networking tips and tricks for the seasoned or shy networker!

1. Successful
Networking
Attire
Etiquette
& Chit-Chat
Jeff Pelletier (@JeffBC94)
The Ohio Union

2. Components of Successful
Networking
Networking Basics
Networking Activity
Working with Food
Tips for Student Success
Questions
Presentation available online at http://www.slideshare.net/jeffbc94

3. Networking Rules to Live By
 The Rule of 12…
 Nametags – always on the right side
 Every time you meet someone
 Stand when being introduced
 Look them in the eye
 Give a firm handshake
 Greet them by name
 Say your name slowly when introducing yourself
 Smile

4. Proper Introductions
 Say the name of the most important person
first, then the name of the person being
introduced
 “Mr. Obama, this is Brutus Buckeye.”
 Introduce people in the following order
 younger to older
 non-official to official
 colleague to customer
 Clarify your relationship with the person
 “Jeff works at the Ohio Union at Ohio State”

5. The Business Card
 When presented with one, hold it and look
at it; do not put it right away
 Never offer a business card at a table
(unless it is asked of you); wait until the
meal is wrapped up
 Keep business cards with you – you never
know who you might meet and when
 Better to offer a business card than a
resume

6. Networking Tips and Tricks
 Always stand when being introduced, and
shake hands
 Make friends before you need them
 Don’t keep score
 Be interesting - craft your “elevator speech”
 Show interest in others

7. Conversation Starters
 Screw ‘em…
 The Golden Question – F ‘em!
 Family/Friends
 Favorites
 Future
 Fun
 From

8. Conversation Starters
 Have good FORM
 From
 Organization
 Recreation
 Motivation
 Don’t ask what, ask why
 Why did you pick that major
 Why do you enjoy working here

9. Entering or Leaving a
Conversation
Entering
 Wait for a natural break
 Establish eye contact to gain an invitation
 Try not to jump in right away
Leaving
 Wait for a natural break
 “I’d like to catch up with you more later”
 “I just saw my friend…”

10. Tips for Shy Networkers
 Understand your strengths
 Be a good listener
 Volunteer to help others
 Adopt a mentor to help you
 Practice!

11. Networking with Food
 Use a nearby table to place plate or glass
 Food or beverage alone is easier than both
together
 The reception is not a meal replacement
 Go back for seconds, rather than fill up early
 Avoid having to use a knife

12. Activity
 In groups of 3 - 5, practice!
 Handshakes (if feasible)
 Establish good eye contact
 Repeat/remember names
 Asking (and answering) your golden questions
 Entering and leaving a conversation

13. Some Questions For Today
 What are you looking forward to most
about Spring quarter at Ohio State?
 What is your favorite thing about Ohio
State?
 What are you involved with on campus?
 What do few people know about your
hometown?

14. How did it go?
What What What do I
worked did not do if…

15. Dress for Success
 Formal
 Dressy/Business Dress
 Snappy Casual
 Business Casual
 Casual
 College Casual/Don’t Dress Up

16. A Piece of Advice…
 Write thank you notes
 RSVP - what it means and how to do it
 Background information is okay
 Speak slowly; leave your phone number
 Notify your host in advance if you will miss a
meeting/class, or arrive late
 Power Down!
 Match your response & watch response time
 Distinguish professional/personal e-mail/phone
calls (caps lock, smileys, signature lines, fonts)

17. Acing the Interview
 Research
 Get Yourself Together
 Be punctual
 Moment of Truth
 Stand when being introduced
 Eye contact; Handshake
 Use nonverbals; Posture
 Listen actively; Take notes
 Relax; Stand Out

18. Signature Line – What Not to Do
Trevor S.
University of Michigan 2011 - LSA English
123.456.7890
UAC, Vice Pres. - Marketing
College of Pharmacy, ITS Technician
Undergraduate English Association, Exec. Board & Webmaster
Xylem Literary Magazine, Design & Web Editor
Every Three Weekly, Web Editor
The Detroit Partnership, Webmaster
Fortnight Literary Magazine, Design & Web Editor
M-Flicks, Event Coordinator

19. At the Table – Pop Quiz!
 Which Fork is Which?
 Grab a Goblet…
 To Butter, or Not to Butter…
 This Sauce is Delicious!
 The Marriage of Etiquette
 When in doubt…
 Follow the leader
 Use common sense
 Don’t make a mess

20. Hosting a Successful
Networking Event
 Tailor comments to type of event
 Tailgate
 Business event
 Admitted/Prospective Student Information Session
 Always have nametags – preprinted if possible
 Food – light, finger-ready
 Help make the space network-capable
 Specify dress and RSVP information in invitations
 Role model good networking behavior
 Have your “A-Team” to help the room

21. Conclusion
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