Facilitated by KEYS Academy and Options HS with the ARISE Foundation Networking Facilitated by KEYS Academy and Options HS with the ARISE Foundation

Objective, Essential Question, and Product We will learn about the values of networking with others. EQ: What benefits are there to starting to network as early as high school? I will learn how to start networking with others now.

Your Presenter… A member of the faculty or staff at KEYS Academy or Options HS Internationally Certified in Life Skills through the ARISE Foundation

Rules for Training Participation is crucial No wrong/stupid answers Respect one another No talking while others talk, No rude comments or noises Wait until you’re called upon

Why we’re here… Because we have to be To learn some skills that will carry over into adulthood To learn more about ourselves

How we’re going to do it… Discussion Everyone participates Some, very little lecture Activity or activities Some Conclusions

Questions?

Ice Breaker What is an ice breaker? Definition of an ice breaker: An activity used to lighten the mood and or get participants warmed up to the idea of interaction

Ice Breaker!!!!

Topic of the day: Networking What draws us to certain people? How do we decide if we want to spend time with someone? Do most of your friends share common interests with you?

Networking What is networking? Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines Networking as: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically :  the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business So, why do you want to network? How can it help you?

Don’t Wait, Start Networking Now! Tips on How to do Just That Eat lunch at a different table every day. The corporate world can be very similar to high school, but if you practice being compatible with various personalities this habit will carry over into your adult life. You never know what you might learn from one of them or when you might need a skill or service that they can provide. People who take the time to build strong personal relationships have stronger networks to reach out to when they need assistance. Do not assume that there are “untouchables”. Everyone has different interests, strengths and abilities. That does not mean that they are not interested in you. Cliques exist everywhere, but you do not have to buy into that way of thinking. Go ask someone from a different group a question about class, the football game, or how they liked the new art exhibit. Guess what? The world does not revolve around you! Stop thinking that everything that you say, wear and do is being critiqued by others. Usually people aren’t paying nearly as much attention to you as you think they are. But they will pay attention to how you interact with them. So when you network, stop thinking about yourself and what you need, and start thinking about how you can help another person. Give to give, and if you get something in return, consider it a lucky extra. Chances are good that if you position yourself as someone who tries to help others, the reciprocity will follow.

Networking Tips Continued Interact with people who are not just like you. It can be tough to hang out with people who are not in your classification or involved in the same clubs and sports that you are involved in. Go do something that you would not ordinarily do. Visit an art museum, go for a hike, or sign up to volunteer. This will give you an opportunity to develop new interests. Have a life outside of high school. Get a job, join a team outside of school, volunteer weekly at the same organization. Set yourself up to meet people outside of your bubble. Adults sometimes become too comfortable in the culture of their jobs and forget that there is a whole world of professionals to tap into. If their position is downsized, they struggle because all their connections are with people in the company that just let them go. To better manage your career, find other communities that support your professional goals. Consider joining a professional association for your job function or industry to connect with others and build your network.

Conclusion What insecurities or bad habits are holding you back from being a more effective networker? And what can you do to change your strategy moving forward?