Networking

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Networking

• Kathie Leslie
• Dave Menachery
• Sam Chambers
• Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.

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What is a Network?
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Network

• Noun
• An interconnected system of things or people
• A network is a number of computers tied
  together to share information and hardware
• Verb
• Communicate with and within a group

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Why bother?
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• Resources (information, knowledge, money,
  connections)
• Having a well established network makes life
  easier

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Ok, so how does it work?
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Networking can happen anywhere

• Elevators
• Professional meetings
• Conferences
• Dinner parties
• At the store
• With family and friends
• Volunteer organizations

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How do I start?

• Be interested and ask good questions
• Mini exercise You just attended a lecture and
  were very impressed with the speaker. You would
  love to get a job with that company. What can
  you do?

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What comes next

• Follow up
• Mini exercise Now that youve made contact
  think of three things you can do to follow up

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What about those elevator speeches we keep
hearing about?

• How would you feel if you were on an elevator and
  a stranger started to talk with you that way?
• Curiosity and relationship-building starts with
  putting the other person at ease. Most people
  like talking about themselves and their passions,
  not hearing about yours.

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Dont be afraid to ask for advice

• Most people want to help others
• Most people are flattered to be asked
• Be respectful of others time

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Your questions answered
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How can I create networks and contacts as a
student?
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Networking Opportunities for Students

• Faculty
• Internships/ co-ops
• Peers
• Alumni
• Family/ community
• Professional Organizations
• Volunteer

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What etiquette is important in professional
networking that may not be obvious to a novice?
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Etiquette

• Be polite. Ask people for their time.
• Be sensitive to other commitments.
• Say thank you.
• Follow up.
• If you asked for the meeting youre the host.
  That means you pay for lunch.

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What tips can you provide for crafting a
one-minute elevator speech?
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Elevator Speech

• Dont start by selling. Start by asking
  questions.
• Try to find common ground.
• When you have the opportunity, be concise and hit
  only the high points.
• Practice with your friends/ family ahead of time
  so youre ready.
• Follow up.

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Once connections are made with professionals who
become part of your network, what are appropriate
ways to stay in touch?
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Staying in touch

• Ask them what they prefer
• An e-mail, voice mail or phone call periodically
  is nice.
• A personal thank you note is often appreciated.
  It cant be generic.
• Send them something you think they might be
  interested in a link to a website, a copy of an
  article.

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Is there a different mode of networking for men
and women?
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Venus and Mars

• Men and women are different and they communicate
  differently. Read up and learn to talk to the
  other sex their way.
• Good Resources Deborah Tannen or John Gray

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How can new employees appropriately address
supervisors who lack interpersonal communication
skills and the ability to assist employees in
developing their skills and advancing in an
organization?
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Bosses

• Expand your network beyond your boss
• Employee events
• Extra curricular activities
• Work teams

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Questions/ Comments/ Stories?