Networking for the IT Professional and the IT Geek

Michael FisherMolina Healthcare, Inc.

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Michael FisherMolina Healthcare, Inc.

• 20+ years IT experience• Currently Supervisor of Desktop Support

for Molina Healthcare in Long Beach, CA• HDI Certified Support Center Manager• President Orange County HDI Chapter

…and an avid amateur musician!

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Why Network?

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2001:• 5% of people get jobs through “open” job market (Print & online)• Another 24% get jobs through “cold calling” companies• The remaining 48% get jobs through referrals - NETWORKS

According to BLS in 2010:• 40% of jobs filled are never advertised in public• 30% of jobs are filled by someone known to the employer

How do these connections happen?

NETWORKING

Why am I here?

I learned about Networking the hard way.

• I am a longtime IT geek.• I was more comfortable with e-contact than face-

to-face encounters.• Networking was fuzzy and unfamiliar…

∴ It was to be avoided.

• I had an unexpected job loss in 2004.• Started Networking from ZERO.• Made lots of rookie Networking mistakes…• …but I figured it out.

Why am I here?

I learned about Networking the hard way.

Network (net-wərk), n. An interconnected system of things or people.

What is this “Network” thing?

But it’s used as a Verb, too…

Bad Noun-Verb Conversions

Architect (“I architected this site” )Gift (“She gifted me” )

Dialogue (“We dialogued” )Signature (“It’s a signatured baseball” )

And of course…

Regift (“I regifted that fruitcake” )

• Networking is about building relationships.

What is this “Network” thing?

Networking is something you have to DO.

Network (net-wərk), v. to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, esp. in finding employment or moving to a higher position.

• It’s a verb, not a noun.

What is this “Networking” thing?

• We are Geeks. We are more comfortable with devices and GUIs than with people.

NETWORKING IS NOT ALWAYS COMFORTABLE

• Networking takes you out of your comfort zone.

HELPING PEOPLE.

Networking is about making and building connections with PEOPLE.

In Real Time.

What Professional Networking Is

It involves:Calling people. Talking to people.Connecting people. Remembering people.

Meeting people.

The Secret to Networking

• Networking isn’t about “What can you do for me?”

• It’s about “What can I do for you?”

What You Can Give

• Volunteer your timeOffer to help out at an eventShare information, advice and perspectivesPosition yourself as a valued expert

• Positive EncouragementFind out what they’re doing, and show your

interest

What You Can Give

• ExpertiseYou have a unique and valid POVShare information, advice and perspectivesPosition yourself as a valued expert

• ConnectionsAs you build it, your network will become a

valuable commodityLook for ways to connect peopleThis will make YOU a valuable resource

What Professional Networking Isn’t

• Surfing Websites• Job Boards• Selling a Service or Product

• Wasting time• Partying

• Online Role-Playing Games

Networking is a focused activity.

• Online Components

TheBig3

Components of a Successful Professional Network

• Plaxo, Spoke, Ning, Naymz, Foursquare, etc…

• Facebook• Twitter

• LinkedIn

• Offline (In-Person) Components

Components of a Successful Professional Network

• Find other local groups!

• HDI Local Chapter meetings• ITSMF

• Professional Conferences

• PMI

5 Networking Principles

• It’s not a One-Night Stand, it’s an Ongoing Commitment

• Seek In-Person contact before Online contact.• “Help First, Ask Last.”• If help is offered, Take It. (Graciously!)

“Nothing will bind someone to you more firmly than if they have given you assistance.”

• Don’t wait until you need your network. Start now.

Source: UC Berkeley Career Centerhttps://career.berkeley.edu/article/021011b.stm

How to Work a Room

• Check your attitude

• Redefine what it means to interact with “strangers”

• Prepare and practice your self-introduction

• Risk rejection – it’s not the end of the world

• Go introduce yourself and find out how you can help!

ACTIVITY: Introduce Yourself!

In the next 5 minutes:• Introduce yourself to someone you’ve never met• Find out who they are and what they do• Find a way you can be of help to them

Make a Connection!

How Do I Keep It Alive?

• Stay on People’s Radar. Social Media can be useful for this.

• Offer to Help. This makes you stand out.

• Invest Time. Small gestures go a long way.

Pitfalls To Avoid

• Over-reliance on one channelDANGER: ONLINE CATNIP FOR THE

GEEK!• Not Listening• Not Offering to Help• Sales and Marketing• Not being persistent about it

Tips To Employ

• Offer and Provide Help• Volunteer to help at events• Respond to requests for expertise• Share your experience

Tips To Employ

• Have an Objective• Set up Metrics

• “The 15 Slots”• 15 meals per week - Breakfast, Lunch &

Dinner, Monday through Friday

• How many of those 15 slots are you filling with Networking Opportunities?

Source: Joel Ordeskyhttp://www.exectec.us

@firqby

Tips To Employ

• Elevator Speech• Business Cards

• Even if not employed – Business Cards are cheap

• Include your LinkedIN URL and Twitter username on your card

Go Do It!

Thanks for your time!

Michael Fishermichael.fisher@molinahealthcare.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrfisher

@michaelrfisher

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