Networking 201 - How To
Recall that in
Networking 101, I mentioned that you
should on an element you have in common with the other person as a means of
networking with them. Here I will describe a few ways to discover what that
commonality is between you and the other person.
Please that these guidelines are based on a business setting and are
presented from the perspective of individuals looking to gain more work experience
(i.e. a university student looking for an internship or collaborators for a
Master's thesis; a person looking for a new career opportunity; etc.)
- How to
Network with Guest Speakers or Panelists
- Retain
an interesting point they mentioned during their presentation or speech
and discuss it with them afterwards
- Request
further information about something they mentioned (i.e. try to explore
the subject more in-depth with them)
- Chat
about the speaker or panelist’s career
- Whether it be their current employer
- Or
former places of work
- How to
Network @ Cocktails or Info Sessions
- Relate
your experience to theirs (that could be the common link between the two
of you for instance)
- Ask
the professionals about themselves
- Place
the attention on them (as an individual or respected employee)
- Let
them re-direct the attention on you when once they wish to do so
- How to
Build Relationships @ Luncheons; Mock Interviews; Career Fairs
You guessed it! Follow the same tips enumerated above. To re-iterate:
- Talk to
them about something that interests you about them
- Ask for an
elaboration on a topic that they are familiar with (be it about their
personal experiences or professional accomplishments, etc)
- Discuss
the person’s career (its path, the positions they held, etc). The goal
with this one is to go back to a time where the two of you were in similar
situations as this will open the door to networking given the commonality
that will result
- CAUTION:
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do
not hand over your resumé
- These
people are not your servants
- Plus,
resumé are not the most subtle conversation starters. Note, networking
has to be fluid, light, and enjoyable –not tense, stressful, and
imposing.
- Refrain
from reciting your resumé to the individual
- Networking
is not to be confused with or used as an interview
- Also,
you are not an advertisement or publicity. Sure you have to sell
yourself but again not while you are networking. Keep your great sales
pitch for your call-back and interview
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