From handshake to hiring: Networking with Purpose

Things to know before you go:

• Why are you going?– Are you looking for information?– Are you looking for a particular person?

• What do you hope to accomplish when you get there?– Meet one person.– Reconnect with someone.– Learn something new.

Things to know before you go

• What’s happening:– in the world– in your city– in your industry– with the company/individual?

Things to prep: What to wear

• Dress for the position you want, not the position you have.

• The “business casual” conundrum.• Ladies: The 3 P’s - Pockets, pants and

polyester• Gentlemen: Suits or khaki’s, button-downs

& don’t forget the shoes• Comfort!

Things to prep: What to wear

Things to prep: What to bring

• Business cards– Contact info – Signature line

• Job Fairs:– Resumes– Pen– Notebook

• Appropriate accessories

Plan to arrive on time

• This avoids the worry of being late and makes the hosts very happy.

• Make friends with the hosts• Peruse the nametags • The 10-second pep talk

Small Talk: Handshakes & hellos

• Shake hands like a professional– Proper grip, eye contact & a smile

• Introductions at the event:– State your name (even if you think they know

you – give a point of reference and nickname, if needed).

– Don’t be afraid to ask someone’s name.– Try to use it in a sentence.

Small Talk: Breaking the ice

• Approach groups or loners.• Raise the positive energy in the room. • When you get their attention at a Job Fair

– Thanks for the opportunity.– Why you want to work for the company.– Why you are uniquely qualified and/or how

you can solve one of their problems.– Ask a question.

Small Talk: Save the elevator speech • Make it more “off the cuff.”• Break it up into:

– Signature line– Small talk instigator

Small Talk: Continue the conversation • Be positive. • Be curious. • Be a connector. • Be a good listener.

Small Talk: Continue the conversation • Have fewer conversations and provide

memorable information.• Ask for advice (it’s not the same as asking

for help). • “Can you tell me more about that?”

Small Talk: Moving along

• Conversation killers & taboo topics• Pregnant pauses and parachute lines • Business card exchange

Follow up, follow through, and don’t forget to say thank you! • Don’t confuse mingling (handshakes & hellos) with

networking (building relationships). You need both!

• Follow up within 1-2 Days.

• Find out how the person wants you to contact them (email, telephone, assistant?)

• Handwritten note v. email

• Don’t forget to thank them for their time, advice and any other help.

Make your small talk “stick”

• Simplicity• Unexpectedness• Concreteness• Credibility• Emotions• Stories

Networking library

• How to Work a Room and/or Secrets of Savvy Networking by Susan RoAne

• Non-stop Networking, Savvy Networking, and/or Million Dollar Networking by Andrea Nierenberg

• Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty by Harvey Mackay• The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine• Table Talk: The Savvy Girl’s Alternative to Networking

and/or The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking (or What Would Jane Austen Do?) by Diane K. Danielson

Thank you!

Diane K. DanielsonFounder, Downtown Women’s Club

Twitter: @DowntownWoman

New media consultant

www.DianeDanielson.com