SHU Alumni Career Webinar Series April 17, 2013 “SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS NETWORKING” Edward D. Hendricks, Ph.D. Director, Center for Urban Policy and Action Clinical Assistant Professor Farrington College of Education, Sacred Heart University

Your Mom Was Right It’s not WHAT you know, But WHO you know And who knows YOU That determines how far you’ll go!

The ART of Successful Networking Successful networkers: have the right Attitude to develop Relationships and make the Time to maintain those relationships

Why network? Build a personal sales force – engage in WOMBAT Diversify your business opportunities – scan new horizons Practice your pitching – hone your skills in a safe environment Advance your career – people want to help Get ahead of the competition – early warning system Avoid gatekeepers – make it an inside job Damage control – bad news travels fast

Bad News Travels Fast – Good News Not So Fast! Bad Experience 1 tells 13, each of whom tells 4 = = 66 Good Experience 1 tells maybe 4, each of whom tells NO ONE = 5

A half dozen key networking tips: 1.Networking is more than meeting people or collecting business cards 2.Networking is a reconnaissance mission not a sales call 3.Networking groups and associations don’t work – you have to work them 4. Get out of your comfort zone 5. Remember the Rule of 7’s 6. Help yourself by helping others – Build a FABULOS profile

Build a FABULOS Profile F amily A ctivities B usiness U niqueness L ove O rganizations S chool

Network as if your livelihood depended on it -- because it does!