PERSONAL NETWORKING AND DRESS ETIQUETTE

The WIN Conference that you have attended today emphasized that before you invest in others, YOU have to invest in yourself. That means, you have to know about your strengths and weaknesses. Work on your weaknesses so that you can continue to build character and self-esteem for yourself.

It is also important to know about your culture and ethnic background. Sometimes these may cause barriers for you to push outside the box. By investing in yourself, it will help you create YOUR personal brand and professional style.

Challenges in Networking One has to overcome shyness and approaching someone that you don’t know. Must think of this challenge as an “adventure.” One has to make sure they are going to work on the techniques. Networking doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and much work.

Don’t expect networking people to be your friends immediately. Just like developing friendships or relationships, your future networking circle need to get to know you, trust you and respect you. Don’t expect anything from them or try to sell your business product to them immediately. It will hurt your image.

Business Cards Business cards – social or business events. Arrive early so that you can do our networking..never know who you will meet. Never leave the office without your business cards. Have a good supply of them with you at all times since you never know when and where will you will encounter someone that may be a great networking friend in the future. How unimpressive is it to ask for a person’s card and then say, “Oh, I am sorry. I think I just gave my last one away.” Make sure they are your cards. Check them out before you arrive at your destination. Your business cards and how you handle them contribute to your total image.

Make sure you have your cards. Check them out before you arrive at your destination. Your business cards and how you handle them contribute to your total image. Some cultures have different manners when it comes to receiving business cards. Be respective of this. (i.e. Japanese business cards)

If you don’t have business cards, please spend the money and get some printed. Some people want to stand out – they do something different on the back of their card. After meeting people, write information on the back (i.e. Where you meet them, key points of interest/conversation) Don’t write the information in front of the person. Walk away and make your notes privately.

Keep your cards in a card case or holder where they are protected from wear and tear. Develop a system so that you keep all the business cards you receive at an event in a particular area (i.e. keeps them in her right pocket while left pocket holds her business cards).

Be selective. Don’t give your business cards to everyone as if they were fliers at a hardware store opening. It appears pushy and unprofessional. You can be selective on who you follow up. Remember – you never know who this person knows or the valuable resources that he/she may be able to help you with.

One never knows what connection this person has with someone else that you may want to meet in our community. Follow up after your initial meeting within a day or two. Write something like “It was nice meeting you at the event. “I know you mentioned about your daughter being interested in communications. Since I work in the communications field, and I had previous media experience, please feel free to have your daughter contact me if she decides to pursue her interest in the communications field.

People love this reaching out and being helpful. However, you must be sincere when you offer. If you tell the person, you will follow up with some referral/resource, don’t forget to do that. If you can’t do it or something causes you to not be able to help, tell the person.

Develop your personal goals so that you can continually work on your networking skills. Try attending events solo. It is so easy to be comfortable attending events with a friend. However, it may hinder your developing networking techniques.

Handshakes

Develop a firm handshake. Image is often formed on how one shakes hands. When you shake hands, look into their eyes and talk. “Hi, I have not met you but let me introduce myself to you. My name is Elaine Kitamura. What is your affiliation with this organization?” or “What is your reason for attending tonight’s event?”

SMILE – IT’S CONTAGIOUS!!!!!

Match your body language to your verbal message. A smile or pleasant expression tells your clients that you are glad to be with them. Eye contacts says you are paying attention and are interested in what is being said. Leaning in toward the person will perceive that you are engaged and involved in the conversation.

Research shows that you have about 7-10 seconds to create that first impression. When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on nonverbal data – your appearance and your body language. Only 7% is influenced by the words that you speak.

When your initial encounter is over the phone, 70% of how you are perceived is based on your tone of voice and 30% on your words. Clearly, it’s not what you say – it’s the way you say it. Choose your first twelve words carefully. Express some form of thank you when you talk to others. “It was nice meeting you..Heidi.” “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me”

Use the other person’s name immediately within the first twelve words and the first seven seconds. You are sending a message that you value that person and are focused on him. You will stand out with people effectively remembering them by name.

Let people talk. Generally, people like to talk about themselves. This way you don’t have to ask questions. You sit back and listen. Then they will think you are such a great listener. Listen when you are talking to people. You can pick up key facts that you can use for your follow up .

Help others in the networking process. When you meet someone new and they don’t know others in the room take the time to introduce them to someone you know. People appreciate this extra effort and you will be view as a cordial person as well as someone that is comfortable in helping others network.

How to Create Conversations Ask them why they are attending the function or what their affiliation is with tonight’s event. Talk about the weather or some major news story. Compliment on their jewelry or attire. Great opening way to create your next message. “I don’t think I introduced myself.. My name is ….”

Comment on the food (i.e. while in line, ask what the food is in the tray). If you saw them talking with someone that you know, you can always ask…”How do you know Lucy Ito?”

Dress Etiquette Pay attention to your hair. People tend to notice your hair and face first. Putting off that much needed haircut or color job may cost you a future opportunity to meet this person at another time. Keep our shoes in mint condition. People will look from your face to your feet. If your shoes aren’t well maintained, the person will question whether you pay attention to other details. Shoes should be polished.

For women who go on interviews, it is recommended that you do not wear toe open shoes. Go with standard close toe shoes. Many stores offer free consultations by stylists. Invest time in getting assistance in purchasing professional clothing to match with your personality and personal style. Clothes does help create that brand and image.

For the men, often wearing unique, interesting ties will cause people to draw attention to start a conversation. Also wearing colored shirts that are bright are another way to stir conversation.

Seek Opportunities to Talk Try your best to get at least 3 new business cards from any event that you attend. It is so easy to approach fellow Asians, but try to be outside the box and approach non- Asians. The reason being that you will lessen your urge to be with other Asians because it is comfortable.

If you are attending a function because there are people you know that will be attending, plan your networking so that you can meet with them prior to the event commencing. Once the event starts, your networking is limited unless you interrupt your dinner and visit tables to say hi and do your networking etiquette.

Create Networking Opportunities If you are really shy, consider joining a not-for- profit organization and volunteer community service. This is a great way to meet people with low risks. Become a Board Member. This means you will have to work and do our respective Board responsibilities. However, this will help create networking as well as community resources.

Attend events that are meaningful to you. There must be a reason or passion for their mission statement. If you sit at a table, ask your Table Captain to provide the list of attendees and the names of their companies.

Do some internet research so that when you arrive at the event, you should be the first to go around and great the tablemates. Do introduction on your own and if it is appropriate, give them your business card. Offer to be a Table Captain for organizations that is meaningful to you or that would be good for your business networking.

Helps others with networking introductions. This is a great PLUS to you and builds up your profile/image on how people view you. Respect comes along with this gesture. Remember to thank others that help you along the way. Watch how other people do their networking – use techniques to match with your personal style.

Networking friends need to be supportive. If one sits at your event table, there is obligation that you may need to return the favor at a later day. When you see networking acquaintances, make a special effort to go and say hi.

The Elevator Speech

What is It? An elevator speech is a short (15-30 second, 150 word) sound bite that expresses and memorably introduces you. It spotlights your uniqueness. It focuses on the benefits you provide. And it is delivered effortlessly. Elevator speeches are intended to prepare you for very brief, chance encounters in an elevator.

You should use it whenever you want to introduce yourself to a new contact. It could be in the supermarket, waiting in line at ATM or when you get your morning latte. So who better than you to describe with passion, precision and persuasiveness what you do?

A great elevator speech makes a lasting long impression, showcases your professionalism and allow you to position yourself. And if you want to network successfully, you need an elevator speech!

What’s My Line? First, and most important- think in terms of the benefits your clients or customers derive from your services. “Hi, my name is Elaine Kitamura, and I help not-for-profit organizations get 24/7 advertising messages throughout the city. OR “Hi, I am Elaine Kitamura, and I am an Community Affairs Director.

What’s In it for Me? Remember how you can help people. Keep that top of mind when composing your speech. “Hi, I am Elaine Kitamura, and I help not-for- profits to promote their organizations. OR

“Hi,, I am Elaine Kitamura. I partner with not- for-profit organizations that need to find volunteers and donor to help their agencies grow and become more profitable” Now you got my attention!

How to Craft your Elevator Speech Write down the “deliverables” – the services or features that you provide. Think in terms of benefits that your clients or employer could derive from these services. Use successful client outcomes. Get that opening sentence that will grab the listener’s attention. The best openers leave the listener wanting more information.

You don’t have to include your title, especially if you think it will have a negative connotation (i.e. an IRS agent, for example). Your elevator speech must roll off your tongue with ease. Practice your speech in front of your mirror and with friends. Need to sound confidence and sincere.

Examples of Elevator Speeches Hi, I am Lucy Ito, and I help people become more successful at their work. For example, I helped a client change jobs with a 40% salary increase. I ‘ve helped a client develop the skills to deal with a difficult boss and I have helped a manager devise new ways to keep her staff motivated.”

An Avon representative may say “I help women look beautiful.” Or a business coach that says “I help you get more clients than you know what to do with.”

READY TO UNFOLD Stand back and watch me I’m getting ready to unfold! I’ve decided to let my spirit go free I’m ready to become the woman I was meant to be. I’ve either been somebody’s daughter, mother or wife And now it’s time for me to take charge of my life. I’ve been pondering all this time trying to decide just who I am At first I thought it depended on whether I had a man.

Then I thought that simply just because Others had more seniority; they could decide who I was. I played all the roles that were expected and I seldom asked why I’ve had my wings closed up, but now I’m ready to fly

I’ve been awakened and I finally see the light I’m about to make some changes and set a few things right. With my new attitude and the knowledge I possess I might create a whole new world order and clean up all this mess! Stand back and watch me I’m just getting ready to unfold! Mona Lake Jones The Color of Culture II