Professional Networking 2/12/09 Yvette Lincoln Of High Tide Empowerment, LLC

Hancock/ Houghton Bridge Who Are You????? Who Are You????? What Do You Have to Offer???? What Do You Have to Offer???? What Are You Looking for? What Are You Looking for?

What Is Networking? Expanding One's Social Network or Sphere of Influence by Initiating Mutually Advantageous New Relationships With People Expanding One's Social Network or Sphere of Influence by Initiating Mutually Advantageous New Relationships With People Business Networking Is the Process of Establishing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship With Other Business People and Potential Clients And/or Customers Business Networking Is the Process of Establishing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship With Other Business People and Potential Clients And/or Customers

Networking Is Not…. Unidirectional Unidirectional Getting Something for Nothing Getting Something for Nothing A Free Pass to Success A Free Pass to Success A Guarantee of a Business or Funding A Guarantee of a Business or Funding Come One Come All Invitation Come One Come All Invitation One Stop Shop One Stop Shop

Choice Not Chance Have a Clear Goal In Mind Have a Clear Goal In Mind Research Attendees Research Attendees Prepare Interesting Facts Prepare Interesting Facts Target Specific People or Industries Target Specific People or Industries Plan Out Your Time Plan Out Your Time Organize Information Organize Information

The Power of Networking ATL, The Movie: ATL, The Movie: –Esquire, who has top grades, is a waiter at a country club, where he meets the black millionaire John Garnett. He needs a letter of recommendation to go with his Ivy League scholarship application. Success Story Success Story –Inner Circle Invitation –Glowing Recommendation

Game Day Strategy Professional Appearance Professional Appearance Confident Attitude Confident Attitude Eye Contact Eye Contact Charming Smile Charming Smile Ample Business Cards Ample Business Cards School/ Department Literature School/ Department Literature

Initiate Action Plan Establish Contact Establish Contact Six Degrees Of Freedom Six Degrees Of Freedom –Employer –Organization Listen Attentively Listen Attentively Fact Finding Fact Finding –Who, What, When, Where and Why

30 Seconds To Shine “It Takes Less Than 30 Seconds to Make an Impression… Yet It Can Last for a Lifetime.” “It Takes Less Than 30 Seconds to Make an Impression… Yet It Can Last for a Lifetime.” –Craig Michaels-business and Image Consultant Speak to Express and Not Impress Speak to Express and Not Impress Communicate Clearly Communicate Clearly Illustrate Your Value Proposition Illustrate Your Value Proposition Create a Lasting Impression* Create a Lasting Impression*

Information Exchange Contact Is Key Contact Is Key Provide Your Information Provide Your Information –Business Card –Success Story Request a Business Card Request a Business Card –Record Key Facts –File Card: Ready Now or Ready Later

Exit Stage Left Never Monopolize a Persons Time Never Monopolize a Persons Time Effectively Work The Room Effectively Work The Room Make the Most of Opportunity Make the Most of Opportunity Be Aware of Body Language Be Aware of Body Language –Is Your Message Open or Closed –How Is It Being Received –Level of Engagement

Follow-up Is Priceless Initiate Contact Within Hours Initiate Contact Within Hours Express Appreciation for the Time Spent Express Appreciation for the Time Spent Include a Reminder of the Conversation Include a Reminder of the Conversation Remain Genuine and Sincere Remain Genuine and Sincere Create a Follow-up Opportunity Create a Follow-up Opportunity Remain Patient in Waiting for a Response Remain Patient in Waiting for a Response

Network For The Long-term Continue Periodic Contact Continue Periodic Contact Ask for Something Specific Ask for Something Specific –Time –Funding –Suggestions –Additional Contacts Exchange of Good Chips Exchange of Good Chips

Networking Is a GIFT Give/ Get Give/ Get –Mutual Benefit Information Information –Listen for Details –Business Card Follow-up Follow-up –Long-term Relationship Timely Timely –24-48 Hours

3 Sec, 3 Min, 30 Minutes

Hancock/ Houghton Bridge Who Are You????? Who Are You????? What Do You Have to Offer???? What Do You Have to Offer???? What Are You Looking for? What Are You Looking for?

Thank You Yvette Lincoln, Certified Career Coach High Tide Empowerment, LLC