2. How Do I Network? Every contact is an opportunity to network!
3. The Hidden Market The power of the referral:âDo you know of anyoneâŠ?â Word of mouth These opportunities can only be found through networking! Professional Social
4. Types of networking contacts Potential contacts âwarmâ contacts People I know âcoldâ contacts People I want to get to know âlukewarmâ contacts People open to networking
5. How To Get Started Opportunities to network online LinkedIn Facebook BranchOut Twitter Discussion boards/blogs Plus many more!!!
6. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Online professional networking site Allows the user to: Establish a professional profile Link directly with contacts Join networking groups Research companies Find more contacts through existing connections
7. Using LinkedIn to Network Get Started: Establish a professional profile. Building your connections: 1st person connections: people you are already connected to Search past colleagues/classmates Have LinkedIn âsuggestâ possible connections 2nd or 3rd person connections The connections of your 1st person connections Get introduced Groups Online networking groups based on a common theme: school attended, geographic location, industry, etc. Provides you with instant connections Networking on LinkedIn:Do not just sit back and wait, find connections that will help you Use the âAdvance Searchâ feature Company Research: Research companies in your industry and link with people who work there Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking
8. Facebook/BranchOut Facebook: www.facebook.com Social networking Can be used for career networking BranchOut: www.branchout.com Facebookâs new professional networking application Allows the user to conduct professional networking on Facebook, without the pitfalls of personal information
9. Using Facebook/BranchOut to Network Get Started: Establish a Facebook profile. Keep it personal or professional? Building your connections: Search out friends, family, colleagues, classmates, etc. Have Facebook âsuggestâ possible connections Networking on Facebook:Find connections that will help you Take precautions with your personal information! Networking on BranchOut: Establish a BranchOut profile (import from LinkedIn) Invite key Facebook connections to connect with you on BranchOut Make the Connection:Online networking leads to in person networking
10. Twitter: www.twitter.com Online communication site Allows the user to: Establish a profile Link directly with followers/follow other Share information and current status
11. Using Twitter to Network Get Started: Establish an account/ build your bio. Gaining followers: Begin following others Be selective! Link your Twitter account with other social media Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Tweet (and make it interesting!) Networking on Twitter:Followers/people you are following can easily become networking contacts! Follow Companies: Find and follow companies in your industry Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking
12. Using Your Social Media Contacts It should never be all about you! Identify key individuals Who can help you? Identify companies/groups of interest Form and maintain the relationship âProfessional friendshipsâ
13. Increase Your Visibility Online professional networking groups/discussions LinkedIn Social networking FaceBook Twitter Message boards/blogs Articles and publications Sponsorships Volunteerism
14. Six Rules For Networking Get started It is easier than you think Present yourself well Develop a pitch and practice it Obtain referrals and follow-up on referrals Make the right contacts Contacts that are in a position to help you are the best contacts to have Send thank-you notes Maintain the relationship
15. Networking: Positives And Negatives Positives: Itâs successful! Eliminates the competition Feel like you are making progress Negatives: Time intensive Difficult for the shy or introverted
16. Networking: A Summary A Process: It will take time Use all the tools in your toolbox Always be networking! âŠbut it is not all about how your contacts can help you Perseverance: Donât give up Stay positive Stay marketable