Why network?

1.     It enriches your life personally.

2.     It’s a great way to generate leads for new business for you and your future employer. It’s much easier to interact with those you’ve met at an event or through others than “cold calling.”

Where do you go to network?

1.     Professional associations (most have student memberships)

2.     College/University activities (such as this event tonight)

3.     Volunteer groups

4.     Internal networking once employed

How do you network?

1.     Read up on organizations before joining and attend a meeting or two to make sure it’s a good fit.

2.     Attend meetings and special events.

3.     Have a self-introduction that you can use in various situations.

4.     Work rooms – introduce yourself to as many people as possible and record any information you can for future reference on cards.

5.     Perform at your best as a volunteer.

6.     Have a good time and be active!

Working a room

1. Nametags (on the right)

2. Entering a room (move in – do not block entry)

3. Entering a group or a conversation

4. Exiting a group or a conversation

5. Making small talk

Introductory Questions

(Networking with those in Business/Potential Employers)

1. What is your role in your organization (or what do you do at your company)?

2. What types of clients do you have (commercial, non-profits, private, etc.)?

3. How do you typically get new clients?

4. Who are your major competitors? How is your organization different from them?

5. How long have you been with your organization?

6. What do you enjoy most about the work you do? About your organization?

Entering a Group or Conversation

The easiest way is to find someone you know and stand next to him/her. Since this is not always the case, or if you want to meet different people, here are two ways to enter a group (generally three or more people – two people perhaps not):

1.   Stand near the group and give facial feedback only. When you feel included, either by verbal acknowledgement or eye contact, you are free to join the conversation.

2.   Observe the group for a bit and see who is dominating the conversation. Listen politely and ask this person a question (shows that you are sensitive to the dynamics of the group). After you get your answer, ask someone else a question (shows that you are sensitive to other people’s desire to talk).

Exiting a Group or Conversation

1.   Polite breaking away techniques include going to get another appetizer or drink or seeing someone you have to talk to.

2.   Some good exit lines: it was nice meeting you; it was nice talking to you; it was interesting talking to you; I don’t want to monopolize your time; I’ll send you that information; can we get together sometime?

3.   If you are TRAPPED: introduce that person to someone else (you don’t even have to know the person) and use an exit line while they are talking to each other. Then move to another part of the room.

Making Small Talk

1.      Read one newspaper per day (or visit MSNBC.com or CNN.com).

2.      Read newsletters, professional journals and meeting minutes.

3.      Listen to other people’s clever remarks and stories.

4.      Prepare at least 3 light conversations you can have with anyone you meet.

a.       A statement, a question, or a pleasant self-revelation

b.      Safe topics: weather, local sports teams, and especially, the organization, which you are supporting or joining. One of my favorite questions is “What brought you here today?”

5.      Things to say to help keep the conversation going:

a.       What made you decide to support this organization/issue?

b.      How did you get involved with this association?

c.       What type of activities do you participate in with this organization?

d.      That reminds me of…

e.       I was just reading about…

f.       What impact will that have?

g.      What will you do next?

h.      What’s the upside (downside)?

6.      Fine-tuning conversations

a.       Do you think . . . requires a logical, analytical answer.

b.      How do you feel . . . requires a passionate answer

Etiquette Tips to Keep in Mind

1. A nice, firm handshake is still an indicator of confidence in corporate America; practice if you need to.

2. Avoid touching anyone if you are not already good friends/associates with them.

3. Avoid invading personal space by talking too closely. Also, try to speak at a nice volume to be heard, but not too loudly.

4. If holding a drink, hold the glass with your left hand to be free to shake hands with your right. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Watch body language – be sure to face the person you are speaking with and establish eye contact. Be careful not to interrupt others who are speaking.