The Importance of Networking AND How to Network Presented By Julie Melbye

Why Network? Why is it SO Important? Why - 80% of people find opportunities through networking… 80% of your time should be spent networking Where – Everywhere – Church, family, friends, neighbors, customers, clients, vendors, current/past employers, charitable, professional organizations. Invisible job market – it’s all around you - positions filled/created by referrals. Find hiring managers and decision makers! Why – Decision makers look to their networks for valued suggestions and referrals Why - Expand your circle of influence, lead you to people you want to meet, be a resource to others – Givers Get!, have fun!

Source: The Very Quick Job Search by J. Michael Farr (JIST) © Susan Whitcomb 2009 – The Christian's Career Journey – in partnership with Crossroads Career® Network

Mapping Your Inventory

Get Ready to Network – 30 Second Resume 30 Second Resume - Elevator speech – three goals 1. Clearly articulate the talents you want someone to know you possess 2. Making it easy for people to understand by using simple language 3. Having an objective. What do you want to accomplish? 4. Avoid “MEGO” 30 Second Resume Strategy S – Make your infomercial Short and Succinct T – Think of it in Advance R – Remember the Results you wish to achieve A – Be Articulate in your message T – Time is of the essence – 30 seconds is optimal E – Speak with Enthusiasm and Energy G – Set a Goal to attain Y – Focus on You

U in 30 Seconds (aka Elevator Pitch) My Name is Kathleen Careerist I am a Human Resource Professional, exploring opportunities at the Director level in the Oil and Gas industry I’ve helped deliver double-digit decreases in turnover and implement outsourcing programs that cut cost by more than 17%. My target companies are ExxonMobil, Hunt Oil, and Maguire (pause) What are your thoughts on the best way to learn more about the issues and or key people within those organizations?

Telephone Scripts – 6 Components 1. Setting the stage/ Grabbing the referral’s attention 2. Value their time 3. Setting expectations 4. Trigger a reaction 5. Generate activity 6. Close the Loop Hi, my name is Mary Smith and I was referred to you by Peter Johnson. I am currently a buyer at Best Buy and was interested in exploring Category Management from a vendor perspective. Peter mentioned that you would be a great person to connect with so I could find out exactly what the role of a category manager does before I start exploring opportunities in this field. Would it be possible to meet with you for 20 minutes to ask you a few questions and get your view on how best to prepare to enter the field?

Preparation for Meeting RESEARCH – LinkedIn, Company Website, Referral Contact, Google – e respectful of time – 20 minutes still work for you? – Goal – I wanted to take this time to discuss _____ – What types of position they are hiring at their company SET A GOAL/PURPOSE – What is the most important thing that I would like this person to help me with? – 2-15 minutes of discussing five key questions CREATE A LIST OF OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS – People love to talk about themselves and things they know Their background, industry, competition DEFINE YOUR QUESTIONS BASED ON WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO

The 20-Minute Networking Meeting STEP 1 : First Impression  2-3 minutes of thanks and small talk  Be respectful of time – 20 minutes still work for you?  Goal – I wanted to take this time to discuss _____ Step 2: Getting to Know Them – ‘Make Your Deposits’  minutes of discussing five key questions you prepared Step 3: Introducing Yourself and Your Background  2 minutes for thanks and wrap –up  Who else do you know that I should be talking to? Step 4: Wrap It UP!  Are we still good on time?  How can I help you?  Who do you know that I should be talking to? Step 5: Follow Up  Thank You Notes  Introductory s  Follow up at a Later Date

Summary – Nurturing Your Network Network as if your life depends on it… because it does! Keep your network vibrant at all times Networking isn’t just for Job Seekers! Treat your network as a treasure, which needs to be nourished, preserved and developed Find creative ways to keep in touch with your network In a world where information jobs and even whole companies are transient, only your network is permanent.. Safeguard it!!! When God closes a door somewhere he always opens a window.

The Lord replied, “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering, when you could see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you. ”