Networking is the surest way to find a job and build a career. These Networking 101 tips can help you make a great impression and connections in your community.

1. NETWORKING 101
How to Make a Great Impression
Denise De Long
Project Manager, Connector Program
www.greaterhalifax.com/connector

2. 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

3. AND ALL THE SURVEYS SAY…….
• Surest way to find a job
• #1 Search strategy
• HR loves it (shortcut)
• 65% to 85% success
• Unadvertised jobs
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101

4. ALL NETWORKING IS AWKWARD
Networking is like vegetables
You know they are good for you but you
still don’t eat them
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101

5. 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.
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING

6. 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
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
NETWORKING TIPS (cont…)

7. • Don’t interrupt
• Actively listen to
answer
• Listen for purpose,
details and
conclusions
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
SOME CONVERSATION “RULES”
• Determine what
wasn’t said
• Think between
sentences
• Think before you
respond, before you
talk!

8. 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?
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
CONVERSATION STARTERS

9. • 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/
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
CONVERSATION STARTERS (cont…)

10. 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 ________________________________________________________.
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
NETWORKING EVENT PREP

11. 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?
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
THE 20-30 SECOND PITCH

12. CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
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_________________________.

13. • 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
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
SAMPLE PITCHES

14. • 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
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
AFTER THE NETWORKING EVENT

15. Except usually not really
cold
Good networking with a bit
of research will have given
you a referral!
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
THE COLD CALL

16. 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
selbaz@emailaddress.com or by phone at 438-7376
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
SAMPLE SCRIPT (PHONE MESSAGE?)

17. Direct/Concise is preferred
• Appeal for help
• Showcase your strengths
• Express your thanks
• Be positive and upbeat
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
NETWORKING LETTERS AND EMAILS

18. • 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.
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
BE FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL

19. 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.
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
ASK FOR LEADS AND INFORMATION

20. 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!
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
NETWORKING: FINAL WORDS

21. THANK YOU!
For more information on networking in Halifax or
the Halifax Connector Program visit
www.greaterhalifax.com/connector, email
ddelong@greaterhalifax.com or call 490-6000.
CONNECTOR PROGRAM: NETWORKING 101
Acknowledgements: Emilie Coyle, Veronica Ennett, Caroline Lodge, Ellen Pilon, Shazia Nawaz, Andrew
Leverman. External Advice : Robert Zed, David Osbourne/Predictive Success