The Networking Process and How It Works–

Essential steps for Success!

Experience

38- years of administrative experience oFormer University Athletic Director (Retired)

Missouri Baptist UniversityoAssistant Professor of Sport ManagementoUndergraduate sport management

coordinator o Inducted Into Three Hall of FamesEducation

o M.S. in Sport Managemento B.S. in Education o Lifetime Secondary Education Teaching

Certificates History/Health/PE

◦Faster Answers to Questions ◦Safety Net in a rapidly changing business world

◦Less need to be an expert ◦Resource for Business Deals, Alliances, Jobs

◦Prepare by learning from others

Success… ◦It’s not what you know…. ◦It’s not who you know…. ◦It’s who wants to know you !!

I used to think that networking was begging.

Then I realized that is not what people hear. When you network professionally, people respect the effort you have made, even if they can't help you right away,

If you sit back and wait, opportunity will pass you by. You are always up against other people. If you want to be noticed you have to take action."

If you want to be noticed, you have to make yourself known,

1. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. “ Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return.”

2. groups of people who talk and share ideas, information, and resources. Networking —discovering connections between people.

◦ Establishing goals. ◦ Analyzing the type of assistance you will need to

achieve your goals. ◦ Developing your people skills. ◦ Building and cultivating your network. ◦ Maintaining your network through the years.

◦ People love to give advice ◦ People like being thought of as “experts” ◦ Networking is not just asking for help, but

agreeing to be helpful in return. ◦ 75% of people get their jobs through

networking. ◦ Many positions are filled before they are even

posted! ◦ People like to be “heroes”

◦ Every person knows at least 250 other people. ◦ Each of your contacts knows at least 250

people. So that’s 62,500 at your level. ◦ Each of your level contacts knows 250 people -

and that’s over 15,000,000! Speed Networking Example o Crowdo Individual

◦ Family/Friends ◦ Friends of Family/Neighbors ◦ Classmates/Alumni ◦ Contacts from Special Interest Groups (e.g.,

Sorority, Fraternity, Student organizations) ◦ Members of your religious congregation ◦ People dependant upon networking (e.g.,

realtors, insurance agents) ◦ Former employers/co-workers

◦ Recruiters/employers who give presentations on campus.

◦ Other job candidates ◦ LUC Alumni Sharing Knowledge (LUC-ASK) ◦ Professional Associations ◦ Contacts in the Career Center ◦ Former teachers, current professors and staff

◦ Assess your own interests, skills, knowledge areas, and personal attributes. Take stock so you can speak about yourself with enthusiasm.

◦ Research information about your potential network contact and his/her field.

◦ Decide what information you would like to obtain from your contact and prepare a list of questions you would like to have answered (see “Guide to Informational Interviewing” for sample questions).

◦ Remember that you are representing yourself and Loyola as a whole.

◦ Do not ask for a job or internship (ask for advice, information, and other contacts).

◦ Do not spam with multiple e-mails or stalk with multiple phone calls.

◦ Do not act unprofessionally or negatively. ◦ Do not ask your contact to mass distribute your

resume. ◦ Do not share their contact information with

others unless you have permission to do so.

1 Contacts : Call, e-mail or write a letter. 2, 3, etc. Contacts: Send an “Approach” letter followed by a phone call. ATTACH YOUR RESUME AND INDICATE THAT IT’S ONLY FOR REFERENCE!

Purpose : Set up a meeting to discuss your needs, interests and goals

◦ Your letter should include: A brief introduction and your affiliation with Loyola Why you are writing to this individual; why you are

interested in this field or organization A brief statement of your interests and/or experience That you would like to schedule a 15-30 minute

meeting with them over the phone or in person That you are asking for information and advice. Information about arrangements for the meeting or call

with suggested dates, times and locations. ◦ Proofread all of your correspondence and be professional

in your tone. Even if this is already an “acquaintance” you should be formal and professional with them.

◦ Tell them who you are, why you are calling & what you need. Always ask if this is a convenient time to talk.

◦ Tell them you don’t expect an immediate answer - ask if you can call them back at a later date.

 Ask them: ◦ To be part of your personal NETWORK. ◦ For advice & input. ◦ To recommend their tips for getting a foot in the door in

this particular field or industry. ◦ To refer you to others who might be able to assist and

give advice (ONLY if you are comfortable asking). Tell Your Contact What You Need

◦ Be polite, respectful, and charming! ◦ Dress professionally for in-person meetings. ◦ Have 10-15 appropriate questions ready to ask for a half

hour conversation, (see Networking Guidelines for examples of informational interview questions).

◦ Be prepared for the person to ask you about your interests and experiences.

◦ Be respectful of the person’s time and keep the conversation short; they will let you know if they have additional time to share.

◦ Say “Thank You” at the conclusion of your conversation!

◦ If your contact refers you to others, follow-up with them. Make sure to immediately mention your mutual contact and why they thought this new person might be helpful.

◦ Keep your contacts informed. If your original contact referred you to someone who was helpful, share that with her/him. Likewise, if a particular resource or research avenue was fruitful, let the person know.

◦ Take notes after your interactions. They may be helpful to refer to when reflecting on your conversation and conducting follow-up.

◦ Send a thank you note within 24-48 hours –either by email or handwritten. Include “How can I help you in return?”

◦ Ask yourself: What did I learn from my conversation? How does what I learned fit with my own interests, abilities, goals, and values? What additional information would be helpful to know?

Develop Good People Skills

◦ Assert yourself positively and confidently. ◦ Ask good questions. ◦ Be a good listener. ◦ Be viewed as knowledgeable or skillful in a

particular area. ◦ Show interest in being of assistance to others.

◦ Voicemail / Answering Machine – have a professional voicemail message.

◦ Social Networking websites – Keep your profile professional. Many people can access your information, even if your privacy settings are set to the maximum!

◦ Email address – again, keep it professional! Do not use something like “cutygirl89@hotmail” or “johnny420@yahoo”—those will not make good impressions.

◦ Your Name ◦ Description of Target Career Interest ◦ Home Address ◦ City, State Zip ◦ Phone E-Mail Address ◦ URL (optional) ◦ A business card creates an impression of

professionalism and quickly provides your contact information.

◦ Business cards can be created online or at any printing/copy store.

◦ Contact name, title, company ◦ Address, Phone # & E-Mail address ◦ How you met contact ◦ Date last contacted ◦ Conversation summary ◦ Names of referrals ◦ Date of thank-you note for referrals ◦ Other follow up steps you took

◦ Don’t let your “rolodex” gather dust – keep in touch through sending occasional emails, updates, links to articles, etc.

◦ Keep your contacts up-to-date on your progress. ◦ Always thank people!

◦ “ Remember, part of networking is giving to other people. The best networkers know that networking is much more than passing around resumes. It involves building relationships over time...”

◦ “Build Your Network, Now !” Final Thoughts…

Thanks!