An introduction to networking slide show I prepared for a TRCA\'s pilot program with the Canadian Government to assist new Canadian immigrants in finding jobs in Canada.
Did not ask whether he had time to talkNot clear about who she wasDidn't know why she was calling himor what she wanted to do or how he can help her
Goals: personal careeer goalsBut also when you’re attending an event, have some idea of what type of people you’re trying to meet, how many people, for what purpose?How many of you are carrying business cards on you right now?Ask Organizer about interesting / relevant people to meet at a conference/event?Can you get a list of the names, faces, titles of people attending an event? Some conference have online / mobile event planning software with such details.
Hi, my name’s Raul, I’m running my own startup software company called PointerWare Innovations, and we make the world’s easiest to use computer interface designed for seniors.END, so now let’s talk more about in person networking….
With another little intro video,So again, what did she do wrong in this situation? Any comments?Anyone care to note things she did that were incorrect? or any advice or suggestions for her?-standing at a table with a drink is OK, if you want to take a moment to yourself-remember that you probably do need to be pro-active-putting yourself behind some reading material is bad, it gives people the impression that you're not interested in talking to others
One cheesy guideline I’ve heard: you have one mouth and two ears and you should use them PROPORTIONALLYShows interest, it also shows that you are actually listeningBackground research can help with developing questionsNo one appreciates you looking around for someone more interesting while you’re talking to them.If you can, remember the person’s name and try to use it again in conversation.
Not fingers!
People are also generally attracted / prefer talking to someone who has a positive perspective, is also more engaging in conversation
-in terms of body language:you can think of whether people are talking closely, with open or closed body languageobviously the person by themself will also be easier to approach
Not buried somewhere in your purse or suitcase,Keep it in a container in your pocket, Don’t crumple it into your wallet or pocketTreating the card with no care, not even looking at it sends a message to the person you just met – i.e. did they even care to meet me?Many people suggest, one pocket for each
People generally do not like being coerced or SOLD to, but they enjoy having conversations where they can contribute and feel like they are communicating
When you are a host or ambassador at a network event, it is your job to greet people, say hello, tell them about the event and then help them connect with othersIs much easier to do it WHEN it is your job
Help them connect, or give advice on a different matter, or anything, networking is about connect and helping others as well as yourself,Even knowing about other networking events. REMEMBER to think about what you know, who you know and how it can help others as wellPrepare, can you find out the names, titles and faces for the people you are going to meet? Do you know anything about their organization? All these details will make conversation easier AND show the person listening that you’re intelligent and that you’ve done your research.
Help them connect, or give advice on a different matter, or anything, networking is about connect and helping others as well as yourself,Even knowing about other networking events. REMEMBER to think about what you know, who you know and how it can help others as wellPrepare, can you find out the names, titles and faces for the people you are going to meet? Do you know anything about their organization? All these details will make conversation easier AND show the person listening that you’re intelligent and that you’ve done your research.
Have you been to CSI before?Do they seem anxious, feel like they need to leave, do something else….be sure not to pester!Lone people are easier to have a conversation with, if people are already engaged in conversation or if they are in a group of people they know well it will be harder to join them
You’ve been to a great event, you’ve met some interesting people and you come home and feel pretty happy about yourself. Now what?
So you’ve went to a great networking event, met a few people and come home and feel pretty happy about yourself.So now what? ASK AUDIENCERemember the goal will be to STAY IN TOUCHAlso remember, it’s good to be eager, but not TOO eager!
If someone helps you with a referral or some other connection, remember to thank them!
-professors are experts in their fields, have many different industry and academic contacts AND typically love to talk about themselves – so ask questions!-if you’re in a research or technical field there are obviously work connections from talking to a professor
Again LUNCH is a common and socially normal invitationIf it’s with someone out of town or someone you can’t meet during the business day then dinner or a drink after work is also fine.
Many of the best connections can be random, and you don’t want to pre-judge people, as you really have no idea …even if they can’t directly help you you have no idea who their spouse or parents might be
Many of the best connections can be random, and you don’t want to pre-judge people, as you really have no idea …even if they can’t directly help you you have no idea who their spouse or parents might be
Thanks everyone for coming tonight – feel free to stick around and ask any questions or continue networking with the others here.Here’s my email address, and my office is located at the MaRS incubator building downtown if you ever want to visit me there. I’m also on Linked in as well.