2. How Do I Network? Every contact is an opportunity to network!
3. The Hidden Market The power of the referral:“Do you know of anyone…?” Word of mouth These opportunities can only be found through networking! Professional Social
4. Types of networking contacts Potential contacts “warm” contacts People I know “cold” contacts People I want to get to know “lukewarm” contacts People open to networking
5. How To Get Started Opportunities to network online LinkedIn Facebook BranchOut Twitter Discussion boards/blogs Plus many more!!!
6. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Online professional networking site Allows the user to: Establish a professional profile Link directly with contacts Join networking groups Research companies Find more contacts through existing connections
7. Using LinkedIn to Network Get Started: Establish a professional profile. Building your connections: 1st person connections: people you are already connected to Search past colleagues/classmates Have LinkedIn “suggest” possible connections 2nd or 3rd person connections The connections of your 1st person connections Get introduced Groups Online networking groups based on a common theme: school attended, geographic location, industry, etc. Provides you with instant connections Networking on LinkedIn:Do not just sit back and wait, find connections that will help you Use the “Advance Search” feature Company Research: Research companies in your industry and link with people who work there Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking
8. Facebook/BranchOut Facebook: www.facebook.com Social networking Can be used for career networking BranchOut: www.branchout.com Facebook’s new professional networking application Allows the user to conduct professional networking on Facebook, without the pitfalls of personal information
9. Using Facebook/BranchOut to Network Get Started: Establish a Facebook profile. Keep it personal or professional? Building your connections: Search out friends, family, colleagues, classmates, etc. Have Facebook “suggest” possible connections Networking on Facebook:Find connections that will help you Take precautions with your personal information! Networking on BranchOut: Establish a BranchOut profile (import from LinkedIn) Invite key Facebook connections to connect with you on BranchOut Make the Connection:Online networking leads to in person networking
10. Twitter: www.twitter.com Online communication site Allows the user to: Establish a profile Link directly with followers/follow other Share information and current status
11. Using Twitter to Network Get Started: Establish an account/ build your bio. Gaining followers: Begin following others Be selective! Link your Twitter account with other social media Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Tweet (and make it interesting!) Networking on Twitter:Followers/people you are following can easily become networking contacts! Follow Companies: Find and follow companies in your industry Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking
12. Using Your Social Media Contacts It should never be all about you! Identify key individuals Who can help you? Identify companies/groups of interest Form and maintain the relationship “Professional friendships”
13. Increase Your Visibility Online professional networking groups/discussions LinkedIn Social networking FaceBook Twitter Message boards/blogs Articles and publications Sponsorships Volunteerism
14. Six Rules For Networking Get started It is easier than you think Present yourself well Develop a pitch and practice it Obtain referrals and follow-up on referrals Make the right contacts Contacts that are in a position to help you are the best contacts to have Send thank-you notes Maintain the relationship
15. Networking: Positives And Negatives Positives: It’s successful! Eliminates the competition Feel like you are making progress Negatives: Time intensive Difficult for the shy or introverted
16. Networking: A Summary A Process: It will take time Use all the tools in your toolbox Always be networking! …but it is not all about how your contacts can help you Perseverance: Don’t give up Stay positive Stay marketable
