Networking 101: A few tips and pointers By Jennifer L. Bowie, Ph.D.

Getting Started If you’ve met them before: remind them of who you are and how you met If there is someone you must met become a “good” stalker – Do a bit of research on them – Find a picture of them – Figure out where they will be and when Give a genuine compliment – If you know their work, find a small thing to comment on (do not become a gushing fan girl/boy) – If you saw their presentation, comment on that – If nothing else, do they have a cool tie? Pin? Bag? Introduce yourself – Start with “Hi, I don’t think we have met. My name is…” – If you’re a first timer there, let them know and ask for pointers – Give them three interests, school, and something “different” – Create intimacy: share things that make you vulnerable, such as an insecurity, weakness, or concern – If that works, share your dreams or plans – Ask about them – Talk about shared interests – Share business cards – When done, let me know it was a pleasure and walk away Follow UP!

The Business Card Have one, even if you make it – Include name, “position”, , phone, and URL – Maybe address, chat names, social networking info, … Give it out, often – When you want to person to contact you – When you think the person may want to contact you – When you have similar interests – If you may want a job from them – Whenever possible Use the backs! – When you give out a card write on the back how you met and why they might want to contact you – When you get a card write on the back how you know the person, why you want to contact them, and any sort of reminder info Follow up soon (within a week or two for conferences)

Be active Keeping your schedule in mind – Take part in committees, task forces, volunteer for doing tasks, … – Attend conferences: at least one a year and two to three is ideal (in our field) Collaborate with people in the field on articles or projects As others to join you for panels and so on – This might be a good follow-up to a presentation – See who is doing similar work – Get a mix of schools – Ask them who else might be interested

Get out there Don’t be a wallflower at events – Don’t just stick with your friends either – If extroverted challenge yourself to meeting as many new people as possible (without running from one to the next) – If introverted challenge yourself to meet 5 new people and watch for other introverts Use your network to meet people you want to meet Find a mentor or two – Have them introduce you – Join them for meals out with others – Ask them for networking advice Use each meal at a conference as a networking opportunity – At banquet meals sit with some strangers, but leave with acquaintances and business cards – For other meals: For the majority: plan in advance who you will be eating with Leave a few unplanned and see who you can end up with Ask questions at conference sessions – During if you can (and make it a question, not your own presentation) – Ask after if it is longer, more involved, or if you really want to network with the person

Use social media Have at least a Facebook account and add people you want to network with Join appropriate listservs, read, and respond Follow the blogs, podcasts, twitter streams, and so on of people in the field and with whom you want to network Comment on blogs, podcasts, and so on – Comment on non-professional similarities or differences – Show them you care or at least are paying attention – Send birthday wishes Have your own Twitter account, blog, and podcast Post to Facebook and whatever else – Post professional stuff, but also “personal” I get more responses to my hobbies, thoughts on movies and so on – Keep audience in mind Have a digital portfolio and link to it! Include links to your blogs, podcasts, and whatever in your signature.

Other Tips Perfect your “elevator” speech Check your teeth, especially for lunch or other food-based networking opportunities Be genuine* Be quick to do favors* Be a genuinely good person* Bring gum, tissues, and pain meds (you never know when a “big name” may need some) *Thanks to tenner

Keep up the network Touch bases often to connect (not ask for a favor) – Remind them who you are and how met – Use digital tools, call, – Try for one a day or even one a week Say thank you Congratulate them Share your successes and ask about theirs Offer to help Send them info that may interest them

Questions? Have fun and get out there!