business networking

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Business Business Relations/NetworkingRelations/Networking

Business Business Relations/NetworkingRelations/Networking

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Networking• Is practice of making contact and

exchanging information with other people who have interests in similar areas.

• **Networking is one of the most important business skills you can have in today’s age.**


Networking Day-to-Day:

• As a business professional you need to network day-to-day.

• Building and maintaining relationships with friends is important too.

• Having contacts in the professional field and from high school and college is important with networking.


Ways to Network: • This can even be done through

Facebook, twitter, linkedin, meetups or emails.

• Make efforts to reach out and meet new people in person or online.

• Be active and participate in social and/or extracurricular activities.

• Getting involved with community service, student groups, etc.


Elevator Pitch: • Elevator pitches are relaxed and

informal part of networking.• Always state your current projects

and it’s good to include what you’re currently working on because they may know somebody that can help.


Staying Ahead of the Game…

• Younger professionals need to be sure to emphasize the wiliness to learn and receive direction, when they network.

• People are willing to help if you only ask.

• Educate yourself in your areas of interest.

• Keep well informed with what’s going on in your field of interest. – News, blogs, RSS feed


Staying Ahead of the Game… Cont….

• Seek ways to help others accomplish goals while they help you accomplish yours

• Hang out at the locations that the people you need to know hang out– Example: Attend trade shows,

meetings, etc


Networking… Cont… • If you are starting your own

business, research competition and pay close attention to whom they are partnered with.

• Facebook and LinkedIn are the most common ways to network online with other professionals.

• Consider joining the virtual world of networking.


Networking Online: • Do not post personal information like your

address• Exercise extreme caution.• Be mindful of what you post online.• Start a business account for both Facebook &

LinkedIn with a professional name.• Simple ways to start; add all the groups that

relate to an area you think will help you reach your goals.

• …


Networking online: Cont…

• Write a personal note to the head of the groups and in a sentence or two let them know what you’re about and what you are looking to accomplish and your support.

– Example: “Thanks for joining ________ group. I’m graduating from college next year but am working to get into this field. Keep up your commendable efforts and please let me know if I can help out in any way”. Your Name. By the way do you have any suggestions for someone looking to get into this field?”

• Make sure to have your elevator pitch ready to respond to questions on these sites.

• Be real. Don’t pretend to be an expert . . . let them know your starting to look into this field. People naturally want to help others.

• Continue to add people to your network and keep in touch from time-to-time by sending them relevant news or other information.


Mentors:• Mentorship is a relationship with a

person that is experienced in the field or area you seek help in.

• Most mentorships build over time and many years.

• A mentor can help with trying to get you a job, promotion, starting a business or even advice on personal stuff you’re trying to figure out


Finding a mentor• Decide what your goals are and what type of mentor will help

you get there.• Think about the skills you’d like to develop and locate

mentors that can help you develop those skills.

• Where to find a mentor: • Remember this is a long-term goal to find the right mentor . .

– College alumni organizations . . . ask career center.– Professional organizations in your field– Social networking– Friends of friends or family– Through an internship– A boss or employer


Trusted Advisors• It is important to work with

trusted, reputable and established professional within any given field.

• Many financial planners, investment bankers, Realtors, loan officers and other financial professionals often work off of commission and may not give the best advice.


Trusted Advisors: Cont….

• Overtime, you will build a team of trusted professionals– College planner – Tax planner – the tax code has over 15,000

pages . . . either learn them all or find a professional to do your taxes.

– Lawyer– Financial coach, advisor or professional– Realtor & mortgage professional – if you

plan on purchasing a home.


Questions to Ask Potential Advisors:

• How many years have you been in your respective field?

• Are you knowledgeable in real estate matters?

• What are your fees and how do you get paid?• What credentials do you have?• What professional boards do you belong to?• Have you ever had any disciplinary action?• What is your past experience?


Questions to Ask Potential Advisors:

• What other services do you offer? • How many years experience do you have?• What credentials do you have?• Do you invest your own money in the stocks or

funds you’re recommending? (If not, why not?)• What professional boards do you belong to?• Have you ever had any disciplinary action?• What other services do you offer?

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important business skills

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