Networking for Success!

2 Joseph Radisek –Current ACOB Financial Rep –Former SSC rep, District B –Former SSC Vice-Chair –University of Dayton 2012 Graduate –FSE for AMEC Presenter

3 Session Objectives Gain an understanding of networking and its importance from a practical viewpoint Share practical tips and tools to help you improve your network skills in your professional path Get you prepared to network at IMECE!

4 Session Outline Networking? What is it? Why is Networking important? Networking Myths and Excuses Types of Networking Networking Tips Networking Tools Next Steps: Do it right and succeed!

5 What is Networking?

6 Is the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, support and access in such a way as to create “mutually” beneficial relationships for professional and personal “success”

Why is Networking Important? 7

8 Relationships lead to “opportunities” Roughly 70 to 80 % of jobs are obtained through personal Networking “Hidden Job Market” Build experience and confidence In ASME – Increase your visibility to move up in the leadership ladder

Networking Myths I am too shy… Networking is only for extroverts It’s manipulative… I am not a salesperson They won’t want to talk to me… I am just a student 9

10 Networking Excuses They are too busy to talk to me I know too many people already I tried it before… It did not work!

11 Types of Networking Social Media and Online Networking Natural Networking Deliberate Networking – At events and Conference

12 Social Media and Online Networking Forums for Similar Interests Personal/Professional Webpages for Display Not limited by distance or time restraints

13 Natural Networking Initiated by self-interest and/or circumstances

14 Tips of Networking: Preparation Have a stack of business cards Professional, business attire Arrive early Be relaxed and confident Have a plan and stick to it Have your elevator speech ready (will get back to this one)

15 Tips of Networking: Intro Branch out, work the room! Approach new people First impression – Firm handshake Ask questions about what people do – be a good listener (80% listen – 20% talk) Be sincere and natural

16 Tips of Networking: Info Maintain a positive attitude and the right level of energy Be engaged – Keep good eye contact Is not a sales pitch – Ask for introductions and know what you want to say Give undivided attention Stand by the food – everyone comes by

17 Tips of Networking: Closing Offer to help the contact – Be a referral source for others Manage your time – do not spend too much time with a single person Practice exit strategies Thank people for their time and help

Networking BINGO Activity! 18

Networking BINGO Activity! 19 Supported a School-Wide Charity/Cause Taking the Same Classes Same Favorite Place to Study/Cram Has an Internship/Co- Op Same School Colors/Mascot Student Section Officer Presented at Conference Found New ASME Members Organized/Ran Section Activity Local Section Member From Same District Same Plans for Tonight At IMECE Traveled from Outside US Traveled from Inside US Well-Rested Same Colored Shoes Same Colored Shirt Different Hair Color Brought Something to Take Notes Similar Car Same Favorite Game Saw the Same New Movie/Book Same Pet Animal Wants the Same Occupation

Networking Tips Activity! 20

21 Networking tools Your business card Name badge Brochures Take Notes (account for cultural sensitivities) Learn their names Taglines – Short identifier after your name answering: Why you are here Who you are How you relate to them Memory hooks -Help others remember you -Use them to remember others

22 Elevator Speech Don’t make it too long - 15 seconds Make it conversational v. formal Have different versions Practice, practice, practice!

23 A Method to Form an Elevator Speech 1.Brainstorm words or phrases that describe you. Remove any clichés. Keep the honest and unique choices. 2.Create a description of qualifications. Write the speech as you would normally speak. 3.Practice with a group. Request feedback and adjust accordingly. 4.Tailor the speech towards a particular person Bring up an issue pertinent to the person/company. Describe your value towards solving this issue. 5.Allow time for person to respond A few seconds to allow questions and responses 6.Ask for a follow-up Request a meeting, their business card, even your resume

Elevator Activity Time 24

25 Follow Up and Follow Through Organize your business cards contacts and make notes Send an Keep in contact – Remember your promises Connect on social media Follow through with offers to help and/or remind of request for introductions

26 Good Networking Is an attitude Takes work Does not happen overnight Not a one-way street Has a pay-off Is a process Is reciprocated Does not end

27 It’s Net WORK!!! Not Net sit or Neteat

28 Networking for Success! For questions or comments