session.
Speed
Networking. Each
course has a speed networking component so that everyone at your table will have
an opportunity to introduce himself to
the
o
the
rs. Each person has about 1-2
minutes to tell o
the
rs who you are, what you do and want to do, and what a good lead is for you.
You’ll use your :30 elevator pitch during
the
speed networking session. Be sure
to be both broad and specific, mention target companies, industries, titles and
key words. The others
will provide leads, contact names and suggestions.
:30 Elevator Pitch.
Imagine you’re on an elevator and only have a few seconds to make an
impression on the person with whom you are sharing the ride.
You have about 30 seconds to introduce yourself and clearly state your
needs. Make your pitch clear and
precise, so the other person knows exactly how to help you.
What is a good lead for you? Whom
do you want to meet? Any particular
person? Title? Company? Industry?
Department? Your pitch may
change depending on your audience.
Business
Cards. Your business card is
essential to networking. In addition to your name, email, and phone number(s),
your business card should include something about yourself so that when someone
looks at
the
card a few weeks later,
the
y know exactly how to help you. You
may include: job title(s), skills, industries of interest, degree(s), and
certification(s).
Email Address. This should always be
professional. You may want to create
a secondary email account via Yahoo or another free service using your name
(i.e. johndoe@yahoo.com). (NOTE:
Do not use “jobseeker@yahoo.com” or anything similar--it does not convey
professionalism.)
Blurbs.
When someone offers to make an introduction on your behalf, you may need to gently
remind them. Send a brief email stating where you met, the conversation
you had, and how they offered to help you. In a new paragraph tell
a little about what you can offer their contact. End the note with your
FULL name, email address, and telephone number. They will be able to
forward your email directly to the contact. Unless they've asked for your
resume, or you're emailing a recruiter, I would not attach a resume at this
time. Remember to also ask the person how YOU can help him/her!
Quotes from Debbie Rodkin:
What counts is not what you know, nor who you know: It’s Who Knows You!
Help
others help you (by being specific about your objectives)
Be in
the
know:
the
more you help
o
thers,
the
more others will want to help you
Make
others feel comfortable by introducing yourself
Volunteering
is a great way to network!
Dress for success.
Ask for advice
(not a job)!
Always
wear a Professional Name Badge
Always
Be Networking
RE:FOCUS
ON
CAREERS is
the premier networking organization dedicated to providing
its members with the tools necessary to grow and promote business relationships,
create and develop job leads and contacts, and continue on a successful career
path throughout the lifecycle of their careers.
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Corporate Seminars Available
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Does your organization or city need RE:
FOCUS
ON
CAREERS?
Offer
a seminar at your office to teach your employees how to be more effective
at professional associations and trade shows. Our most popular seminars
include:
--Networking for Introverts and Others Who Don’t Like To Network
--Making the Most of Your Networking Time
--Networking: Beyond the Handshake
--Prepare for a Career Fair
--Mastering Executive Job Change.
To schedule a networking seminar for your executives, associates who are
being downsized, professional associations, trade organizations, and
alumni associations, contact Debbie Rodkin at debbie@refocusoncareers.com
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