Networking tips

1. Networking
Tips for the
Young
Professional

2. Today’s main points
 Networking is a skill that anyone can
develop with practice.
 Professionals want to talk to you!
 Be confident in what you have to offer a
professional relationship.

3. What is networking?
“Building relationships based on reciprocity”

4. Ice breaker
 Where do you see
yourself in 5 years?
*Focus on your
professional goals
only.

5. Treat your peers like CEO’s
 Marshall Macias, former
CEO at Socialbees
 Richard Law, Founder
and Chairman at Allysic,
Inc.
 Megan West, Program
Manager of Corporate
Citizenship and Public
Affairs at Microsoft

6. How to get started
 Know your goals
 Know your skills
 Be prepared with:
 An updated resume
 LinkedIn profile or personal webpage
 Business card
 Elevator pitch

7. Begin with low stress:
Alumni are your friends!

8. How to connect
 LinkedIn:
 Invitation to Connect – State the following:
 Your purpose/interest
 Shared interest: previous experience, club,
major, hobby, etc.
 Once connected, follow up with a call to
action
 Invite to get coffee
 Ask for a 15-20 minute informational interview

9. Example invitation
Hello (Name),
I am a current WWU student and noticed
your profile while researching the public
relations industry. I see that you participated
in PRO while at WWU, which I do as well! I was
hoping we could connect and share ideas
about public relations.
Thank you and have a great day!
Kiné Camara

10. Moving on up: Connecting
with non-WWU professionals
 Identify your targets…
 Target company
 Target job title or career path
 People who clearly want to be contacted

12. Example
Hello (Name),
My name is Kiné (Ka-nay) Camara and I am currently a student at Western
Washington University located in Washington state. I found you while looking up
(Company) on LinkedIn. I found your online branding to be really captivating,
especially your non-traditional resume.
I am interested in connecting with you to talk about your experience working in
public relations as well as your experience working at (Company).
If you are available, I would love to chat soon! I am available [dates/times]. I am
aware that we would need to coordinate through time zones. Please let me
know when the most convenient time for you would be.
Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of your day!
Best,
--
Kiné Camara
kinefcamara@gmail.com
kinecamara.com

13. Informational interviews
 Research your contact and the company
 Be sure to establish who will call
 Stick to your time frame; can ask for more
time
 ASK: Is there anyone else that you would
recommend I talk to?

14. Sample questions
1. What is a typical day in this position?
2. What do you enjoy about your job/
working for XYZ company?
3. What is challenging about your position?
4. What advice do you have for someone
wanting to succeed in your field?

15. Go meet people!
 Professional Readiness Workshop
 Professional Women’s Association
 Student Marketing Association
 The Bellingham Chamber of Commerce
 Business After Business
 Networking Breakfast
 Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPS)
 Meetups
 The Career Fair
 Etiquette Dinner

16. Remember your tools
 Prepare for these events:
 Always bring business cards
 Know current issues in your field
 Research speakers/attendees when
necessary
 Elevator pitch

17. Networking Basics: 8 Tips to
Networking Without Being
Fake
Video by Maria Forleo, Business Strategist

18. Be a connector
 Help others
 Share information
 Be an asset to your professional relationships
 Networking = Reciprocity

21. Follow up, it’s really important
 Be timely:
 send a follow up email 1-2 days after
contact is made
 Mention something positive about your
interaction:
 “I really enjoyed the networking tips that
you provided us. I felt empowered to
connect with professionals and I
appreciate that.”
 Call to action

22. What questions do you have?

23. Contact me
 Twitter: @Kine_Camara
 Email: kinefcamara@gmail.com
 Website: www.kinecamara.com
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kinecamara