Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation November 3, 2010 El Alliance Mentoring Teleconference The Importance of Networking Yolanda A. Rankin, Ph.D. IBM Almaden - Research

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 2November 3, 2010 Overview  What is networking?  Why is networking important?  How do you network?

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 3November 3, 2010 What is networking?  Meeting people  Professional vs. Social networking  Tools for networking –Business cards, resumes, curriculum vitae – , social media, personal website –Publications, conferences, professional memberships

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 4November 3, 2010 Why is networking important?  To gain access and visibility  To find opportunities  To accomplish your goals  To become a mover and shaker

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 5November 3, 2010 How do you network?  Prepare for networking opportunities –Update, post and print resume, CV –Print business cards –Practice 1 minute elevator speech –Have a 5 minute back up speech –Identify people you want to meet and read their bios

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 6November 3, 2010 How do you network?  Act of networking –Smile and say “Hello” –Ask questions –Find common ground –Handout business cards and resumes/CVs –Get contact information

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 7November 3, 2010 How do you network?  Follow through –Request a meeting –Send “Thank you” notes –Keep in touch

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 8November 3, 2010 Questions???

Almaden Services Research © 2010 IBM Corporation 9November 3, 2010 Contact Info Yolanda A. Rankin – Thank you!