Networking

Kathie Leslie

Dave Menachery

Sam Chambers

Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.

What is a Network?

NetworkNoun:

“An interconnected system of things or people”

“ A network is a number of computers tied together to share information and hardware”

Verb:

“Communicate with and within a group”

Why bother?

• Resources (information, knowledge, money, connections)

• Having a well established network makes life easier…

Ok, so how does it work?

Networking can happen anywhere…

• Elevators

• Professional meetings

• Conferences

• Dinner parties

• At the store

• With family and friends

• Volunteer organizations…

How do I start?

• Be interested and ask good questions

• Mini exercise: You just attended a lecture and were very impressed with the speaker. You would love to get a job with that company. What can you do?

What comes next…

• Follow up…

Mini –exercise: Now that you’ve made contact… think of three things you can do to follow up…

What about those elevator speeches we keep hearing about?

• How would you feel if you were on an elevator and a stranger started to talk with you that way?

• Curiosity and relationship-building starts with putting the other person at ease. Most people like talking about themselves and their passions, not hearing about yours.

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice

• Most people want to help others

• Most people are flattered to be asked

• Be respectful of others’ time

Your questions answered…

How can I create networks and contacts as a student?

Networking Opportunities for Students

• Faculty

• Internships/ co-ops

• Peers

• Alumni

• Family/ community

• Professional Organizations

• Volunteer

What etiquette is important in professional networking that may

not be obvious to a novice?

Etiquette

• Be polite. Ask people for their time.

• Be sensitive to other commitments.

• Say thank you.

• Follow up.

• If you asked for the meeting – you’re the host. That means you pay for lunch.

What tips can you provide for crafting a one-minute elevator

speech?

Elevator Speech• Don’t start by selling. Start by asking

questions.• Try to find common ground.• When you have the opportunity, be concise

and hit only the high points.• Practice with your friends/ family ahead of

time so you’re ready.• Follow up.

Once connections are made with professionals who become part of

your network, what are appropriate ways to stay in

touch?

Staying in touch…• Ask them what they prefer…• An e-mail, voice mail or phone call

periodically is nice. • A personal thank you note is often

appreciated. It can’t be generic.• Send them something you think they might

be interested in: a link to a website, a copy of an article.

Is there a different mode of networking for men and women?

Venus and Mars

• Men and women are different and they communicate differently. Read up and learn to talk to the other sex their way.

• Good Resources: Deborah Tannen or John Gray

How can new employees appropriately address supervisors

who lack interpersonal communication skills and the ability to assist employees in developing their skills and

advancing in an organization?

Bosses…

• Expand your network beyond your boss– Employee events– Extra curricular activities– Work teams

Questions/ Comments/

Stories?