The Art of Networking

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The Art of Networking

• Presenters
• LaShawanda Lands
• Cleshea Macklin
• Networking Skills for Students
• Society of Women Engineers Conference
• October 9-12, 2002
• Detroit, Michigan

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Agenda

• Introduction of Speakers Agenda
• Brief Info on DuPont
• Icebreaker Getting to Know Others
• Presentation The Art of Networking
• Activities First Impression, Networking in
  Action
• Conclusion
• Reflections
• Happy Networking!!!!

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DuPont Core Values

• Safety, Health and Environmental Stewardship
  Our goal is zero injuries, illnesses, incidents,
  emissions.
• Valuing People Treat people fairly and with
  respect
• Ethics Integrity and high ethical standards

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Knowledge IntensityLeveraging Brands
5
Icebreaker
Getting to Know Others

• Pair up in twos
• Try and find four things you have in common
• Each group of twos pair up with another group
• Once again try and find four things in common
• Each group of fours pair up with another group
• NOW try to find four things in common!

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What is Networking?

• Getting to know people of all walks of life
• Ability to approach new people and communicate in
  a way that lends to a connection for a possible
  future relationship
• Ability to relate well with others
• Sharing, supporting, and serving
• Meeting people and being open for people to meet
  you.

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Why Network?

• To increase your knowledge in certain areas
• Employment opportunities
• People who find jobs through personal contacts
  find better, more satisfying, better paying jobs
• Solid working relationships
• Helpful when faced with tough situations
• Offer your expertise to others in need
• Build business relationships
• Potential customers or partners

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Why Network?

• According to Dr. Wayne Baker of the HUMAX
  Learning Network, the average professional knows
  3500 people directly...and each of these people
  has a similar number of contacts.
• .
• .
• .
• .
• So...tell us, why should YOU network?

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Who makes up the Network?

• Family
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Professionals in your Field
• Suppliers

• Clients
• Co-workers
• Clubs or Association Members
• Volunteer Groups
• Acquaintances

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Activity The First Impression

• The first impression is a lasting impression
  So... make it good!!!
• Important to have good eye contact
• Important to have a firm handshake

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Rules of Good Networking

• Be Open.
• Be prepared.
• Give just to give.
• Treat everyone as equals.
• Say thank-you.
• Commit.
• Be courteous.
• Circulate.

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Getting Started

• FIRST,
• Make a List of Critical Contacts
• Then Identify the Gaps
• NOW,
• For 2 weeks, keep a log of all interactions
• Who, What, Where Why
• Improve Critical Relationships
• What do these people need and how can you help
  them?
• Fill the Gaps
• Start developing these new relationships

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Organizing Your Network

• Tools
• Computer Databases
• Hand-Held Organizers
• Business Card File
• Index Cards
• To-Do List
• What to Record
• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• What school
• What major
• Who they work for
• Who introduced you
• Key Conversations

The key is to use any system that will keep you
organized and effective in building and
developing your network!
Tip Always bring something to put business
cards in.
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Maintaining Your Network

• Follow-Up Immediately Dont Wait!
• Send Thank You Notes/Letters
• Send Holiday Cards
• Remember and Acknowledge Birthdays, Anniversaries
  and Special Occasions
• Update Contacts when important events happen in
  your life
• Keep your contact information up to date. Inform
  others of when you move or change phone numbers.
• If involved in any type of group, attend meetings
  regularly
• Find out what YOU can do to help those in your
  network
• YOU MUST MAKE THE EFFORT!

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Networking in Action
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Final Words of Advice

• Dont be afraid to make the first move
• Attending Meetings
• Arrive Early
• Have a Goal in Mind
• Have Writing Materials Plenty of Business Cards
• Circulate Do not huddle with co-workers or
  friends
• DO NOT misuse or abuse your network
• Build Mutual Understanding
• Interact in a way that benefits both parties
• Continually Evaluate your Relationships
• How can you improve?
• Get Give as much Feedback as possible

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In conclusion

• Up, with your bosses...
• Down, with your subordinates...
• Laterally, with peers inside and outside the
  company.
• In all three directions, effective networking
  means that you identify key relationships, build
  mutual understanding and act in ways that benefit
  both sides.

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• Its not who you know or who knows you...but
  what you know about them and what they know about
  you

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References

• http//www.canadaone.com/ezine/expert/expert39.htm
  l
• http//www.bradleycvs.demon.co.uk/jobhunt/networks
  .htm
• http//www.onlinewbc.org/Docs/manage/networking.ht
  ml
• http//www.humax.net/boardroom.html
• http//www.labor.state.ny.us/html/jssearch/network
  .htm

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Reflections