Enhancing Career Success through Networking Strategies
Discover the importance of networking for career growth and success. Learn how forming connections can lead to new opportunities, valuable contacts, and personal development. Networking is a key skill in today's competitive job market, enabling individuals to tap into hidden job markets, gain referrals, and build a strong professional network for future prospects.
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Presentation Transcript
Networking for Impact For Class Discussions/Video Development Fall 2023 Peter Bennett Director of Career Services
What is Networking? A Critical Skill for Enhancing Social Capital and Career Success Networking is about relationships People connecting with people Finding some common interest(s) between people who are talking to each other: family, pets, books, sports, food, weather, traveling, professors, hometowns or a mutual friend/acquaintance Information exchange two way!! Information gained and contacts made We do this all the time without even being aware that we are doing it Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Why Networking is Important 3 Primary Reasons for Networking People who can help you get your work done Often internal & current- focused Operational People who can help you grow personally & professionally Usually external & share common interests Personal People who can help you shape your future goals & direction May be internal or external & are future-oriented Strategic Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Why Networking is Important? Continued Makes you known If done right, meeting more people leads to more business and career opportunities, which leads to meeting more people and more business, and so on. It might not feel like it now, but you never know what doors are going to open in the future, so it s worth operating as if that next useful contact is just around the corner, as he/she probably is. Makes your work known Source of new research ideas Different slant on old ideas Getting internships/interviews Further your career Improve your confidence Networking is a virtuous circle Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Why Do You Need Networking? WIIFM = What s in it for me? Networking allows you to: Tap into the hidden job market (side door approach) 70 to 80% of jobs Have an edge on the competition due to the relationship you have established Be informed Gain visibility for future opportunities Gain referrals (recommendations from people the industry trusts) o Good people know other good people. Therefore, it s easier and safer to recruit an employee who, by word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit (reduces risk for hiring manager) It is all about who you know or need to get to know, and what you do with what you know. Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Where to Start? Where to start Who should you meet Who to talk to Start with people whom you feel comfortable talking with Fellow students, tutors, interns, work connections, faculty/staff members Family, friends, colleagues and anyone they recommend Mentors Talk to people you know in a less personal, yet professional way Co-workers, former co-workers, professors anyone they recommend, staff members, Career Services, mentors Colleagues Get in touch with NEW people Join professional associations, societies; engage in other groups of interest; attend conferences, seminars, career fairs; ask for referrals Utilize electronic social networking and blog sites, such as LinkedIn Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Networking For Introverts Most of these apply to Extroverts too! Drop the word networking. Instead, refer to this process as gathering information , having coffee with someone , or building a few in-depth relationships with people. Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the ball rolling Join at least one professional association and attend related events this strategy is uncommon, but quite beneficial If it s hard to talk to strangers, make it easy for them to talk to you Ask good questions (open questions) Be more interested in them than in yourself https://www.cio.com/article/3219704/how-to-network-17-tips-for-shy-people.html#slide7 Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! Develop an unforgettable greeting Elevator pitch ---1-minute version This is your response to anyone asking who you are and what you do At a conference, seminar, event Over lunch, coffee, drinks It needs to be clear, concise, and interesting Reverse it to start a conversation with someone Why should the person you are speaking to care? You ve got to be very careful if you don t know where you re going, because you might not get there --- Yogi Berra Longer 3-minute version Practice with yourself, friends, other students It s about them, not about you! Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Power of 1st Impressions One chance to make a great 1st impression DO dress appropriately for the event (in-person or virtual) Practice introducing yourself Do you have a long or unique name? Make sure to pronounce clearly, repeat yourself Let them know your nickname if you prefer Make eye contact Show enthusiasm, smile! Be aware of your body language Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Components of Communication Foundation of Networking Dr. Albert Mehrabian s Research Dr. Albert Mehrabian s 7-38-55% Rule Elements of Personal Communication 7% ------ Spoken Words 38% ------ Voice, Tone 55% ----- Body Language Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Networking Long Term View Networking leads to a more fulfilling life Research shows that building solid relationship bonds in your network can help you lead a longer life, reduce blood pressure, combat loneliness, and is just generally beneficial for your overall health and happiness. According to renowned psychologist Susan Pinker, only 25% of genetics are responsible for people living longer and the other 75% is social. As the expert in leadership training Dale Carnegie put it: Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. So, attend a networking event, accept that invite for happy hour with your girlfriends, volunteer with co-workers, become part of a club or hobby group, or maybe host a game night. It s good for your health, and you will be glad you did! If you want to know if people are happy, don t ask them how much money they have in the bank. Don t ask how large their take-home salary is. Ask them about their friends. (From The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven, PhD). Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! Know who will be there and whom you want to meet be intentional NETWORK WITH A PURPOSE There is no point going anywhere if people don t remember You ve got to be very careful if you don t know where you re going, because you might not get there --- Yogi Berra you have been there! Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! What do you want to talk to them about? Overcome your shyness, and do research Read biography, and write down questions Find picture beforehand Ask someone to point them out Ask why/how they started project, solved problem Integrate your work and interests into conversation Five magic words Tell me about your business Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! The How s Don t just stand there, speak! The dreaded microphone Questions & discussion with speakers after their presentation Talk to the person sitting next to you Make coffee/lunch/dinner plans Water Cooler talk Get your friends to introduce you Get your advisor to introduce you Talk to people who come up to you Don t only hang around with your fellow students/friends Don t interrupt heavy or private technical conversations Roleplay example any volunteers? Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! Video Go to YouTube and type How to Network Like a Pro (Business Networking) to gain some wonderful tips on how to network effectively from a woman named Felice. She works at HubSpot Marketing. Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Helpful Networking Tips! Video Go to Google and type How to Network: 3 Tips to Advance Your Career to better understand the importance of networking and the best ways to do it effectively. Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Follow up Follow-up is Key Follow-up is often the most overlooked part of networking. It is a CRITICAL part of successful networking. Must be done after all types of interviews, and meaningful interactions with others. Dos of Networking Follow-up: Send a thank you letter or invitation to connect on LinkedIn in a timely manner by including a personal note on where you met him or her and something you may have discussed Follow up via email to business cards you collected and personalize the messages. Ensure you let people know ahead of time you ll be sending an email and have their permission, otherwise your email may be viewed in a negative light Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Follow up Follow-up is Key (Continued ) Dos of Networking Follow-up: Try to follow up in a timely fashion, usually within a few days to a week of the event. It will help keep you top of mind of your potential clients or business partners Go the extra mile about how your businesses or connection can be mutually beneficial when you do reach out to someone. Take the time to research and understand what his or her company does, if you don t know already Set a limit to the amount of communication. Do some testing to see the optimal amount of touches that it takes to connect with someone. Refine your cadence and amount of outreach accordingly Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
How to Network Follow up Video Stephanie Ward Firefly Coaching Go to Google and type Are you Doing These Things to Follow up after a Networking Event to gain a full appreciation of the importance of following up in a timely and effective fashion after a networking event. Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Networking Recap Final Thought It s not about how many resumes you send, it s about how many hands you shake, elbows/fists you bump, or zoom chats you have! Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Networking Recap Key Takeaways from Today s Session Be prepared: any time, any where, for networking opportunities Start with contacts that are safe to build confidence It is NOT a quick fix to get your next job make it part of your life/work to build relationships Use thought, sensitivity and preparation in your approach Manage your energy wisely Rehearse Reach out Get referrals Be Brief, Be Sincere, Be Thankful Take advantage of online social networks Get Involved! Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Sample Networking Resources Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Establish connections with students around the world Join Facebook groups to share common interests Create/share content, videos to show skills Search & inquire about jobs Gain access to experts & network gatekeepers Investigate career paths of others Join relevant communities of interest Search & inquire about jobs Make and maintain connections; Good learning tool; and can be used to promote events Share knowledge; interact with others, get advice Search & inquire about jobs Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Final Point Any student/recent alum interested in help with networking can contact Career Services at pbennett@qvcc.edu I would be happy to further discuss your networking strategy, set up a mock interview, or help with any aspect of your job or internship search. I am here to support you!!
Questions? Questions? Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
Career Services at QVCC Contact Information Peter Bennett Director of Career Services Email: pbennett@qvcc.edu Phone: 860-932-4090 Location: Office W107D Main Campus Normal Office Location/Hours: Danielson: Monday to Thursday Willimantic: Friday Appointments: 9am Noon Walk Ins: 1pm 4pm In-Person and Virtual Appointments Available! I am here to help you!! Peter Bennett Career Services Fall 2023
