EFFECTIVE NETWORKI

NG STRATEGIE

S

- Understand the importance and value of networking

- Identify a current network of contacts to build upon

- Leave with a specific networking action plan

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

‘A process where you develop long term relationships with others for

mutual benefit.’

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

It is truly all about WHO YOU KNOW!You can meet people with similar interestsThere could be 100’s of applications for 1

openingSome open positions are never postedIt can help you professionally and personally People know people who know people

Anyone you meet at any time of day is an opportunity to network!

WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT?

1. You have a need 2. Find contact(s) who may be able to help3. Reach out to ask for GUIDANCE, ADVICE or

HELP4. Tell the contact how you are connected5. Provide more details about what you need6. Hopefully you receive a response!7. Follow through on the guidance given8. Thank the contact(s) and stay in touch

WHAT NETWORKING LOOKS LIKE

Your dream is to work with a sports team in a big cityYou know a grad from your school who works as an

accountant in ChicagoYou email to ask if he knows of anyone in the sports fieldYou mention the two of you were in the same marketing

class a few years agoYou provide more about the sports-related positions you

think would be fun and some orgs of interest; ask if he has advice about where to start

He replies and says that his cousin works for the Chicago Bears and he can connect you by email

You follow up with his cousin once he makes the e-introYou thank him for his help and keep him updated!

AN EXAMPLE

Professional networking can take place in several ways:One-on-one meetings

You reach out to meet or talk individually Research company and prepare questions in advance to ask Be ready to provide the contact some background information

about yourself and what you are looking for

Networking or social events with a group of people

Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

WHERE IT HAPPENS

H T T P : / / M A R K E T I N G . L I N K E D I N . C O M / S I T E S / D E FA U LT / F I L E S / AT TA C H M E N T / M I N D S E T D I V I D E _ I N F O G RA P H I C . P DF

Know how to properly reach out to some one using professional communication.

Ask for ADVICE or GUIDANCE for your internship/career search (don’t ask for a job).

Start with the people you know first.Use resources such as family, advisors, career

center staff, mentors, alumni.Know yourself/your interests, what you are good

at; go in with some knowledge about what you like and how your skills fit.

BEST STRATEGIES FOR NETWORKING

Keep a spreadsheet to help you organize and track who you have talked to and any follow up.

Find events to attend and go with a goal in mind, take friends if you need the support but be sure to spread out.

Use social media to help you! Have a fresh resume that you can easily make

changes to and send upon request.Be genuine in getting to know the person and offering

to help him/her as well.Use an email you check often.Don’t overwhelm yourself.

BEST STRATEGIES FOR NETWORKING

What if I am shy or the thought of going to a networking event makes me cringe?

What if I reach out to someone and I never hear back?

Is it better to email the contact directly or ask someone to do an email introduction?

What if someone gave me more people to talk to and I just got offered a position?

What if I spent all this time networking and it led nowhere?

TROUBLESHOOTING

Let’s get to work!Networking Worksheet Set goals & identify current network

Set networking goals List who you know List who knows who you know Action plan for connecting Highlight one you plan to work on this summer

See example and fill out your own!

HOW CAN YOU NETWORK EFFECTIVELY?

Learning Objectives of this Session:

Understand the importance and value of networking

Identify a current network of contacts to build upon

Leave with a specific networking action plan

IN CLOSING…

THANK YOU!

Julie Schrader

Manager, Employer DevelopmentButler UniversityInternship and Career ServicesAtherton Union 3154600 Sunset AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46208

jschrade@butler.edu(317) 940-8802