SPEED NETWORKING Crafting Your Elevator Pitch Live-In Week August 2015

Our Agenda Introduction Overview of Networking Your Pitch The “Elevator Pitch” Before & Beyond the Pitch It’s Your Turn! Practice & Have Fun! Questions?

What is Networking? “Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for Mutual Benefit”. Clear Communication (Offering & Needs) Relationship Mutual Benefit

Why is Networking an Important Career Management Skill? You don’t know what you don’t know - Networking is a way to develop relationships that help you gain insight into an industry, a company, or a career path. Given that the majority of jobs are found through networking, it should be the focus of about 80 percent of your allotted search time. Even if you are not in the job market – it is a useful skill for learning, business development and sales.

Allocating Your Time in a Job Search: Something to Think About Networking 80%

Key to Effective Networking: Your “Elevator Pitch” Purpose is clear communication with two objectives: 1)Allows your target to understand what you need (so that they can help you) 2)Allows you to articulate what you have to offer (so that you can help them) –What? A quick introduction or overview (Your Movie Trailer) –Why? Short window to engage your listener –Where?Anywhere! –Who?Your target audience – What do you quickly want them to know about you

Create Your Elevator Pitch (in 3 Easy Steps) 1)Think P.F.P. – Present, Future, Past Succinct (1 to 2 minutes) Differentiated Focused 2)Highlight key skills, accomplishments and experiences 3)Practice, Practice, Practice!

Relationships: Infinity Loop Hello! Rethink Hypothesis Collect Information Re-engage, offer help, specific “ask” Follow up, Thank you Engage

Before and Beyond the Pitch What sets the stage for your pitch and what comes after is equally important : –Set Goals (i.e. meet 8 new persons or start 5 conversations) –Have Conversation Starters –Look for Common Ground –Ask Open Ended Questions –80% Ears and 20% Mouth –Ask for Advice –Nurture Valuable Contacts (notes on B-cards) –Exit Gracefully (5 to 7 minutes per contact) –Follow Up Afterwards

Go Beyond: Ways To Follow-Up Continue to Build the Relationship You Have An Update To Share Send them an article Information about professor doing research on company/industry Senior Executive came on campus from their company Close the loop on advice they gave you You Have Something That Could help Them Offer consulting services/project Connect them to other people Send them a link to a blog Telling them about item from class Connect them with potential investor Send or synthesize a research report on their industry Potential growth opportunity You Are Thinking Of Them Say you are attending event in city You are attending a conference - Ask if they are also attending? Invite them to speak on campus Congratulate on sports victory News on competitor Follow them on twitter Say that you’ll be in their area ask lunch / coffee Wish them happy holidays Inform them of alumni events

Speed Networking Goals for Tonight Speed Networking Tips Opportunity to develop and practice your elevator pitch. It’s a starting point, not an ending point! Find ways to connect with every person you meet. Networking is a two way street. Feeling frustrated that your conversation ended too soon? Follow up later after tonight. Continue to use and practice this skill whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Live Session Exercise– PRACTICE! TIMING: (40 MINUTES) STEP 1: Form groups of 4-5 by colored dots! STEP 2: Group member #1 give your 2-minute pitch STEP 3: Other group members provide immediate feedback STEP 4: Repeat with group members #2, #3, #4 (7-10 minutes allotted per person) STEP 5: Volunteer to share your pitch in front of the entire classroom!

CMC TOP TEN LIST: Tips for the Pitch! BE CONCISE! DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF – BOTH AS CAREER & NON-CAREER CHANGERS! REMEMBER TO MENTION WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT!

CMC TOP TEN LIST: Tips for the Pitch! LINK THE PAST TO THE FUTURE! HIGHLIGHT KELLOGG EXPERIENCES! NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE MODEST!

CMC TOP TEN LIST: Tips for the Pitch! DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE OF WORK! DO NOT USE JARGON FROM YOUR FUNCTION/INDUSTRY. BIGGEST MISTAKE IS NOT USING YOUR PITCH AT ALL! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

“Always be asking yourself, ‘is there any way I can help the people I’m talking to?’ Getting used to thinking this way is ultimately what will lead to the greatest professional success over the course of your career.” - Donna Cote, Kellogg ‘04