Kathryn Minshew is founder and CEO of The Muse, a career website that helps people figure out what they want to do with their lives and how to get there. She was named to Forbes' "30 under 30" in Media, as well as Inc.'s "15 Women to Watch in Tech." Minshew credits networking for much of her success, and she has got some great tips on the topic

1. Phoenix
Career Corner™
Six quick networking tips with
The Muse founder, Kathryn Minshew

2. About Kathryn Minshew
Kathryn Minshew is founder and CEO of The Muse, a career
website that helps people figure out what they want to do
with their lives and how to get there. She was named to
Forbes’ “30 under 30” in Media, as well as Inc.’s “15 Women to
Watch in Tech.” Minshew credits networking for much of her
success, and she has some great tips on the topic.

3. Tip 1:
Reframe it.
Networking is just a formal word for meeting new people.

4. Tip 2:
Cast a wide net for events.
Look for events through alumni groups, professional
associations and online resources. If you can’t find an event
you like, invite three friends to a café. Ask them each to invite
three friends. Soon you’ll have your own event.

5. Tip 3:
Acknowledge inherent
awkwardness.
If you don’t know how to start a conversation once you
get to an event, it’s OK to say, “Hi, I don’t know anyone here.
Mind if I say hello?” It’s refreshing, and people appreciate it.
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6. Tip 4:
Dust off your elevator pitch.
In 30 seconds or less, tell your conversation partner your
name, job description and why you love it. This gives him
or her something to latch onto.
Who? What? Why?

7. Tip 5:
Share your goals.
Don’t be afraid to tell people where you’d like your career
to go. And be as specific as possible. You’ll be surprised
how many people want to help when they know what you’re
looking for.

8. Tip 6:
Follow up within 24 hours.
If you meet someone who can advance your career search,
take that person’s information and shoot him or her a friendly
email within a day. Tie up any loose ends too.

9. Learn more from Kathryn at:
phoenix.edu/forward

10. Good luck.