honors prof night - networking

Aaron Von Qualen

Building Your Network

What is Networking?•Networks: Groups of people who talk

and share ideas , information, and resources.

Building Your Network

•Networking: Discovering connections between people.

Why is Networking Important?

Building Your Network

5 tips

Building Your Network

Building your Network

for

Building Your Network

Preparation

Tip #1

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

Know who will be attending… Have an elevator speech… Have networking questions

ready… Have a game plan to end

conversation… Set goals for a networking

session…

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

Rules for an Elevator Speech: It should be 30 seconds or less. Your skill (or how you benefit a

potential employer) should be clear.

Include your passion. There should be a goal.

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

I am currently working in the Honors Program at Illinois State University. I have found my passion for serving students who are pursuing higher education. My friends and coworkers often tell me that I have the ability to relate to anyone that I meet. I am a very hard worker and have the ability to adapt to new situations quickly. Because I’m inspired by the students I work with, I’m looking for a position that uses my passion to help young adults grow into well-rounded professionals.

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

CONVERSATION STARTERS YOU WILL ACTUALLY USE• “So ______, what exactly do you do at

____?

• “HI ____, please tell me about you.”

• “What got you involved in this organization/event?”

• “How did you get involved with this kind of work and what have you enjoyed most from your experience?”

• “What can you tell me about_____?”

• “What do you do when you are not _____?”

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

HOW TO END A CONVERSATION AT A NETWORKING EVENT

• It was a pleasure talking with you, but I am going to go check out another table.

• I have to head out now, but I really enjoyed hearing about your work.

• I had a great time talking with you—are you planning to go to the expo next month?

• It’s been great getting to know you, but I need to say hello to a few more folks around here. I hope you have a great evening.

• I need to say hello to a few others here, but can we plan to connect next week?

Tip #1: Preparation

Building Your Network

Networking is not a skill that comes natural to anyone. It takes time and practice.

Building Your Network

Work the Room

Tip #2

Tip #2: Work the Room

Building Your Network

Wear a name tag on your right side. A person’s eyes will follow the line of sight from the handshake.

Tip #2: Work the Room

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CHALLENGES

Starting conversation

Making small talk and

continue conversations

Ending conversations

Tip #2: Work the Room

Building Your Network

If you are stuck, approach a group of three. One of them may not be actively engaged in the conversation and willing to talk with

you.

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Networking Tools

Tip #3

Tip #3: Networking Tools

Building Your Network

Tip #3: Networking Tools

Building Your Network

3 RULES TO SMART BUSINESS CARD

ETIQUETTE1. Keep your card to yourself

2. Give your business card out when

they ask for it3. Don’t waste contact information

Tip #3: Networking Tools

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A FEW BUSINESS CARD TIPS: Keep at least 15-20 cards on you

Keep them carry case for protection Every professional and student should

have one Take notes on the back of the business

card

Tip #3: Networking Tools

Building Your Network

Building Your Network

Build Meaningful Relationships

Tip #4

Tip #4: Build Meaningful Relationships

Building Your Network

Tip #4: Build Meaningful Relationships

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Read the Room

Non-verbal cues

Introvert vs. Extrovert

Tip #4: Build Meaningful Relationships

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TRY TO SEEK OUT NETWORKING

COMMUNITIES

Student Organizations

Professional Associations

Internships

Career Fairs

Volunteer

Book Clubs

Family

Friends

OPPORTUNITIES COME TO THOSE WHO ARE VISIBLE!

Tip #4: Build Meaningful Relationships

Building Your Network

Share stories Connect with people on a personal

level Find out…

Common interests Common passions Common circle of friends

And How can you help them?

Always Focus on Building a Connection with People

Tip #4: Build Meaningful Relationships

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We are all unique individuals, with…

…Unique sets of experiences

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Build and Maintain Connections

Tip #5

Tip #5: Build and Maintain Connections

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DO NOT BE SELECTIVE IN BUILDING YOUR NETWORK

Tip #5: Build and Maintain Connections

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Remember to keep in touch…

…without asking for favors

Tip #5: Build and Maintain Connections

Building Your Network

ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU!Job interviews Receiving a gift Benefitted from a

recommendation Someone supported

you

Building Your Network