Learn some easy tips for being a GREAT networker!

1. Kim Bilawchuk
Career Coach
www.kbcareercoach.com
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2. Who Am I?
• I LOVE networking!
• I’m doing my dream job –
coaching young
professionals who are
feeling “stuck” to find their
dream job
• 16+ jobs in 25 years: high
tech, financial services,
higher education, retail.
• BBA, UMass Amherst
• MBA, Boston College
• MEd, Boston University
• Live in Lowell, MA

3. Outline
 What is Networking?
 Why Network?
 How to Network?
 Special Offer
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5. What is Networking?
1. a supportive system of sharing information and
services among individuals and groups having a common
interest
2. a communication process involving the exchange of
information, advice and referrals.
3. a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular
intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
4. an extended group of people with similar interests or
concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for
mutual assistance or support
Dictionary.com
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8. Why Network?
 75+% of jobs are never advertised
 To gather more information about other career
choices (informational interviewing)
 To keep current in your industry or field
 To build business contacts/relationships
 To have access to different points of view
 To meet new people and make new friends
 It’s FUN!
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9. Networking Benefits
 Stay connected with colleagues at other
companies/industries
 Gain focus about your career choice and direction
 Get advice about your job search
 Validate your choices
 Refine your interviewing skills
 Uncover job & employer information
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10. Networking Myths
 Networking is only for the well-connected
 Networking is only for extroverts
 Networking is bothering people
 Networking is asking for a job
 Networking is only for the unemployed
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12. Start today!
 Develop your list of contacts and reach out to them
 Share your brand. What do you want people to know
about you?
 Create/practice self-introductions (elevator pitch)
 Conduct informational interviews
 Attend networking events
 Nurture individual relationships
 Create a solid LinkedIn profile
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13. Your Network Contacts
 Family  Professional associations
 Neighbors  Speakers & career fair
reps
 Current and past co-  Internet discussion
workers groups, chat rooms, and
 Professors, advisors, networks
classmates  Hairdressers, health care
providers
 Community  Other people you know
organizations &  ANYONE!
activities
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14. What’s your brand?
 What skills do you have?
 What interests you personally and professionally?
 What values are important to you?
 What to you have to offer a potential employer?
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15. 30-Second Elevator pitch
 Demonstrate 2-3 key skills that you believe are
important and set you apart from your
competition.
 Emphasize your strengths.
 Be comfortable with the words you choose.
 Deliver with confidence and without error.
 It’s not just about you.
 Practice, practice, practice!
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16. What to Include in Your Pitch
 Your full name
 Title/organization/role/experience
 Relevant skills/experience/education
 Opportunities you are seeking, or interested in
learning about
 Engaging question/results statement to invite further
conversation
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17. Sample Elevator Pitch
 Hello, my name is Kim Bilawchuk. I help people find
interesting, rewarding jobs. I help them find their
passions and transition to new more rewarding work
roles/jobs. I help my clients explore their career goals,
reflect on self-assessment exercises, and develop
essential career tools such as resume writing,
interviewing, networking, negotiation and job search
strategies. I offer complimentary consultations to
anyone who wants to learn more about how coaching
works. Are you interested?
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18. Let’s practice
your
elevator pitch
now
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19. Informational Interviews
 What is informational interviewing?
 How do I prepare?
 Should I bring a copy of my resume?
 What should I wear?
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20. Questions To Ask
 What do you do in a typical workday?
 How did you get started in this job? What experience,
education, skills did you need?
 What do you (dis)like about your job?
 What advice would you give me if I were interested in
this career/industry? What classes should I take?
Experiences?
 Who else do you know that I can talk to?
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21. Questions You May Be Asked
 How did you become interested in this career/job?
 What do you know about this career?
 What have you learned from your work or courses that
is relevant?
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22. Closing The Informational Interview
 Be considerate of contact’s time
 Offer to stay in touch
 Express appreciation
 Send a thank you note ASAP!
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23. Attend networking events
 Set a goal for each event you attend
 What do you want to accomplish?
 Meeting new people – how many? From a certain
industry/company?
 Reconnecting with those you already know?
 Gathering content knowledge from subject-matter expert?
 Going out for a drink?
 Follow-up with people you meet
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24. Business Cards
 Include:
 Name
 Email
 Phone
 Title/area of interest
 LinkedIn URL
 Use back for elevator pitch
 Print yourself or professionally
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25. Nurture Your Network
 Regularly communicate accomplishments to key
members of network
 Regularly send personal notes and birthday and
holiday cards
 Act as a source of information for members of your
network
 Never abuse the network relationship
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26. How do you look online?
 Google yourself. Today. Regularly.
 Review your Facebook privacy settings.
 Develop your LinkedIn profile
 Start building your network TODAY
 Connect with at least 2 professional associations
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27. Why do I need a LinkedIn Profile?
 150+ Million members
 Share your brand
 Personal/professional
 Grow your network
 Quality > Quantity
 Nurture individual relationships
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28. Conclusion
 Networking IS for everyone
 Networking helps build self-confidence
 Networking allows you to share your brand
 Networking helps you choose the right career and
uncover jobs
 Networking pays dividends throughout your career
whether you’re happily employed or looking for new
opportunities
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29. Today’s Special Offer
 Kickstart Your Career Strategy Session
 45-minute complimentary 1-1 session with Kim
 Uncover the hidden challenges that keep you from going
for your dream job
 Identify at least one step you can easily take to get into
action FAST
 Develop a customized networking plan to help you secure
your dream job

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31. Tuesday
3.20.12
8pm EST
Register at:
www.kbcareercoach.com/webinars
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32. Thank you!
 Don’t forget to contact me if you’re interested in your
complimentary Kickstart Your Career Strategy Session
 Apply at ww.kbcareercoach.com
 Survey
 Q&A
 Connect with me!
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimbilawcuk
 Facebook: www.facebook.com/kbcareercoach