February 10, 2009
The assistant director of the JMLS real estate center hosted a networking workshop for students. Attending the workshop was actually a prerequisite to attending a mock networking event at the school next week. The workshop, titled "Networking 101: Practical tips for converting a cocktail party into a long-term network", covered a lot of good points and presented an outline for having a strategy at networking events. Admittedly, I arrived a little late, so I missed the beginning. That said, I tried to take some good notes so I could describe some of the better points of the workshop here. Below is an overview infused with some of my own thoughts Keep in mind, the workshop was presented from a student's prospective seeking to network with potential employers.
The workshop focused on developing a plan and goals when attending networking events; and then executing that plan through preparation, confidence, and follow up. The key to effective networking is right in the title of the workshop: turning a networking event into a long-term relationship.
First, you need preparation. Many structured networking events will provide a list of the people who are attending, or at the very least are themed such so that you know what industry is likely to be there. That said, prepare goals beforehand and stick to them. Your goal should reflect what you want to get out of the event, such as meeting a certain professional or gaining certain knowledge. Keep in mind, the ultimate goal of forming a long-term professional relationship is accomplished through the follow up after the event.
Second is the event itself. The assistant director offered several good tips and strategies for easing the tension of a networking event. Upon arrival, take time to review the program if there is any, or survey the registration table to get a feel for who is going to be there. Take a lap around the room to see if there is a particular person who you want to meet. The most important thing to remember is that every one is there to meet people, and that all if not most people are a little nervous about the introduction. Therefore, you need to stay confident and introduce yourself, even if it feels a little awkward. By taking the initial step, you most likely are relieving the pressure from the other person. To help with this tension, many structured events will have an activity, such as formal introductions or games like meeting ten people in order to be eligible for a raffle.
When you are past the introduction, make sure you ask questions. Try to only ask questions you want to know the answer to. If your goal is information, ask questions focused on leading to that information. Likewise, if you are seeking to meet particular professionals, make sure you discover who those professionals are.
Ending a conversation can be as awkward and just as difficult as beginning one. The workshop suggested to end a conversation when it is not meeting your goals, or it has run its natural course. That said, keep in mind that networking is about relationship building. It is difficult to predict the path your career will take, so be wary of prematurely ending conversations that might not be "meeting your goals" for the evening. Also, always bow out of a conversation gracefully. If there is not an out, then remember there's nothing wrong with simply ending the conversation with a "nice to meet you" and a hand shake.
The final point the workshop focused on is, I believe, the most important: the follow up. Networking events can be similar to speed dating. The idea is to get to know someone enough in a short amount of time to want to speak with them again. Make sure you send a follow up email or note to people you want might want in your professional network within a day or two. However, do not just coldly send a resume unless it was requested. You need to follow up in person first and begin to build a relationship. Remember to take notes at the event to help you remember people. The easiest way is to jot a few things down on the back of their business card, including the name they use if different from the formal name on their business card.
As the workshop described, the idea behind networking events is to be able to meet new people and hopefully grow relationships such that they become part of your professional network. That needs to always be the mindset, even for students seeking employment.
Nate
The assistant director of the JMLS real estate center hosted a networking workshop for students. Attending the workshop was actually a prerequisite to attending a mock networking event at the school next week. The workshop, titled "Networking 101: Practical tips for converting a cocktail party into a long-term network", covered a lot of good points and presented an outline for having a strategy at networking events. Admittedly, I arrived a little late, so I missed the beginning. That said, I tried to take some good notes so I could describe some of the better points of the workshop here. Below is an overview infused with some of my own thoughts Keep in mind, the workshop was presented from a student's prospective seeking to network with potential employers.
The workshop focused on developing a plan and goals when attending networking events; and then executing that plan through preparation, confidence, and follow up. The key to effective networking is right in the title of the workshop: turning a networking event into a long-term relationship.
First, you need preparation. Many structured networking events will provide a list of the people who are attending, or at the very least are themed such so that you know what industry is likely to be there. That said, prepare goals beforehand and stick to them. Your goal should reflect what you want to get out of the event, such as meeting a certain professional or gaining certain knowledge. Keep in mind, the ultimate goal of forming a long-term professional relationship is accomplished through the follow up after the event.
Second is the event itself. The assistant director offered several good tips and strategies for easing the tension of a networking event. Upon arrival, take time to review the program if there is any, or survey the registration table to get a feel for who is going to be there. Take a lap around the room to see if there is a particular person who you want to meet. The most important thing to remember is that every one is there to meet people, and that all if not most people are a little nervous about the introduction. Therefore, you need to stay confident and introduce yourself, even if it feels a little awkward. By taking the initial step, you most likely are relieving the pressure from the other person. To help with this tension, many structured events will have an activity, such as formal introductions or games like meeting ten people in order to be eligible for a raffle.
When you are past the introduction, make sure you ask questions. Try to only ask questions you want to know the answer to. If your goal is information, ask questions focused on leading to that information. Likewise, if you are seeking to meet particular professionals, make sure you discover who those professionals are.
Ending a conversation can be as awkward and just as difficult as beginning one. The workshop suggested to end a conversation when it is not meeting your goals, or it has run its natural course. That said, keep in mind that networking is about relationship building. It is difficult to predict the path your career will take, so be wary of prematurely ending conversations that might not be "meeting your goals" for the evening. Also, always bow out of a conversation gracefully. If there is not an out, then remember there's nothing wrong with simply ending the conversation with a "nice to meet you" and a hand shake.
The final point the workshop focused on is, I believe, the most important: the follow up. Networking events can be similar to speed dating. The idea is to get to know someone enough in a short amount of time to want to speak with them again. Make sure you send a follow up email or note to people you want might want in your professional network within a day or two. However, do not just coldly send a resume unless it was requested. You need to follow up in person first and begin to build a relationship. Remember to take notes at the event to help you remember people. The easiest way is to jot a few things down on the back of their business card, including the name they use if different from the formal name on their business card.
As the workshop described, the idea behind networking events is to be able to meet new people and hopefully grow relationships such that they become part of your professional network. That needs to always be the mindset, even for students seeking employment.
Nate
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