Networking: Building Relationships that Last Jason Ratliff Career Advisor

Networking… Is a way to build mutually beneficial relationships with other people. Networking may also be known as ~ schmoozing ~ mingling ~ or just plain meeting people!

Networking isn’t Immediately asking about a job Trying to get something from every encounter. It demands patience and care. Maintenance free. You have to work at it.

Your most important assets in networking are… Your initiative. Do you seek out ways to meet new people. Are you willing to take a risk to ask a question? Strike up a conversation? Your confidence in being yourself. Your reputation. Do you follow through? Do others trust you? Be careful who and what you attach your name to.

Where to network Class Airports Work settings Meetings Conferences Career fairs Information nights Alumni gatherings On line Tourist settings Entertainment venues Weddings, family reunions, etc. Waiting in a line Really, just about anywhere!

Kinds of networking contacts Casual/social/chance contact Purposeful contact (i.e. meeting, career fair, informational interview, etc) Thank you contact (should follow any initial contact you want to maintain) Follow up contact (i.e. to give or follow up on information promised in first contact or to engage in referrals)

Things that draw people in A great sense of humor Confidence Being approachable--a non-threatening appearance Smiling and eye contact Starting a conversation instead of waiting Good manners Respect for cultural differences Sharing knowledge (but not being a know-it-all) Not taking yourself too seriously Knowing how to end a conversation appropriately Genuinely listening to others

Tell Someone here something that draws you to people.

How to start a conversation Open with any shared reality. (i.e., the weather, this workshop, being a student at BYU) Comment or ask about a prop (i.e. a picture, food, event, etc.) Use the introduction/question opening (i.e. “I’m a new member of this organization. What do you like best about…?”)

Find someone you’ve never met and start a conversation.

How to make a career connection: Be prepared with a plan. What’s your objective for the conversation? What the other person expect from the interaction? Know who you are talking to – do some preliminary research. Craft a 30 second personal pitch with a purpose. Be genuine, confident, and most of all, YOU!

Pitching points to sell yourself at a job fair: Skills. “I’m fluent in Spanish and English…” I have strong research and writing skills…” Personal qualities. “I’m the kind of person who…” “My past employers have valued my …” Accomplishments. “I’ve been preparing myself for a career in science by …” “I served as president of Student Professional Association for two years and learned…” Expertise/Knowledge. “As an interdisciplinary major in Social Science, I’ve learned how to…”

Tell someone new a little about yourself.

What’s your purpose? To find out more about a career field or position? To create opportunities for employment? To develop a strategy to advance your career? To connect with other professionals in your field to share best practices or gain referrals?

Time to try it out! Create your personal pitch

Give a great compliment! Identify what you are complimenting. I really liked what you said about taking initiative. Share what you specifically liked about it. I thought you were very perceptive about why people often don’t take initiative and the leader’s role creating a value for that in their organization. Share why you liked it. You’ve given me some ideas I can take back and use to help encourage others.

The fine art of the thank you note Send a thank you note to contacts you want to build relationships within the next day. is convenient, but a hand-written thank you note has a lot more impact. Be specific in your thank you….give a sincere compliment!

Errrrr…what was that name? Use your name when reconnecting with a contact. “Hi. I’m Jason Ratliff, we met at the Career Summit last year” Introduce a friend/colleague so they can ask the person’s name. Admit the person’s name has eluded you. “I remember you, but I’m drawing a blank on your name.”

10 tips for successful networking Dress appropriately and arrive early Always have plenty of business cards Make goals to meet 3 new people each week. Never start a conversation talking about yourself Keep your conversations short and focused.

10 tips for successful networking Listen and ask sincere questions Good manners are everything Thank people Make a point to sit with new people at a meeting or conference Create opportunities for continued contact

Networking resources Alumni Career Advisory Network on Alumni Services BYU Alumni Assn. Professional Associations in your field Racial-ethnic and gender based organizations in the community or workplace Dale Carnegie or Toastmasters organizations Churches Community organizations and clubs Organization websites & Vault on erecruiting Charity Events

Contact information Jason Ratliff Career Advisor For individual career advising and coaching on networking, click on CAREER ADVISING at call

Add your purpose Networking question 1: What interests you most about the organization/career field/position and why? Networking question 2: “Might I contact you to talk more about your experiences in the field or perhaps you can suggest someone I might speak with about….” Job fair question: Ask specifics about the position not in the recruiting materials –or—Ask for the opportunity to interview (if appropriate)