How to Network Effectively

How to Network Effectively
by eHow Careers & Work Editor
Introduction
Networking can get you a job or otherwise expand your business horizons. The key to networking is taking the initiative ' and refining your conversational skills.
Instructions
Steps
1
Step One
Stay in touch with people you like and respect even if they can't help you immediately. You don't want to go to someone only when you are desperate.
2
Step Two
Talk to people you don't know everywhere you go. Cocktail parties and weddings are just the tip of the iceberg; don't forget about airplane rides, supermarket lines, sporting events, festivals, bookstores and so on.
3
Step Three
Learn to ask "What do you do?" with comfort, sincerity and interest.
4
Step Four
Become a better listener. Ask a question and then be quiet until you hear the answer.
5
Step Five
Practice your own presentation of your skills. Learn more than one approach, whether frank or subtle.
6
Step Six
Keep a great updated brochure, business card or other form of information about yourself on you at all times. Get comfortable handing out your card.
7
Step Seven
Take classes to improve your public speaking, body language and writing skills.
8
Step Eight
Join every networking club and association in your field.
9
Step Nine
Follow up on any lead, no matter how minor.
Member Comments
by Liz Beecher on 11/22/2005
Best Place to Network - If you know the person you are networking with well, then one of the best places to meet is in a social environment such as a bar or restaurant. People are a lot more willing to agree to help when they feel relaxed.
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by Abhishek Kumar on 11/22/2005
Networking and signals - In the first few moments of any encounter, you are emitting millions of non-verbal subconscious signals to the other person, and their subconscious is also picking it up. So, don't worry too much about what you say. It can be mundane, regular stuff. You don't have to dazzle them with your brilliance, charm, and wit in the first few seconds. Focus on maintaining a positive demeanor, being sincere, and listening.
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by C McCarten on 11/22/2005
Treat people well right now... - ...regardless of who you're currently working with. These same co-workers could be a valuable lifeline later.
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by Larry Kiersznowski on 11/22/2005
Break the ice first - Don't be in too much of a hurry to promote yourself. It is usually more effective to begin with friendly, idle chats and gradually work into the professional angle.
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by eHow Friend on 11/22/2005
Key to great networking - Don't be too calculating. Instead be professional, but also warm, cheerful and friendly. Positive thinking is the key; create a positive aura around you. A little spontaneity also helps.
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Making the Most of Your First Job, Walter Jackson, Ph.D., Bates, '69

Making the Most of Your First Job

• View Your First Job As An Extension of Your Education
  The main task on your first job is to learn about the world of work and how organizations are run. Observe others, meet people, build a network, ask questions and be curious. Approach every task or meeting as an opportunity to learn, even if it is to learn about what you don’t like or are not good at. Don’t complain at work, find somewhere else to unload.

• Remember that difficult or unpleasant job assignments and bosses offer some of the best learning experiences early in a career. Stretch yourself, don’t be afraid to fail.
  
• Be Aware Of How You Are Managing Your Personal Brand
  One of the biggest stereotypes or complaints that Boomers have about Generation Y is that they often expect too much too soon and are not willing to put in their time to learn about the organization. Be aware that these and other stereotypes are afoot in the workplace and that people may apply them to you. If you are not actively managing your reputation, others will define it for you. Don’t provide opportunities for others to label you with a negative stereotype, e.g. Do your “My Space” and “Facebook” pages reflect how you want to be seen as a professional? Ask questions; seek out the advice of more seasoned employees regarding how things work in the organization. Be courteous and friendly with support staff, they can make or break your reputation within the company.
  
• Develop An Understanding of Organizational Culture, Power and Influence
  Study the organizational charts, but find out how things really get done and who makes things happen. Observe what kinds of behaviors get rewarded and who is successful. Study the leaders in your organization, which ones are admired and why? How do they make decisions or influence others? Understand the company’s mission statement and how the reality of day to day life measures up to it. Engage others in conversations about what works and what doesn’t. Be collaborative, help make others successful.
  
• Continually Learn About Yourself
  Your first job is an opportunity to learn about yourself as a professional. Take charge of your own learning, find out what are you good at, what you're not and what kind of work you prefer and what gives you a sense of satisfaction. As you have opportunities to interact in meetings, watch how others behave. Who is effective influencing a group and why. Find a colleague or a mentor who will give you honest feedback on how you come across in meetings and presentations. Develop a list of things that you want to learn about or get better at. Challenge yourself, volunteer for project work or to help out others in your department. Look for opportunities to build leadership and networking skills outside of your main job by volunteering to help with company sponsored community activities like United Way or other community based activities like the Bates Business Network.

Welcome

Hello everyone,

This is the first official Blog Post of The Boston Bates Business Network Blog. We are grateful that some Bates alumni that are members of the Boston Business Community have volunteered to contribute their time, thoughts, and experiences on this site. We are hoping that this can be an informational resource for alumni and students, with a focus on business. We also believe this forum will help stimulate discussion and assist the steering committee in addressing issues prevalent to the Boston business community.

We have an eclectic group of experienced committee members and alumni that will post helpful advice, information about various industries, and their general thoughts about their spectrum of knowledge in the business world. There are also links to the Bates social networking groups and additional resources available. We hope that you visit often to stay current with the Boston Bates Business Network. Please feel free to email us with suggestions or questions and we will reach out to find alumni to address you query. If you would like to contribute, please let us know. We are always looking for informative content.

Financial Crisis

Interesting article from the famed Michael Lewis of Liar's Poker, Moneyball and Blind Side. Definitely worth a read.