Make a Connection: Creating our Mosaic Speed Networking

Speed Networking Not speed dating! Speednetworking.com National phenomenon Especially helpful for students, use with our multicultural students at UW-Stout to develop networks

OVERVIEW Networking –meet minimum of five new people Communication Speed Networking Rounds Etiquette Tips

Loose ties Loose ties is a concept of friends of friends or acquaintances- they can sometimes be more effective than your close friends. “The Power of Habit-Charles Duhigg”

What is Networking? Personal connections that you develop and maintain (that can help you in the future)

“Connectors, are the people in a community who know large numbers of people and who are in the habit of making introductions.... They are people who "link us up with the world... people with a special gift for bringing the world together.” Malcolm Gladwell, pg. 38,

Why is Networking Important? You can find out the information that you need Could lead to a job: ◦ “It’s not what you know, or who you know, but who knows YOU and will refer you” Increase knowledge/personal development Opportunities that you didn’t realize

Fun fact There are 7 billion people in the world. If you met each person for 1 second, it would take 32 years to meet everyone!

How do you Network? Some ways to network: ◦ Attend events ◦ Get Involved ◦ Social Media –Linkedin ◦ Talk to people you meet at WACRAO!  “Share” rather than “Sell”

Tips to remember when Networking Be yourself Get out of your comfort zone Participate on campus, in your community Be confident Serve on a WACRAO committee!

Tips to remember when Networking (Continued) Arrive early Talk to others Find passionate people Stay in touch (Facebook is great at this!)

How can you be effective? COMMUNICATE!

Communication Networking involves both verbal and nonverbal communication The art of listening

Verbal Communication Take the initiative to approach people and introduce yourself Don’t overwhelm people with too much information, but provide them with key information Be prepared to introduce general topics as a way to start the conversation.

JEF Jobs Education Family/friends

Nonverbal Communication WHAT TO DO: Be positive in tone, up-beat Keep eye contact –cultural differences Be aware of your body language Handshake

Listening Active Listening – 80% listening, 20% talking Keep an open mind Do not cut people off Wait to respond with a question WHAT TO DO: Just hear the communication Listen with compassion Look for the best in people

READY FOR SPEED NETWORKING?

Round 1 Break into pairs (go to someone you don’t know) Do the following 1.Introduce yourself and your hometown. 2.What would be 3 adjectives that would describe you and why? 3.Based on what you learn from your partner’s answer to the question, follow up with a separate question.

Round 2 What did you major in college? What made you choose your major?

Round 3 What is something that you accomplished over the last year and are most proud of? ◦ Why? How did you reach your goal?

Round 4 If you could travel to any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Round 5 What was your first job or volunteer experience? How did you get the job? What skills did you develop on the job that helps you today?

TIPS on Networking Etiquette Keep your hands free to shake hands Carry a drink in your left hand so your right hand isn’t wet and clammy from the sweaty glass Put your name tag on the left side of your body so it isn’t covered when you’re shaking hands Stand near food or dessert table where people are lingering and eating

TIPS on Networking Etiquette Women should extend their hand to men first, allowing them to control whether they are comfortable with the exchange To politely leave a conversation, introduce the person you’re talking with to someone else If you’re the first to arrive at a table for dinner, wait behind your chair or mingle until everyone is present before sitting down

TIPS on Networking Etiquette Business cards – ◦ Have a supply of business cards easily accessible – never dig into your purse, fumble or make people wait while you pull out your card ◦ Present your card in a manner that demonstrates it is worth something ◦ Make sure the typing is facing upwards and towards the other person ◦ When receiving a business card, take time to look at it especially if involved in an international interaction

Things to Remember Be confident and be yourself Keep in touch –make notes on business card about person you met Use the rest of the conference to meet others or follow-up with someone you met and were building rapport with