Networking 101

NETWORKING 101

How to Make a Great Impression

Denise De Long Project Manager, Connector Programwww.greaterhalifax.com/connector

http://www.greaterhalifax.com/connector

RAPPORT/RELATIONSHIP BUILDING &

THE SLOW BURN

People do business with those that they like and trust

Professional friendships are the core of any

successful career or uncovering career opportunities. More

great careers are launched through friendships and

professional referrals than great resumes.

CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101

AND ALL THE SURVEYS SAY…….

• Surest way to find a job

• #1 Search strategy

• HR loves it (shortcut)

• 65% to 85% success

• Unadvertised jobs


ALL NETWORKING IS AWKWARD

Networking is like vegetables

You know they are good for you but you

still don’t eat them


1. Be genuine and authentic, build trust and relationships,

and see how you can help others.

2. Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations.

It opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are

interested in them.

3. Become a powerful resource for others so people

remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of

other people, etc.

4. Have a clear understanding of what you do, why, for

whom, and what makes your doing it special.


TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING

5. If someone offers to help you, be prepared to say

how they can help.

6. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals

you are given. Your actions (or in actions) reflect how

you respect and honor contacts you’ve made

7. Call/Email/Write Be Brave. Express that you enjoyed

meeting them, and ask if you could get together and

share ideas.

For more tips visit: www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm


NETWORKING TIPS (cont…)

http://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm

• Don’t interrupt

• Actively listen to

answer

• Listen for purpose,

details and

conclusions


SOME CONVERSATION “RULES”

• Determine what

wasn’t said

• Think between

sentences

• Think before you

respond, before you

talk!

The best way to network is to have other people

tell you about what they do and how they do it.

Try using these sample questions:

• How did you get started in your business?

• What do you enjoy most about your profession?

• What separates you and your company from the

competition?

• What advice would you give someone who

wants to work in [Film/Finance/IT, etc.] Halifax?


CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What significant changes have you seen take

place in your profession through the years?

• What do you see the coming trends in the

fashion/ digital/ wind energy, etc. industry?

• What ways have you found to be the most

effective for promoting your business?

• What do you like best about what you do?

For more questions visit: http://www.burg.com/10-feel-good-questions/


CONVERSATION STARTERS (cont…)

http://www.burg.com/10-feel-good-questions/







BEFORE the networking event:

• Write down specific info you hope to acquire

• Pre-make appointments with attendees and /or

customers

• Ask non-attending colleagues if they would you

like you to do anything on their behalf

• Finish this sentence: The conference will be

successful if I ________________________________________________________.


NETWORKING EVENT PREP

What can you talk about in a 30-second summary?

• Personal qualities and attributes

• Professional background

• Current job or situation (with highlights)

• Past job or situation (with highlights)

• Skills

• What do you want?


THE 20-30 SECOND PITCH


TEMPLATE TO HELP YOU WITH A “PITCH”.

USE SOME, NOT ALL!

• I am a _____________________.

• I have worked/have been working as a ______________ for ____ years.

• I have ____ years experience in __________________.

• I have __ years experience as a _______________.

• I am a certified / qualified ____________________.

• My main area of expertise is in ________________.

• I’m looking to do something in ________________.

• I’m interested in working for ___________________.

• My best skills are _______________

• What I really am interested in is ____________________

• The area that I’m most excited about these days is __________________

• My studies are taking me in a new direction so I’m working on ________________________

• I’m hoping to complete/finish/ attain _____________ so I can_________________________.

• My name is Sami and I have a background in property

management. I run a busy tent and trailer park that

includes cottages. For several years I also owned an

apartment building in the town of Bedford. I’m looking for

work in a similar environment where I can use my skills

and knowledge.

• I’m Xu Ping. I studied Computer Science and worked in

the IT industry as a programmer in Shanghai. When I

moved into project management I decided I wanted to

study global management in Canada so I chose Saint

Mary’s. When I graduate I’d like to help start ups bid and

implement projects


SAMPLE PITCHES

• Use that time on the trip home to organize WHO

you are going to call and WHY!

• Begin developing relationships from business

cards you’ve collected

• Follow up with your promises to follow up

• Explore more fully topics that were given surface

coverage by a speaker

• Write summary notes for your colleagues

• Invite a conference speaker to speak at a

company event


AFTER THE NETWORKING EVENT

Except usually not really

cold

Good networking with a bit

of research will have given

you a referral!


THE COLD CALL

My name is Samir Elbaz and I am a Nortel Alumnus who is

working with Right Management. __________ (referrer’s name)

suggested that I network with you since you’ve worked in similar

organizations.

My background is in Software Design Management having had

several roles within TDM and Succession R&D and I am

interested in securing a similar position in a company locally.

My family and I are relocating to Halifax. I would like to have the

opportunity to meet or speak with you to get your thoughts on

the job search, networking etc. You can contact me via e-mail at

[email protected] or by phone at 438-7376


SAMPLE SCRIPT (PHONE MESSAGE?)

mailto:[email protected]

Direct/Concise is preferred

• Appeal for help

• Showcase your strengths

• Express your thanks

• Be positive and upbeat


NETWORKING LETTERS AND EMAILS

• Monster has templates

• Refresh his/her memory about how you met or

what you talked about

SAMPLE:

Dear _______,

I attended your Effective Merchandising Techniques

presentation last Friday and introduced myself to you

following your lecture. Your speech was very

informative and your examples were extremely

enlightening; I left with a number of new ideas.


BE FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL

Now according to your goals, what will you

ask for?

SAMPLE:

I would be very grateful for your review of my

enclosed resume. If you know of anyone who might

be looking for someone with my background,

please contact me at ________. Or if you have any

suggestions as to where I should direct my search,

I would very much appreciate your input and

advice of new ideas.


ASK FOR LEADS AND INFORMATION

Practice Helps: It is a skill and with more practice

does get easier

Rewards are Tangible: At the very least, you will

meet some interesting people but best case scenario

you may find a new employment or partnership

opportunity!


NETWORKING: FINAL WORDS

THANK YOU!

For more information on networking in Halifax or

the Halifax Connector Program visit

www.greaterhalifax.com/connector, email

[email protected] or call 490-6000.


Acknowledgements: Emilie Coyle, Veronica Ennett, Caroline Lodge, Ellen Pilon, Shazia Nawaz, Andrew

Leverman. External Advice : Robert Zed, David Osbourne/Predictive Success

http://www.greaterhalifax.com/connector

mailto:[email protected]

Career

Networking 101