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.

1. Introduction to Networking Raul RupsinghMSc CEO PointerWare Innovations Ltd. June 2010

3. Survey of 45 large companies suggests1…

4. Most positions are filled internally but…

5. Referrals are the #1 source of external hires1Source: Crispin, G. & Mehler, M. (Feb 2009). CareerXroads 8th Annual Source of Hire Study: What Happened in 2008 and What It Means for 2009. Accessed October 8, 2009 at: http://www.careerxroads.com/news/SourcesofHire09.pdf

6. Where to Start Preparation is Key! Business Networking in Person Online Networking

8. So what did she do wrong?

9. How to Prepare What are your goals? Make them known to your network (Friends, Family) Business cards Join Professional Organizations and Associations, Alumni Networks Attend Conferences Practice

10. What to practice? Sound Bytes Little segments about yourself Ex. Self Pitch: 15 second description of yourself Can tailor it a bit to your audience Ex. Last job, career ambitions, etc But don’t sound rehearsed!

13. Communication Listen don’t just talk Don’t assume the other person knows your industry or industry specific technical jargon Asking questions shows interest Get people to open up Can be easier than getting them interested in you! Maintain eye contact Say the person’s name

14. Business Attire Professional dress (Blue, Grey, Black), Business Casual (More color, jacket, no-jacket) Cater to event Guideline: dress a bit better than what you think the norm is at the event

15. Handshake Hand in hand Firm Affects your first impression Introduce yourself simultaneously

16. Body Language Body Where do your feet point -> indicates where you/they are thinking of going Your face Your body Hands Food Be positive Confident not arrogant

18. Business Cards Keep it somewhere where you can find it When you accept someone else’s business card treat it with respect One pocket for your cards, one pocket for cards you receive Make notes on back of business card Helps to remember them later, follow up notes, etc Professional website and email address

19. Spending Your Time Don’t spend too much time! ~10 minutes Don’t linger too much with friends or acquaintances If things are going wellsetup an appointment for 1 on 1 later Don’t spend an entire evening with a single person BUT, be genuine, focus on quality of conversation not quantity

20. Networking Style Don’t be too pushy Don’t try to close a deal on the spot Remember you are trying to build a relationship, not acquire a customer Be sensitive to the nature of the event you are attending

21. Networking – Other Advice Volunteer Volunteer at relevant corporations, associations to help expand your network Can also volunteer for a particular event, to be a host or ambassador Ex. At your local Chamber of Commerce Acting as a facilitator can be a great way to meet people

22. Networking – Other Advice Listen for how you can help them Maintain your connections: 1 in 3 job seekers get employment connections from a previous employer Remember: make a good impression Come across as Professional Prepare: Identify prospects Ask people what other events they attend

23. Networking – Other Advice At first you may have to kiss a lot of frogs Random events, random people Likely uncomfortable Don’t network for the sake of networking In the beginning you may need to do this But after you find more personally relevant events or individuals, focus your time on them Don’t be afraid to ask for help

24. Approach Anxiety Are they involved in a conversation with someone else? Put your hand out to say hello, shake hands, make introductions (can you tell me a bit about what you do?) But have to take initiative It is easier to approach lone people, not groups

25. Approach Anxiety Environmental comment, situation, setting, interesting news items Pay attention to their body language You should have open body language (people will want to talk to you) Open with low risk questions Make a comment about the speaker How did you come to be invited tonight?

26. So now what?

27. Afterwards How to Follow Up Email (the norm now) Phone call Lunch? Don’t add them on Facebook but LinkedIn is fine Be organized Remember to follow through on anything you said you would do Remember to write down information on cards Good to be keen But not over-eager, and don’t pester!

28. Afterwards If someone helps you…remember to thank them! Social etiquette with following up If they introduce you to someone else, be sure to follow up with that person and let the original referrer know how it went

29. Networking - People Find “Connectors” These are the social butterflies of the business world Knowing them / adding them online can help you get introduced to the people you actually want to talk to Talk to Professors In a technical / research capacity or otherwise Professors love talking about their work and exploring new opportunities

30. Networking - People Useful job contacts Stay in touch with people in your industry or with jobs you find interesting and suggest meeting up again to learn more Don’t worry about rejection Most people are at a networking event in order to meet people

31. Networking - People Don’t discount people too quickly You never know who they know

32. Break Time!

33. Networking Online What is “social media”? Online networking platforms like… Facebook LinkedIn Twitter MySpace YouTube Blogs Why network online? Easy to connect with those you know (and those you want to know) Personal marketing tools – promote yourself

34. Networking Online Are employers really looking for me online? 45% surveyed by CareerBuilder are screening candidates on social networking sites2 35% dismissed a candidate based on negative online information 18% solidified a hiring decision based on positive online information 2CareerBuilder.com (2009). Forty-five Percent of Employers Use Social Networking Sites to Research Job Candidates, CareerBuilder Survey Finds. Accessed October 9, 2009 at: http://tiny.cc/I1bXi

35. Networking Online Clean up your online image… Google yourself – what’s out there? Delete inactive accounts & update active ones Remove any “dirt” Utilize privacy settings Ask contacts to “keep it clean”

36. Networking Online Build your personal brand… Who is your target audience? What can you offer these people? How can I connect with them online?

37. LinkedIn Profile Status: Your status message allows you to share professional updates with your network Photo: Your professional photo allows those you’ve met and previously worked with to quickly identify you. Summary: Summarizing your professional experience and goals allows other users to quickly learn about your background and interests. Experience: Your professional experience is displayed along with any recommendations you have received. Similar to your resume. Education: Your educational background is displayed along with associated activities and honors. Additional Information: Your websites, interests, groups & associations and honors & awards. Recommendations:Recommendations help illustrate your achievements, project credibility, and show why people enjoy working with you. Similar to references. Q&A: LinkedIn Answers allows you to showcase your knowledge and interests. Contact Settings:Your preferences for contact, types of opportunities interested in and privacy settings.

38. LinkedIn Search Strategy Strategy: Plan your search strategy Define who/what you are looking for: job titles, companies, locations Define keywords: skills, certifications, associations, conferences Define where you will look: search engines, networking sites, job boards Search: Begin your search Refine: Refine your search strategy Filter: try different combinations Fish: find more contacts in your results Flip: what groups are your contacts in? Build: Build your network – who else do your contacts know?

39. LinkedIn Search Strategy Build Your Network Find current professional network on LinkedIn Company Recruiters Company Contacts University Alumni Use your network contacts to get introduced to others Join Groups Participate in and/or post discussions Network with group members – you can send messages to most Join common groups with specific contacts you want to reach

40. LinkedIn Search Strategy Companies View employees Related companies Check “new hires” section to see if still hiring Jobs Advanced People Search Location Job Title Company School Industry

41. Any Questions? Raul Rupsingh raul@pointerware.com