1. Networking within FIRST and Today’s Business Community
Andy Baker

2. Details Married with 3 daughters BSME, Univ. of Evansville, 1991
Delphi Corporation,
Owner & President of AndyMark, 2004-present
FIRST Mentor: 1998-present (FRC 45, 3940)
2003 Championship Woodie Flowers Award Winner

3. Networking What is it? Why do it? How do we do it? Prepare
Be productive
In FIRST
In your community
Within your market
Online

4. Prepare Figure out who is going to be at your event Set goals
I’m gonna talk to xx, yy, etc.
I will ask these questions, find this answer
Have plenty of business cards
Don’t look sloppy
Don’t be sick or hung over
Realize that you’re always being interviewed
Realize that you’re representing your company/school/team

5. Be Productive Push yourself
Take notes, keep a journal (Word doc, , etc.)
Follow up (thanks/action)
Don’t procrastinate
Remembering names takes effort, not talent

6. Social Tips Be aware of how you socialize/network:
Don’t just talk to (or sit with) your friends
Be positive
Listen
Associate, but don’t always “one up” the conversation
Ask questions, ask for advice, let others lead the conversation
Don’t waste people’s time
Be discreet when asked/needed
Look for social cues
Handshake and eye contact
Know how to end a conversation
Know when you’re attention is no longer wanted
Watch your body language
What your tongue

7. In FIRST FIRST alumni and intern resources
Perform your task as if it’s a job or long interview
Be on time
Stay productive
Treat people with respect
Be accountable
Do what it takes to finish the job
Scout who will be at the event (2016, 2017)
What teams
Who are their sponsors?
Who are their mentors?
Know and make contact with key people

8. In Your Community Business networks
Peer to peer
Sales: BNI, Rainmakers
Executive, entrepreneurs: Vistage, EO
Chamber of commerce
Community organizations
Young professionals
Not for profit boards
Engineering societies
Clubs
Use your family/personal relations for advice and entry into networks
Be careful when mixing business and personal life

9. Within Your Market Trade Shows Providing on-line assistance
Indy, Chicago
Providing on-line assistance
Tutorials
Discussion board activity
Be a mentor
Find a mentor
Volunteer at events

10. Networking as a College Student
Be active in your classes
Use your faculty and staff
Reach out to alumni networks
Go to networking events
Push yourself and practice
Get an internship

11. Networking Online Contact tracking: LinkedIn
Current list of everyone’s resumes
Keep up with friends: facebook, instagram
Be an adult: keep your online presence clean
Realize that everyone connects a bit differently
Phone, text, pm, chat, call, , smoke signals
Keep your profiles up to date
Review your connection networks

12. Any questions, comments?
Thank you!