We’ve all have heard the cliché “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” This statement isn’t intended to minimize your knowledge…but encourage you spend time in front of the right people. Learning how to network effectively and efficiently can help you at every stage of your professional career.

1. Winning the Networking Game
April 18, 2008
Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR
ITM Group, Inc.
954.217.2165
slauby@itmgroupinc.com

2. Agenda
• Purpose of Networking
• Creating Your Network
• Do’s and Don'ts for Success

3. The Purpose of Networking
• Passing along information and ideas
• For the purpose of being a value/service
When was the last time you:
did someone a favor, provided encouragement,
gave someone a piece of information, asked for
help, made a recommendation…?

4. Who Can I Network With?
• Your Core Network
▫ Family Members
▫ Friends
▫ Mentors
▫ Buddy Relationships
• Your Expanded
Network
▫ Business Associates
▫ Acquaintances

5. The Players
(Networking with Introverts & Extroverts)
INTROVERTS
• Think before speaking
• Good listeners
• Modest
• Relate well to others
• Tend to observe first before
taking action
EXTROVERTS
• At ease with small talk
• Enjoy being around crowds
and activity
• Tend to think out loud
• Assertive
• Effective brainstormers

6. The Rules
(How to Build & Maintain Contacts)
• Initiate conversations
• Discover common interests
• Active listening
• Ask open-ended questions
Try using the ASK-OFFER-THANK rule in your
conversations!

7. How Do You Network?
• Mingling is the place to meet people
• Have your supplies ready
▫ Pen, Business Cards, Calendar
• Be yourself
• Don’t be afraid to end the conversation
What do you want to accomplish?

8. High Tech Networking
• Let technology help you stay organized
• Choose the right communication tool
▫ Voicemail/Phone/E-Mail
• Use technology for information
▫ Internet
▫ Blogs, Twitter, Social Networks, etc.
• Share technology with others
▫ Articles, Websites, etc.

9. Networking in the Community
• Colleges & Universities, Alumni Associations
• Industry & Trade Associations
• Chambers of Commerce & Business
Associations
• Civic & Neighborhood Associations
• Board of Directors
• Networking Clubs
• Writing Articles
• Event Planning

10. Networking Turnoffs
• Selling and/or Overselling
• Hogging the Conversation
• Being Insincere
• Treating People Poorly
• The Magically Appearing Business Card (and/or
resume)
• Being Too Personal
• Being Lazy with Relationships

11. Win the Game (…and get the job!)
• Stay positive
• Be as good as your word
• Follow-up and thank you
▫ Phone Calls
▫ E-Mails
▫ Letters and/or notes
• Personalized touches
• Don’t stop once you land a position

12. Traits of a Master Networker
• Be Aware
• Be Responsive
▫ Don’t miss out on an opportunity
• Make Connections
▫ It’s About Quality not Quantity
• Be a Great Listener
• Have Good Recall Skills
▫ Great way to build relationships

13. Traits of a Master Networker
• Stay Organized
▫ Manage your contact information (phone
numbers, dates, etc.)
• Create Possibilities
▫ Ask Questions
• Know Your Goals & Focus on Them
• Give and Receive
• Be Consistent
▫ It’s a lifestyle!

14. Thank You!
Sharlyn Lauby, SPHR
ITM Group, Inc.
954.217.2165
slauby@itmgroupinc.com