smarter networking
TRANSCRIPT
SMARTER NETWORKING
#BOMA2016
Monday, June 273:30 - 4:15 pm (presentation)
4:15 - 5:00 pm (reception)
@kikilitalien
@kikilitalien
"The fundamental element that defines the quality of your life is the people you surround yourself with and the conversations you have with them.”
- Jon Levy
Agenda
@kikilitalien
■Mindset – How to approach your next networking experience
■Action – What to do and what not to do when networking
■Follow through – When you should follow up with new connections
@kikilitalien
“Why not use my social
network to collect the best
tips on networking?”
@kikilitalien
Most Important Lesson?
@kikilitalien
Don’t be intimidated.
@kikilitalien
Be kind to all.
@kikilitalien
Wear pants.
Summarizing Mindset
@kikilitalien
1. Recognize networking as an opportunity2. Be kind3. Wear pants (or “be prepared”)
Action – Rules of the networking road
@kikilitalienYour goal: Don’t make a bad impression
Did you know networking can make you smarter?
@kikilitalien
Research shows networking can make you smarter and happier!
@kikilitalien
Talk to a variety of people.
Seek people who know about things you don’t know about.
Be open to invitations to new events or opportunities.
Step outside of your comfort zone.
Andrea Kuzewski, researcher, METODO Social Sciences Institute
Collect new insights.
84% of execs in a recent survey said in-person networking builds stronger business relationships.
@kikilitalienwww.greatbusinessschools.org/networking
5 don’ts that will help you
@kikilitalien
1. Don’t jump into “talking shop”2. Don’t rush 3. Don’t dismiss people4. Don’t try to sell someone5. Don’t be a business card dispensary
Okay, and a 6th…
Don’t wimp out by talking too long to your friends.
@kikilitalien
“What do you do?”
@kikilitalien
Be curious. Create memories.
@kikilitalien
■Where are you from?■What’s the best session you’ve been to so
far?■What are you excited about these days?■What’s the best question you’ve been
asked so far today?
Have some interesting ideas to share
@kikilitalien
■What industry articles have you read recently?
■What are your hobbies?■What books are you reading?■What are you excited about these days?
Don’t rush, but also don’t take too much of someone’s time.
@kikilitalien
Think of how you might best provide value to that person or someone else who might be a valuable contact for them to know.
@kikilitalien
Been talking for a while?
“Are you going to be around? I’d like to walk around and maybe we can reconnect later.”
@kikilitalien
Summarizing Action
@kikilitalien
■Talk to all kinds of people – never assume■Be curious■Be genuine■Provide value
Follow through
@kikilitalien
■After a big multi-day conference? Give connections a few days to a week
■Keep thinking of ways you can provide value ■In general, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday afternoons
tend to be better days for reaching people ■Introductions – Do a double opt-in to make sure
each party is open to the introduction beforehand
@kikilitalien
Think You’re Ready?
@kikilitalien
Nervous? Strike the Power Pose
Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are
@kikilitalien
“You're the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.”
– Jim Rohn
Resources
■ Not Just Good for Business--Networking Can Make You Smarter – http://
www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/networking-can-make-you-smarter.html■ The author of 'The 4-Hour Workweek' shares a counterintuitive
networking strategy that helped catapult him to success– http://
www.businessinsider.com/counterintuitive-networking-strategy-2015-11
■ A master networker shares his top 20 networking tips– http://
www.businessinsider.com/master-networker-top-networking-tips-2015-10
@kikilitalien
"The fundamental element that defines the quality of your life is the people you surround yourself with and the conversations you have with them.”
- Jon Levy