1. Networking 101: How to Get Connected

2. Assess In a Nutshell: Smile Professional Interesting Ready Engaging
A: Assess your environment and the people you’re with. Being an attentive and observant listener is a crucial part of networking.
S: Remember to smile and keep your body language open!
P: Be professional! Be mindful of the way you’re acting and how you come off to other people--if you wouldn’t say or do it in the office, don’t do or say it here.
I: You’re more interesting than you think! Remember to be confident in yourself and your abilities. And if you’re not feeling very confident in yourself, fake it ‘til you make it!
E: Be engaging! Remember to ask questions, take initiative, and be a connector!

3. Three P’s!: Prepared, Purposeful Professional
Do your research.
Have a goal in mind.
Dress appropriately.
Bring business cards.

4. Remember the three P’s (Prepared, Purposeful, Professional), and come ready with everything you need!

5. There are no perks to being a wallflower
Take initiative.
Remember to introduce yourself.
Watch your body language.

6. Remember to smile! Don’t forget to shake hands!

7. Like Attracts Like
Find common ground.
Be a good listener.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

8. Remember: no one likes small talk
Remember: no one likes small talk! Everyone wants to skip to the part where you both get to be interesting!

9. Nothing wrong with a little shameless self-promotion
Have your elevator pitch ready
But don’t try to sell your product. Sell yourself.

10. The people you’re meeting with are people—not a meal-ticket to your cushy dream job!

11. “Oohh! Shiny!”
Quality, not quantity

12. Don’t be rude and just ditch your conversational partner for someone else! Be a connector!

13. It’s not over until it’s over…
Take notes
Follow up within 72 hours

14. Now you’re ready to get networking!