4. Dr. Sandra Palmer...
A results oriented visionary leader w
ho
capitalizes on business opportunitie
s with a record of profitability.
An author, educator, coach extraordi
naire
6. Dr. Leahcim Semaj...
Noted among the leading Motivational
Speakers, Creative Thinkers and Problem
Solvers in the Caribbean.
This Psychologist combines ancient wisdom
with contemporary ‘livity’ to bring fresh
insight to old human problems.
8. Objectives
Become a magnet for attracting the right people in your
space
Create a master plan before attending any event and execute
Stop handing out business cards and make real connections
Become the go to person in your sphere of influence
Command any room the minute you walk in
Join any conversation at any event
Become the most liked person at an event
10/20/2016 8www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013
9. Objectives cont’d
Be always warm and open to starting a conversation
Make building and managing your network a part of
who you are
Take your networking to the net
How to build a network
See your career, business, practice and personal
relationships take off
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12. A good network keeps you informed.
Teaches you new things.
Makes you more innovative.
Gives you a sounding board to flesh out
your ideas.
Helps you get things done when you’re in
a hurry.
13. Misconception 1:
Networking is mostly a waste of time.
A lack of experience with networking can
lead people to question whether it’s a
valuable use of their time, especially when
the relationships being developed are not
immediately related to the task at hand.
14. Misconception 2.
People are either naturally gifted at networking or
they are not, it’s generally difficult to change that.
Many people believe that networking comes easily for
the extroverted and runs counter to a shy person’s
intrinsic nature.
If they see themselves as lacking that innate talent,
they don’t invest because they don’t believe effort
will get them very far.
15. Believe it and You Will See it
if you believe that networking is a skill you can
develop you are more likely to be motivated to
improve it,
work at it, and get better returns for your
networking than someone with a fixed mind-set.
16. Misconception 3:
Relationships should form naturally.
One of the biggest misconceptions that people
have about networking is that relationships should
form and grow spontaneously, among people who
naturally like each other.
Working at it strategically and methodically, they
believe, is instrumental, somehow even unethical.
17. Misconception 4. Networks are
inherently self-serving or selfish.
Many people who fail to engage in networking justify
their choice as a matter of personal values.
They find networking “insincere” or “manipulative”
— a way of obtaining unfair advantage, and
therefore, a violation of the principle of meritocracy.
Others, however, see networking in terms of
reciprocity and giving back as much as one gets.
18. One study discovered that
views about the ethics of networking tend to
split by level.
While junior professionals were prone to feeling
“dirty” about the instrumental networking they
knew they had to do to advance their careers,
their seniors did not feel the slightest bit
conflicted about it because they believed they
had something of comparable value to offer.
19. The difference came down to
confidence or doubt about the worth of their
contributions, with junior professionals feeling more
like supplicants than parties to equitable exchange.
My own research suggests that the only way to
conceive of networking in nobler, more appealing
ways is to do it, and experience for oneself its value,
not only for you but for your team and organization.
20. Misconception 5:
Our strong ties are the most valuable.
Another misconception that gets in the way of building a
more useful network is the intuitive idea that our most
important relationships in our network are our strong ties —
close, high trust relationships with people who know us well,
our inner circle.
While these are indeed important, we tend to
underestimate the importance of our “weak ties” — our
relationships with people we don’t know well yet or we
don’t see very often—the outer circle of our network.
21. Our mind-sets about networking
Affect the time and effort we put into it, and
ultimately, the return we get on our investment.
Why widen your circle of acquaintances speculatively,
when there is hardly enough time for the real work?
If you think you’re never going to be good at it?
Or, that it is in the end, a little sleazy, at best
political?
22. Mind-sets can change and do
But only with direct experience.
The only way you will come to
understand that networking is one of
the most important resources for your
job and career is to try it,
Discover the value for yourself.
23. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
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24. What is Networking?
Why is it important to anyone who wants to succeed
Critical to personal, career and business development
Successful persons create and nurture a network of
contacts
Your income can grow only to the extent that you grow
I create my life versus what happens to me
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25. What is Networking?
Essentially, networking is getting to know
people who can help you develop your career,
business or personal prospects .
You don't need to be a big shot or the most
outgoing person in the world to network
effectively.
Its simply connecting with people
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26. One simple rule
“It takes only a moment’s conscious decision
to become a networker, with no interference
to one’s daily routine.
All it requires is a slight shift in attitude, and
adopting one simple rule:
Greet each new acquaintance with an
openness to learn more about that person, a
willingness to help, and an offer to stay in
touch.”
[Buzzy Gordon - http://entrepreneurs.about.com]
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27. How big is your network?
People you
have known
in the past
People you
know now
People you
will know in
the future
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28. Dunbar’s number
150 = the maximum number
of people with whom we can
maintain relationships
Hypothesis by primatologist Robin
Dunbar that 150 is the maximum
number of social interactions you
can manage
It is the number at which groups
start to break down
The number is higher or lower
across different species of social
primates
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29. Map your network
My Network
Prof. Orgs. Universities Friends Suppliers Customers
Colleagues
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30. What are the benefits of
networking?
A lot of good jobs never make it to the pages of a recruitment website
or newspaper.
They get filled by word of mouth and the more senior the position, the
more often it happens this way.
Even if the job is advertised, it helps to know someone inside the
new organisation who can give you the inside line.
They may even end up interviewing you which will always make it a less
stressful experience
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31. What are the benefits of
networking?
Access to their rolodex
Ability to genuinely helps others
Inability to network can hinder your performance on the
job, in business and in personal life
In the end business is conducted through personal
relationships
Cannot focus only on financial aspect
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32. Operational
• People who can help you
get your work done
• Often internal & current-
focused
Personal
• People who can help you
grow personally &
professionally
• Usually external & share
common interests
Strategic
• People who can help you
shape your future goals &
direction
• May be internal or external
& are future-oriented
3 reasons for networking
How Leaders Create and Use Networks
by Herminia Ibarra and Mark Hunter HBR Jan. 2007
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33. Networking vs. Relationship Building
The word “networking” is commonly used to
describe the process of cultivating business
relationships.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with
networking, but it often has the connotation of
being manipulative and self-serving.
Should we shy away from it?
No matter how good your service or product is you
are in the people business
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34. Not all network contacts are equal
Networks contain a small number of
people that have proportionately more
influence over the network than others
This 5-10% of individuals, called
critical connectors by organisational
anthropologist Karen Stephenson,
occupy specific places within networks
Ref: http://goo.gl/mWXgA
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35. Hubs, Gate-keepers & Pulse-takers
Hubs are directly
connected to many
people and, as a result,
have the ability to
disseminate
information quickly
Gatekeepers stand
at the intersection
between parts of the
organisation, or areas
of expertise
Pulse-takers are the
covert influencers
within networks who
are often more
knowing than
known, and they
connect with others
strategically
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36. Your networking plan
Map your
network
Identify
your critical
connections
Engage and
add value
Develop &
grow your
network
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40. Consider volunteering your services for
organizations that align with your interests and
values.
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41. Shyness researchers
have found that people forget themselves
and their anxiety more easily
if they’re involved in activities that are
helpful to others and give them a pre-
determined role or job.
For example,
many self-described shy people don’t
have any problem talking to strangers if
it’s part of their job.
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42. Be yourself, at least for now.
what is the “self”?
If temperament and personality is 50%
inherited, is your self your genetics?
Is it the other 50% — the particular way you
happened by chance to be raised?
Is it an amalgamation of the millions of
commercials you’ve seen on TV and online
that has influenced your perspective in ways
you’re not consciously aware of?
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43. More importantly,
what if your self would like to sit at home in a
sweat suit 24/7, playing video games, and eating
chocolate?
Should you still be “true to yourself”?
Rather than being yourself,
I think you should decide who you want to be,
find an ideal, and act in accordance with it.
Take whatever you think is inherent to your
personality and marshal it towards excellence.
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44. Implementation is simple:
when you reach a point where you get tired
of your shyness, say to yourself
This is dumb!
I’m just going to start acting confident.”
And then you do so;
act loose and relaxed, look people in the
eye, and start talking to them.
Works like a charm.
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46. To Deposit in
My Social Capital Account?
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47. Nothing to deposit in my social
capital account?
Networking for Students
Young entrepreneurs
Graduates
Early career professionals
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48. Take the role of the mentee
Believe in your vision and share it
Find your tribe
Use school connections to your advantage
Know your target and go out
Know where you fall in the pecking order
Ask great questions
Interview successful people and ask them to help
other students by sharing their knowledge
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49. Use the classes you take – Get an A and
others will take you seriously
Lead a group. Help others succeed
Go online and be credible – no one can tell
you age except you state it or share a picture
Volunteer and deliver
Find opportunities to prove yourself before
meeting with anyone in person
10/20/2016 49www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013
52. Building a network that’s worth
millions
What if you maintained contact with all the persons you
had great relationships or interactions with since
childhood?
What would that be worth over a life time?
Where do you start?
How to create a system that works for you?
10/20/2016 52www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013
54. won’t work at another.
Just as your skills should evolve, so
should your network.
55. Your career isn’t static—
In order to get ahead, some things have to change.
Your skills should evolve, and you should check periodically
to make sure they’re keeping you competitive.
Even the way you use social media to find jobs and get your
name out there should also change over time.
56. But what about people?
We often think of our professional network as a continuously
expanding thing.
Meet someone new, add them to the list.
The list gets longer, your opportunities get ever wider.
It may not be that simple, though.
Just as we discard some skills in order to pick up others,
it’s smart to focus on different types of people who can offer you
the most support depending on where you find yourself.
59. When you’re just starting out
New grads have found for
generations, that family
connections and alumni groups
are still your best bet.
60. The alumni network is powerful,
In this day and age when people are so
super-connected,
alumni are more likely to lend a hand to a
new grad in need than they might’ve been
previously.
It’s like your whole university becomes
your fraternity.
61. School contacts can be especially useful at
the graduate level
When those people finally enter the
workforce,
they usually find the colleagues they’ve made
at the graduate level to be their strongest
professional resources.
63. The Changing View of Recruiters
Recruiters used to be just for executive-level
people and people in temporary jobs
The stigma associated with headhunters is
beginning to dissipate as younger workers
begin reaching out for professional help.
64. The reason
when you’re at an associate level, you’re really
looking for that next step
It’s really a numbers game—all those people are
looking to move into that junior-manager role
fewer factors may set them apart as there are
among candidates for senior-level positions.
66. Looking for a new employer?
Then a manager that you’ve
previously worked for who’s
moved onto another company can
be a great person to stay
connected to.
67. Prefer to stay put?
A senior person within your own
organization who can serve as a
mentor or advocate for you to
start moving up is your best bet.
68. The key, in either case,
Use those first few years to build
relationships with people one or
two levels your senior.
70. It’s at mid-career that the contacts
outside your own company may
begin to matter more for you,
The people to focus are really going to be
your peer group and your previous
colleagues who’ve moved on, especially to
competitors.
71. They want to know what you’ve
already done
This means they need someone who can
vouch for the concrete results you’ve
delivered in the past and how you did it.
This means contacts who were right there
with you when that happened.
73. Once you’re at the upper reaches
of the career ladder,
it can be tempting to rub elbows mainly
just with the other people there.
But if it was your peers who helped you
most around mid-career,
They may not always be your most
powerful contacts at senior levels.
74. You can’t devalue people who are less
experienced than you
Maybe someday they’re going to be the ones in a hiring
position.
You should stay in touch with the people you’ve previously
managed
If they’re now at another organization [that’s] looking for
another high-level role to fill,
they can go to whoever it is in that C-suite and say, ‘Confidentially, my
old boss at X-Y-and-Z would be a great fit.’"
Of course, the prerequisite to benefitting in this type of
situation is having been a good boss and mentor earlier on.
75. You can’t devalue people who are less
experienced than you
They’re creating innovative companies.
They’re people who can offer even more
senior people something to learn from.
Maybe someday they’re going to be the ones
in a hiring position.
76. Can we take a picture?
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77. THE NUTS AND BOLTS
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78. Many Options
Old school, college or university classmates, alumni
Family members and their friends
Professional organisations
Trade organisations
Professionals -doctor, lawyer or accountant, etc.
Club members or anyone else you meet socially
Civic and charitable organisations
Faith based organisations
Professors, advisers, coaches
Former or present work colleagues or bosses
Pick up a sport – golf, tennis, sailing, shooting
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79. How to decide what to do and where?
What are you interested in?
What’s your passion?
What inspires you?
Shared beliefs, experiences – child with special needs, same
faith, giving back (ability to do more with others)
Only works if you do the work – get to know people, work
on projects, deliver
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81. Build Relationships in Diverse Ways
The world has gotten quite complex – Facebook, Linkedin, etc.
Remember the 6-degrees-of-separation principle.
Go to reunions
Join your alumni
Simply provide good service
Go after the # 2 person to reach a power broker
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82. Don't ask directly for a job - networking is not a job fair; it's an
opportunity to gather potentially useful information.
Give and take - networking is a two-way exchange, there's no such thing
as a free lunch.
Do the groundwork - research your contacts before meeting them and
always follow up good leads or pass them on.
Think laterally – try to expand your network outwards, beyond your
comfort zone or usual sphere of operation.
Patience is a virtue – getting involved in networking is being in there for
the long haul; don't expect to land a plum job at your first meeting.
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83. How you do anything is how you do everything
Be a class act
Be impeccable in your words
When in doubt check
Practice uncommon appreciation
Better to say no than to break your word
Give more to get more without immediate benefit
Find a way to serve – Webinar, Blog, Newsletter
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84. Drop out of the ‘Ain’t it awful club’. No one wants to
hear your complaints [except those who are in your
inner circle]
Ask, Ask, Ask
Act in spite of fears because it is not necessary to
try to get rid of fear in order to succeed
The informational interview
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85. Can we take a picture
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88. Planning effectively for a networking event
3 Phases Pre-Event, The Event, Post Event
Pre-Event
- Why are you going,
- What do you want to accomplish
- Who will be there you want to see/meet?
- What’s the dress code? Can you comply?
- Am I current on what’s happening?
- Can I be of service?
- Be conversant in topics of interest to your target (sports, current
affairs, music, etc.)
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89. At the Event
- Be pleasant
- Smile and make eye contact with others
- Enter the room with confidence
- When you start a conversation do not hold the person
captive , circulate
- Pick out the wall flowers standing by themselves nursing
a drink and engage them
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91. At the Event
- Do not pass out your business cards like confetti
- Ask someone for their card first
- Focus on making a connection
- Ask great question – not ‘What do you do?’
- LISTEN
Be helpful by playing host
Focus on quality not quantity
Promise to follow-up
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93. Listen!!!
Ask a question and wait to get an answer
Do not interrupt! Its rude. It says what I have to say is more
important
Don’t just wait to speak and formulate your thoughts
Pay attention
Put away the Smartphone
Do not try to show –off with the on-up manship or womanship
Make the other person feel important
Don’t flaunt your accomplishments
Become a master Listener and see your popularity soar!
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95. Post Event
Start building the relationships
Do what you promised to do. E.g. Call, set a time to get
together right away. Do not delay.
Review the notes you made, shared interest
Determine how you can be of value
Keep in touch in a consistent way
Share - ideas, articles, tickets, products, lunch
Nurture the relationship
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98. Mastering the art of conversation and
meeting people anywhere
Every master was once a disaster
Hone your social skills
Have something interesting to share
Keep abreast of current affairs and local happenings
Let the other person talk and really listen
Be pleasant and treat everyone the same
Make Relationship Building a Way of Life
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99. How to make instant connection and build
rapport with anyone
Ask a thoughtful question
Ask what you can do to help
Give them a reason to remember you.
Focus on quality not quantity
Ask what makes them happy, excited, lose sleep
Remember their name and story.
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100. Don’t let your business card end
up in the trash can!
Clearly define what you do best.
Tell a story
Smile and make eye contact
Say their name
Send an intro email on the spot
Talk about your passions
Give a genuine compliment
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102. Nurturing your Network and setting targets
Want to or committed to? 99% or 100%
The #1 reason most people don’t get what they want is
because they don’t know what they want.
Be committed to promoting yourself and your value
Return phone calls immediately
Connect people – refer and let your contact know
Restore damage relationships – communicate, clean-
up, apologise, forgive, be sincere
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103. The Power of Karma
Give outside of the giving season
Share tickets to games, concerts, plays, movies and sit
together.
Lunch, dinner, breakfast.
Celebrate others’ success every chance you get –
promotion, national award, children’s success
Determine how you can be of value
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104. Nurturing your Network
Always be thinking about the other person, not
personal gain.
Maximize access.
Don't go for meaningless "numbers".
Systematize it.
Always be connecting.
Dedicate real and meaningful time.
Be a hybrid.
Above all else, be there to help people.
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105. Nurturing your Network
Have the right mindset –
Networking is more like farming than hunting.
Have the tools to network with you at all times.
Listen and ask questions.
Small courtesies count a lot in today’s world
Make a point to meet new people.
Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect.
Be yourself.
Follow up!
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106. Is your Network Dying?
We make ~2000 contact by age 35
At any one time we can maintain 150 fairly good relationships
People go away or grow away
What happens as we build new relationships?
How do we maintain old relationships?
Telltale questions you have a problem
You can’t afford this as traditional marketing is more
expensive/less effective
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110. More people own a
cell phone than a
toothbrush
- 60 Second Marketer
111. Taking Our NetworksToThe Net
•Now if the aim of networking is to connect with
likeminded professionals to help you achieve your
professional goals while making meaningful contributions,
then social media is the perfect vehicle.
•Social media allows you to reach, anyone, anywhere,
anytime. It possesses the astonishing capability to create
a one-to-one personal connection with virtually anyone –
the wonders of the perfect cold message or email.
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117. What Social Media Can Do
1. Build your personal and professional brand.
2. Have control over your brand’s perception.
3. Connect you to employment/leadership opportunities
4. Increase thought leadership & influencer status.
5. Create business opportunities – partnerships/funding.
6. Help you be heard, and promote your skills.
7. Give valuable insight into your market and competition.
8. Help you listen & gain feedback to sentiments in real-time.
118. •Personal branding, then, is key to optimize your social networking – a
great personal brand is like a well sharp business suit – it makes you
look good.
•Before going to any event use social media to do a bit of research on
your prospects – the people you would like to meet.
•Keep consistency across all your profiles, when you show people who
you are they will believe you.
•LinkedIn is the best network for networking as it allows each of us to
display digital resumes for the perusal of prospects.
A FewTips For Effective Social Networking
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119. •Do treat your profile as your professional brochure. Use an
appropriate-looking profile image and put in complete and up-to-date
information.This will be your first impression for many.
•Don't blanket connect. Before you ask for a connection, learn about
the candidate. Be ready to explain why they should connect with you.
•Do get intentional testimonials and endorsements that speak to your
actual skills.
•Do reach out and make meaningful connections.Take the time to find
common ground based on your profiles and consider how you can
bring reciprocal value.
•Do get intentional testimonials and endorsements that speak to your
actual skills.
LinkedIn Dos….
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120. •Don't let your profile sit inactive. Even if you only post an
update once a week, keep it alive.
•Don't treat LinkedIn as a chore. Dedicate real time and
effort to make the most of your connections, and you'll
establish worthwhile, long-term relationships.
•Don't create verbiage combinations that no one
understands.
•Don't hog the conversations in groups or make it your
personal soapbox.You should always consider others and
bring value with every post.
LinkedIn Don’ts….
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121. 10 Things All Professionals Should Be Doing
1. Your desired outcomes?
○ Decision makers, Friends, colleagues, customers, others etc.
2. Choosing your platform(s)
3. What help do you need?
4. What to post?
5. What not to post?
6. When to post?
7. How to engage?
8. Response time
9. Gathering new insights and information
10.‘Google’ your name monthly to test your strategy.
1. – (of the first 100 hits, how many did you directly influence?)
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123. Mistakes to avoid
Resenting those who are successful
Focusing on yourself and past accomplishments
Asking someone for help when you have not spoken to them
in ages.
Over sharing personally or professionally
Talking too much
Promoting several things at once
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126. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
1) Be a Connector
2) Show Up to Events Early
3) Don’t Talk Product
/Service
4) Find More Networking
Events
Chambers of Commerce
Business Networking Groups
Mastermind Groups
Meetup.com Groups
Charity Events
School Board Meetings
High School Sports Games
Local Youth Sports Events
City Government
And check out local event sites
like Eventbrite, Eventful,
and Patch.com
127. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
5) Send Your Staff
6) Have Memorable Cards
7) Set Networking Goals
8) Always Have Your Card
to give if asked.
However, you can always
ask for theirs.
129. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
10) Do The Follow-Up
11) Use LinkedIn To Follow Up
12) Follow Their Business on Twitter and Facebook
13) Follow Up Via Email
14) Phone Call Follow Up
15) Read “How to Win Friends and Influence People”
16) Remember Names and Use Them Often
17) Join a Networking Breakfast Group
130. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
18) Talk To The Wallflowers
20) Prepare General Questions About Business
21) Take Notes on Business Cards
22) Identify the Connectors
23) Keep Expectations Low at First
24) Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
131. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
25) Network With Your Clients
26) Always Be Networking
27) Moving Pennies Technique
28) Disappearing Cards Technique
29) The Elevator Pitch
30) Talk About What Excites You
132. Networking Tips for Persons in Sales
31) It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who They Know
32) Describe Your Perfect Client
33) Keep a Networking Journal
34) Be Memorable
133. Networking Don’ts
1. Don't go to networking events with friends.
2. Don't try to meet everyone in sight; curate
connections instead.
3. Don't forget to follow up.
4. Don't waste time with sales-oriented people.
5. Don't be a stalker.
6. Don’t doubt your ability to improve with practise.
134. Networking Don’ts
7. Don't interrupt. Ever.
8. Don't be intimidated.
9. Don't be a card spammer.
10. Don't talk so much.
11. Don't be subtle. Be explicit.
12. Don't ask to "pick my brain."
135. Networking Don’ts
13. Don't hound the speakers.
14. Don’t hound the speakers
15. Don’t Scan the room while you’re talking to
someone
16. Don’t ask them who they know
17. Don’t pull out your resume
136. Networking Don’ts
18. Don’t get someone’s business card and misuse it
19. Don’t hit on someone
20. Don't be a product-pusher.
21. Do not, under any circumstances, ditch a
conversation partner for someone more ‘important.’
22. Don’t fail to thank the organizer(s)
139. Summary - The 10 Commandments
For Better Networking:
1 Always have your tools.
2 Networking is more like farming than hunting.
3 Understand where you are in the pecking order
4 People remember engaging people
5 The law of Karma is real
6 The little things count for much.
7 Grow Your Quality Network
8 Have a Good Business card strategy
9 Keep it Real - First Impressions Last
10 Close the circuit - Follow up!
10/20/2016 139www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013
140. Your action plan…
See it
Say it
Write itDo it
Review it
10/20/2016 www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013 140
141. Next Steps
What will you do in the next 24 hours?
What will you do in the next week?
What will you you do in the next month?
10/20/2016 141www.SlideShare.net/LeahcimSemaj2013
142. Dr. Leahcim Semaj
www.LTSemaj.com
Dr. Sandra M. Palmer
www.DrSandraPalmer.guru
The Transformational Specialist
We offer two options for transformation.
Above where you are presently, or Beyond your wildest dreams
10/20/2016 142
Networking can serve as a valuable strategy at each and every stage of your career development. What is it? In short, it’s simply connecting with people, your most valuable resources at every phase of your pursuits. People can help you to assess your skills and interests; to explore industries and work functions and their intersection with academic disciplines; to learn about challenges and opportunities, the skills required, the jargon, and the trends in specific fields; and they can help you to focus your career or job options. By talking to people, you get information, advice, and referrals. And, since nearly 80 percent of all jobs are never advertised, you learn about opportunities that otherwise would go unnoticed. The more contacts you make, the more likely you are to uncover the hidden job market.
Types of Networking
When you’re networking for information, advice, or referrals and possible job leads, it’s most likely you’ll be conducting that activity in one of three ways: (1) through purposeful personal contact done by phone, email,business letter, online networking sites, or in person; (2) at a function or an event designed for “schmoozing” ormingling with other professionals; or (3) by happenstance. In all cases, you’ll want to be ready. You may besurprised, for example, at the number of internships secured on flights back to school after holiday break through conversations with the stranger in the next seat. So, whether you are working a room at a social event,initiating a purposeful personal contact with someone, or seizing an opportunity that presents itself, you should find the tips below useful.
Slides 26-31 need to be less theoretical. Use practical examples. Eg. Can you create a list of your 150 contacts now? Would that be beneficial?
It’s better to think of going to an event in order to meet people rather than to network. The latter carries the risk of making you wonder what you can get from other people, which others can easily sense.
I would remove this slide.
15 MINUTES
Share story of Tyrone Wilson of E-Media . JC past student who went to an old boys association dinner although he couldn’t afford the ticket because he wanted to meet Christopher Williams (Proven) and Richard Byles (Sagicor). Pan Caribbean is now a major investor in E-Media. And as they say the rest is history.
20 MINUTES
60 – 77. I think these are a lot of slides on a single aspect – professional prospects/job seeking etc. Can we add more slides on practical things to do?
20 MINUTES
Keep good records of who you meet and the conversations you've had - there's no point building a network of contacts that you then forget. Also aim to stay in regular touch even when you're not after anything specific. You don't want to be known as the person who only ever gets in touch when they're after a favour.
Networking events and conferences are good ways to build a network if you're not sure where to start. Make sure you know why you are there and what you want out of it and make sure you have a few copies of your CV or some business cards to hand out to the important contacts you meet.
Networking events and conferences are good ways to build a network if you're not sure where to start. Make sure you know why you are there and what you want out of it and make sure you have a few copies of your CV or some business cards to hand out to the important contacts you meet.
Making Personal Contact
Before you actually start making personal contacts, do some homework. Begin with yourself. What is your purpose? Do you have a career or industry focus, or are you seeking contacts who might serve as resources to help you discover your interests and desires? Follow your hunches about the industries and work functions that you think would most interest you, and do some background research that might enrich any conversation orexchange you will have with the people who are actually in that line of work. Continue your homework after defining your purpose and researching industries or work functions by beginning to build your network ofcontacts, which includes learning as much as you can about the people you will be contacting. Reed’s office ofcareer services has a variety of resources that can help you get focused in all of these areas.
Start to build your network by listing your natural acquaintances and contacts:
· Family and their friends
· Friends and their families
· Reed Alumni Career Network
· Volunteer affiliations (e.g., clubs, organizations, church, etc…)
· Professors, advisers, coaches
· Former or present work colleagues
· Professionals
Ask yourself, “Who do I know?” and add anyone who comes to mind to your list. Your goal at this stage is to connect with your natural network to discover not only if they have direct advice but also if they know of othersmore closely affiliated with your interests.
Let them know your interests and aspirations. The more people who know of your interests, the greater thechance that doors will open for you. Your chances of being in the right place at the right time are increased when you are attentive to this fact. It’s sometimes called “managing your luck.”
Before you make contact (with either your natural network or new people discovered through them), prepare your introduction or “elevator speech.” This step will also be useful for those unpredictable moments when you are presented the opportunity to connect with someone new (e.g., on the flight home or at a social function).
Examples:
Dear Dr. Griffin,
Professor D. Owl suggested that I contact you regarding your research. I will soon graduate from Reed College with a degree in political science and philosophy. After working this past summer as a legal researcher for a law firm in Anchorage, Alaska, I'm back in Portland to finish my studies and hope to find a job with a local civil rights organization or public policy group. Would you have a few minutes to share any advice or ideas with me?
*Elevator speech: who, what, why in 30 seconds.
Hello (person’s name). My name is (your name). I was referred to you by (referral name). I am interested in learning more about (material science, web development, whatever). I wonder if you would have a moment to share with me any advice, ideas, leads, and referrals.
*(Taken from The Foolproof Job-Search Workbook, by Donald Asher, a Reed alumnus, who has given us permission to use it).
Expand your network
As you meet alumni and other people, focus on shared interests and common traits. Find parallels between your experiences and theirs. Do you share similar interests such as social justice, the environment, or entrepreneurship? Have you studied the same subjects or under the same professors? Identify and accentuate the commonalities.
As you develop a clearer picture of your work or career plans, you can begin to broaden your network of contacts beyond those closest to you. How? As before, people are your best sources. If you can get two to four names from each of your natural contacts, your network will have expanded exponentially. When asking for referrals to other contacts, be specific: “Do you know anyone whose work responsibilities include (duty A, duty B, or duty C)?” or “Can you suggest anyone in this industry or field whom I should contact?” followed by “May I use your name as my referral source?” In some cases, your original contact may even be willing to introduce you.
Other sources for expanding your network include professional associations, many of which have student membership rates, BLOGS or other online networking sites, newspaper articles or other media features, and formal networking programs or events such as the Reed Alumni Career Network or special events or panel discussions on campus that feature alumni or other professionals. Most important: engage yourself; contribute in your industry of interest. This means volunteering your time and skills to individuals or organizations actively working in the industry of your choice. Establish working relationships with others in the industry and find more contacts. Professional conferences are staffed by volunteers who can position themselves to meet young and senior professionals, for example.
At this point in your cultivation and nurturing of contacts you may be ready use the more formal tool called the informational interview. You may have been employing it already, since you have been talking with others and gathering information to sharpen your focus and expand your network.
Keep your agreement
The Informational Interview
An informational interview is a meeting, initiated by you, with an individual who has experience or knowledge in your area of interest. It should be undertaken with utmost care and professionalism.
Making Contact
You can make the initial contact by phone, email or a formal letter of interest in which you ask for 20 to 30 minutes or so of someone's time. The most expedient method is by phone or email, but you will have to consider which is appropriate for each situation.
Be clear and concise. Tell the person who you are, what your purpose is, why and how you came upon him or her. A typical contact might sound like this: "Hello, this is Chris College. I received your name from the Reed Alumni Career Network. I am interested in social services and I note you have extensive experience in the field. Would you have 20 or 30 minutes to meet with me sometime so that I might learn more about how you got started, trends in the field, and specific information on your organization?"
You may wonder if people will take time away from their busy schedules to talk with you. They will for several reasons: you have been referred to them by someone they know; meeting with you and others helps keep them informed, up-to-date and well-connected; experts love to share their expertise; and people like to help others because they find it rewarding.
Before the Interview
For the formal informational interview you should do your homework ahead of time. Information on the industry, the organization, even the person you are interviewing should be obtained before you ask for an interview. Prepare your questions in advance, but do not make them so "canned" that you fail to connect genuinely with the person. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume, but distribute them only upon request.
During the Interview
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment.
During the interview, you are in charge. Restate your purpose and why you are talking to this particular person. Adhere to the original time request of 20-30 minutes. Ask open-ended yet pertinent questions (see below for suggestions), and ask for referrals to other appropriate individuals in the field or in related organizations. Take notes and get a business card from the person.
This is not the time to hand over your resume and ask for a job or internship, although you may have your resume at hand if the person asks to see it. You will be following up with a thank you note or letter, and at that time you can send a resume if appropriate. It is important to understand the difference between an informational interview (during which you are seeking information, ideas, and/or referrals) and a job interview.
What to Say and Ask
First things first: "Thank you for taking time out of your day to meet with me."
Second, restate your purpose: "As I indicated on the phone (in my letter), I am in the process of gathering information and advice about the field of (targeted field). (Name) suggested that I should contact you."
It is also important to state plainly and simply, "I am not here to ask you for a job; I am here to ask you for information."
Your questions will yield more information if they are open-ended enough to engage the person in conversation. Following are possible questions:
Could you tell me about your background and how you came to hold your current position? The conversation should lend itself to inquiries about educational background as well as the steps in this person's career path. You will be learning how at least one person got to where you think you may want to go.
What general skills are required in this line of work? This should yield particular contexts in which general transferable skills (which can be products of your liberal arts education) are employed. It also invites the follow up...
What specific or technical skills have you acquired in your work? Besides yielding what you need to have in the skills department, this question might be followed by an inquiry into the types of training the employer provides.
What do you like most about your work (or the field)? This question might get at how the person articulates the intrinsic rewards of the work. These are the intangibles, the things that make the person tick and bring joy in his or her work.
Are there any responsibilities you would rather give away? This is a diplomatic attempt at uncovering aspects of the work that the person does not appreciate.
What are some of the challenges of your job?....that the organization faces?...that impact the field? These questions are designed to give you clear information regarding the stresses, demands, and probably the opportunities in this line of work. Much work is created to address problems, and these questions will help you begin to articulate how you might be part of the solution to those problems.
What is the outlook for entry-level professionals in the field? Part of this line of inquiry includes "what is a typical entry-level position in the field (or in this organization)?" and should unveil how someone can get a chance to start.
What are the short-and long-term goals of your organization or department? Here, you are attempting to get a clearer and current picture of the organization. You should have done enough research ahead of time to know some basics about the products or services and even the general philosophy of the organization. This will take your knowledge a step further.
Are there others in this field with whom you would suggest I talk? Follow this with, "may I say you referred me?" Make sure you get the correct spelling of the name.
• I remain very interested in this line of work and will certainly pursue further leads for information and perhaps employment. Do you have any final advice to give me regarding a career in this field? What do you recommend for my next step?
This statement begins the closure of the interview. It should be heartfelt; otherwise, do not use it. The question allows the person to comment freely, accept or reject the mantle of mentor, and tie up any loose ends.
Finally, ask for permission to stay in touch to let him or her know how your search for information is going, and to learn of potential developments (e.g., May I keep in contact with you to report my progress?). If you are granted this permission, follow through!
After the Interview
Send a thank you note or letter immediately and keep the person informed of your progress. This is both courteous and prudent. By keeping in touch you are cultivating new leads while nurturing the relationship for future follow up contacts. Sending someone an article you think might interest them is a genuine technique that demonstrates reciprocity; you’re giving back after they’ve given their time and advice.
Evaluate your style of interviewing as well as the information you received. Summarize the information in writing and date it. Your journal should include specific points that were made in the interview and when or if you will follow up. If you make several contacts during a week, your notes and summaries will be extremely important as you review what you have learned.
Arrange appointments with new referrals.
Remember, the network can work for you or against you. The impression you leave can make or break your chances of being remembered and referred to emerging opportunities.
Etiquette notes: Always be courteous. Networking must be undertaken with the utmost professionalism. Below are a few points. Consult with a counselor in career services if you have any doubts about what constitutes courtesy and professionalism.
·In your initial requests, try to acknowledge their busy schedule and how much you appreciate any
time they can spare, at their convenience. Offering times in the next week or two is a good practice.
·When faced with a situation where the person you're trying to contact does not respond, take the time to follow up on your request, as many as 4 times. Remember, some people prefer phone calls to emails.
·AGAIN, SEND THANK YOU NOTES TO ANYONE THAT TOOK THE TIME TO TALK WITH YOU.
10 MINUTES
Give examples of great questions
Since this is so poorly done, the great news is you can become a master listener. The
Simple practical rules. Eg. Glass in left hand, amount of food on the plate, 2 hands occupied, posture, sitting or standing. Should you eat?
10 MINUTES
Hone Your Social Skills
Some people are naturally great with other people. If you find it easy to meet new people and you have an outgoing personality, you have half of the battle won. Others have to cultivate these characteristics. You don’t have to be an extrovert to develop winning social skills.
Being a good listener is key. Resist the urge to dominate the conversation and find out where the other person is coming from. This principle fits nicely with thinking about what you have to contribute.
Another essential aspect of developing relationships is following up. If you never talk to someone again, any positive interaction you may have had is nothing but a pleasant memory. If you don’t already do this, develop the habit of exchanging contact information with the people you meet. Always ask the best way to contact him or her in the future. Then really follow up!
Make Relationship Building a way of life.
For the most successful entrepreneurs, building good relationships is a lifelong pursuit. It has been said that you can never have too many friends. The same goes for customers, clients and partners. The key to creating great business relationships is enjoying the process.
Don’t get caught up in hoping that the next person you meet will solve all of your problems. Rather, think of ways to connect with all the people you meet, even if there’s no immediate gain involved. In the long run, this approach will empower you to build mutually beneficial relationships with all kinds of people.
1. Ask a thoughtful question.
Ask something that will get a unique conversation started. Instead of "What do you do?" ask, "What do you hope to take away from this event?" Or ask them what they think of a new idea you have. People remember having an interesting conversation.--Caitlin McCabe, Real Bullets Branding
2. Listen.
Most people launch right into their pitch or chitchat. You'll make a more positive, memorable impression if you allow the other person to speak first or if you pose an open question and then listen attentively to the answer. The more the other person talks, the better a conversation partner you're perceived to be. My grandfather used to say there is a reason you have two ears and one mouth--use them accordingly.--Lindsey Pollak, Millennial Workplace Expert
3. Ask what you can do to help.
When meeting someone new, a great strategy is to quickly get a sense of what he or she does, and then immediately look for ways to help that person. Ask, "Can I make an introduction to so-and-so?" or "Would it be helpful if I connected you with X?" Far too many people look at networking as a way to get things. By approaching it as a way to give, you'll forge great relationships with tons of amazing people while paying it forward.--Brittany Hodak, ZinePak
4. Give them a reason to remember you.
I find that one of the most important things you can do during the first five minutes of meeting someone is give them something to remember you by. At a business event, they may meet many individuals, but when you make a strong and memorable first impression, your new acquaintance will remember you the next time you reach out.--David Schwartz,EMMDeavor (DBA Qruber) & Wireless Watchdogs
5. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Show genuine interest in the conversation. Write the event name on their business card, then follow up within 24 hours. Go for quality of connections rather than the quantity of business cards you collect by the end of the night. Business cards aren't going to get clients at the end of the day, but connections and strong relationships will.--Erik Severinghaus, Simple Relevance
6. Ask what makes them happy/excited/lose sleep.
… Anything but what they do. Networking events can end up like an elevator pitch on a time loop. Stop the cycle by asking about something unrelated and see where the conversation takes you. And listen!--Alexis Wolfer, The Beauty Bean
7. Remember their name and story.
Business events are an excellent way to grow your professional network by meeting in person with other professionals. You never know who you will meet and how you two may work together in the future. I have met some incredible people at events; folks who have been extremely instrumental in my success.--Lane Campbell, Syntress SCDT
8. Clearly define what you do best.
Have your elevator pitch ready to roll. Try to make it interesting and deliver it with passion. Be proud and excited about what you do and make the message clear and sticky.--Vinny Antonio, Victory Marketing Agency
9. Tell a story.
Be authentic and tell a story. Stories are the best way to create a metaphor and allow other people to understand the type of thinker that you are.--Ryan Shank, Mhelpdesk
10. Smile and make eye contact.
People make judgments within the first seven seconds or so of meeting you, and that's statistically around the point at which they start tuning out if you don't engage them. Smiling at them and making sincere eye contact shows them that you're warm and interested in speaking with them. These tiny gestures will set the stage for you to engage in a meaningful conversation.--Darrah Brustein, Network Under 40/Finance Whiz Kids
11. Say their name.
Say their name. Everyone likes to hear the sound of their own name and it helps you form a connection. That, matched with solid eye contact and a firm handshake, creates a positive first impression.--Ashley Mady, Brandberry
12. Send an intro email on the spot.
It's 2014! I don't get the value of business cards anymore. Anytime I meet someone and they try to end the conversation with "Here's my business card …" I stop them, pull out my phone and ask them to enter their email address. After that, I send them a quick intro email and boom! We're connected. While it's a little awkward in person, it has exponentially increased the amount of follow-ups I get after meeting them the first time.--Mike McGee, The Starter League
13. Talk about your passions.
Tell them about your passions and ask them about theirs. This can be as simple as saying "So what is it you're passionate about?" after the typical "here's what I do" back and forth. This tends to catch people off guard in a good way, and allows them to either wax poetic about the aspect of the work they love, or something outside their work to which you may have a connection. Either way, it helps build the relationship.--Colin Wright, Asymmetrical Press
14. Compliment them.
Make sure that your appearance and demeanor radiate health and energy. Be genuinely interested in the people you meet; ask them questions about themselves and try to find something on which to compliment them.--Vladimir Gendelman, Company Folders Inc
10 MINUTES
Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.
1. Always be thinking about the other person, not personal gain. Other people come first. Since most people are concerned with their own personal gain, you'll quickly stand out. Albert Einstein once said, "Strive not to be a person of success, but a person of value."
2. Build a network around an idea that people believe in. They have to believe strongly enough to build trust, a foundation and a core value system. YEC is the example for Scott. This makes it more powerful because everyone participates based on their shared mission. It also establishes a baseline that everyone can identify with that removes small talk and the usual 'walls' by establishing camaraderie among strangers.
3. Maximize access. By connecting others to access, you're providing value-added service. Access is everything. And you can then surround yourself with people that want to work with you.
4. Don't go for meaningless "numbers". Baseball cards might be nice to collect a lot of, but fans and followers are people. Authentic relationships are the key. (Numbers are useful for a personal brand, but not super-connecting.)
5. Systematize it. Create a system for your contacts and review it weekly. Scott uses a list and reviews weekly to keep what people need top of mind (but use whatever system works best for you).
6. Always be connecting. Put yourself out there. Dinners, lunches, teas, cocktail parties and even seemingly random events are all opportunities to connect. Be available, be visible, and be helpful.
7. Dedicate real and meaningful time. This is not just a task on a to-do list. This becomes a lifestyle. You need to spend real time with others, really listen to their stories, their needs, and their passions, and really care about bringing value to others without any regard for immediate or future gain.
8. Be a hybrid. Being able to connect different worlds is crucial, especially as business becomes more hybrid-based (i.e. ed-tech or fashion tech). Knowing people in your own industry is great, but it will become more common for people to need assistance and partnerships beyond their traditional boundaries and comfort zones. Those who can connect the dots across industries will become even more valuable.
9. Above all else, be there to help people. I've written before that "How can I help you?" is the most important phrase you'll say in a meeting. It's also the most important phrase for a superconnector.
Step 1 Have the right mindset -Networking is more like farming than hunting. You will be more successful in the long run by cultivating relationships with people than by trying to close the deal in a first meeting.
Step 2 Have the tools to network with you at all times. These include an informative name badge, business cards, a brochure, or resume. The point is to have them available if the conversation turns to the need for them. Don’t just hand them out indiscriminately—that makes them seem less valuable.
Step 3 Act like a host not like a guest. A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Make people feel welcome and comfortable. Introduce others to people you have already met, especially if they have something in common. Meet people who are standing by themselves. If you are in a group, open up to others and make it easy for them to join your circle.
Step 4 Listen and ask questions. Remember that a good networker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. Find out about their business as well as their outside interests.
Step 5 Give leads or referrals whenever possible. The best networkers believe in the givers gain philosophy. If you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking effectively. Reciprocity builds the relationship. Success in business is the result of service and relationships.
Step 6 Small courtesies count a lot in today’s world. A thank-you note or follow-up call after someone has given you a referral shows that you value the relationship and appreciate their efforts. They are more likely to remember you and be interested in helping you again. If you see an article that might be of interest to someone, send or e-mail a copy.
Step 7 Make a point to meet new people. While it is more comfortable for most of us to hang out with friends and associates, you are at these functions to meet new people. Get out of your comfort zone. Some networking gurus suggest that you set a goal for how many people you meet or set time limits for how much time you spend with ach person. I find these suggestions to be too mechanical. One good contact where you have made a real connection with a person can be far more valuable than 20 people who can’t remember your name and have no impression about you. On the other hand, you may need to circulate so you know who is there.
Step 8 Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect. Record anything you think may be useful in remembering people or the conversations you had, especially anything you promised to do. If it is awkward to do this at the meeting, stop on your way home or in your car and write down as much as you can remember.
Step 9 Be yourself. Be authentic. Remember, you are building relationships that may last a long time. People trust you more when they see a consistent pattern of behavior. And trust and knowledge are the basis of developing a relationship. That said, sometimes it is just better to skip an event if you are feeling under the weather or have just gone through a major break-up in your life. You do want to present yourself in a positive and professional manner.
Step 10 Follow up! This is the most important part of networking. Ask for permission to call or e-mail or send information. Then do whatever you say you are going to do. If someone has helped you get an interview or gave you a referral, keep in touch and let them know how things went.
If people ask you or you ask the following questions, your network is dying:
Do you still work at?
Where do you live now?
Thought you migrated?
Are the kids still in school?
Where you away?
What are you doing now?
Still in business?
You get rich and switch
Advertising is expensive and doesn’t always reach the target. E.g. A nursery in kingston advertsing on TVJ or RJR. A listener or viewer in Mobay may not be a goo target. However, the 300 persons in and around the location are prime targets!
Don't wait until you've lost your job before picking up the phone to speak to people in your industry – even if you're happy in your role and the company is in a stable position, there's never any certainty as to what could be around the corner.
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