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Become a Networking Rockstar Presented by: Heather R. Huhman

Become a Networking Rockstar

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Page 1: Become a Networking Rockstar

Become a Networking Rockstar

Presented by:Heather R. Huhman

Page 2: Become a Networking Rockstar

Who am I?

Founder & president of Come Recommended– Career and workplace education and consulting

firm specializing in young professionals– ComeRecommended.com is a social networking

site for internship and entry-level job candidates and employers

Entry-level careers columnist for Examiner.com

Career expert for a number of other orgs

Page 3: Become a Networking Rockstar

What is Networking?

Creating a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship between yourself and a connection

Just because you follow someone on Twitter, read their blog or friend them on Facebook does not mean you are reaching that end goal. Networking goes beyond the initial meeting, whether online or offline.

Page 4: Become a Networking Rockstar

Networking Statistics

70-80% of jobs are filled through networking– Employee referrals – Unadvertised openings – Connections with hiring managers/CEOs

Page 5: Become a Networking Rockstar

What We’ll Cover

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch Retaining Information The Importance of Follow-UpManaging Your Network Leveraging Your Network Tips for Shy Networkers 4 Ways To Start Networking

Page 6: Become a Networking Rockstar

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

Page 7: Become a Networking Rockstar

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

Elevator pitch = a short sound bite where you explain who you are and what you’re seeking

Typically 30-60 seconds or 150-200 wordsKeep it short & concise in order to hold your

listener’s attention but still get enough information out to them

Page 8: Become a Networking Rockstar

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

Comes in handy at networking events or when meeting hiring managers and recruiters

Helps you answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself”

Share a story– Mention past accomplishments and goals you’ve

reached (but be concise!)

Page 9: Become a Networking Rockstar

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

What to include:– Your name (if meeting for the first time)– Current status:

• Are you looking for a job? • Currently employed but looking to transition?

– What you seek:• A job? A different field?

– Your experience, qualifications & passions– Call to action

Page 10: Become a Networking Rockstar

Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

Your pitch might look something like this:– Hi, my name is (your name). I will be graduating/I

just graduated from (your school) with a degree in (major/minor). I’m looking to (future plans/goals). I recently ___. Can I take you out for coffee sometime to elicit your advice?

Page 11: Become a Networking Rockstar

Retaining Information

Page 12: Become a Networking Rockstar

Retaining Information

When you meet someone & get their business card, take a few notes on the back to remember important parts of your conversation

You can also create Twitter lists or spreadsheets of important contacts to remember key information (such as title/position, company, things in common, etc.)

Page 13: Become a Networking Rockstar

The Importance of Follow-Up

Page 14: Become a Networking Rockstar

The Importance of Follow-Up

No matter where you meet someone, the only real way to bring them into your network is by keeping in contact with them

After your first meeting, follow-up with them by:– Asking him/her out to lunch or coffee– Sending an e-mail– Engaging with him/her on social networking

sites

Page 15: Become a Networking Rockstar

The Importance of Follow-Up

It’s important to keep in touch with your contacts – You know that it’s easy to forget someone if you

don’t hear from them in a while, so don’t let people forget about you!

Page 16: Become a Networking Rockstar

Managing Your Network

Page 17: Become a Networking Rockstar

Managing Your Network

Prioritize your contacts based on who you want to keep in touch with and how often– Tool: Gist.com

Add contacts in your address book, social networking sites & phone book

Page 18: Become a Networking Rockstar

Leveraging Your Network

Page 19: Become a Networking Rockstar

Leveraging Your Network

Master the “art of the ask” – Smart networkers know the strategies for

determining what to ask for, who to ask, and how to ask for any goal they want to achieve

– Help can come almost immediately if you’ve laid the groundwork correctly

Page 20: Become a Networking Rockstar

Leveraging Your Network

Don’t just send an e-mail saying, “Hey, I’d like to meet to talk about job opportunities at your company. Are you free tomorrow?”

Instead, say, “I’m really interested in taking my marketing degree into the fashion world. Would you be open to a quick phone call or a brief meeting sometime to share insights on how you did it?”

Page 21: Become a Networking Rockstar

Leveraging Your Network

Take cues from your contacts– If you ask for a meeting and they’re more

comfortable with a short phone call, take it

Come prepared with good questions

Page 22: Become a Networking Rockstar

Tips for Shy Networkers

Page 23: Become a Networking Rockstar

Tips for Shy Networkers

Attend events with an outgoing friend Reconnect with those who you already know

(former classmates, professors, neighbors, etc.)

Ask your current contacts to introduce you to someone they know

Start the conversation online and eventually take it offline

Page 24: Become a Networking Rockstar

4 Ways to Start Networking

Page 25: Become a Networking Rockstar

4 Ways to Start Networking

Make direct contact– Research organizations where you’d like to work

and reach out directly to a C-level executive (i.e., CEO, president, etc.)

Join professional associations– As a student or young professional, you often can

get discounted rates– Get the most out of it: regularly attend meetings,

become an officer & volunteer during events

Page 26: Become a Networking Rockstar

4 Ways to Start Networking

Use social networking sites– Seek out interesting people, interact with them &

strive to take the relationship offline– Keep your profiles consistent, on-brand &

genuine– Don’t just “friend” people – networking is about

building a relationship with your contacts

Page 27: Become a Networking Rockstar

4 Ways to Start Networking

Find a mentor– Look to existing relationships (professors,

acquaintances, professionals, etc.) – Gain advice and insight into your field and career– Connect with other professionals that your

mentor can introduce you to

Page 28: Become a Networking Rockstar

Questions?

Heather R. HuhmanFounder & President

Come Recommended www.comerecommended.com

[email protected]: @heatherhuhman