Ways to Network: • This can even be done through Facebook, twitter, linkedin, meetups or emails. • Make efforts to reach out and meet new people in person or online. • Be active and participate in social and/or extracurricular activities. • Getting involved with community service, student groups, etc

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2. Networking
Is practice of making contact and
exchanging information with other people
who have interests in similar areas.
**Networking is one of the most important
business skills you can have in today’s
age.**
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3. Networking Day-to-Day:
• As a business professional you need
to network day-to-day.
• Building and maintaining relationships
with friends is important too.
• Having contacts in the professional
field and from high school and
college is important with networking.
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4. Ways to Network:
• This can even be done through Facebook,
twitter, linkedin, meetups or emails.
• Make efforts to reach out and meet new
people in person or online.
• Be active and participate in social and/or
extracurricular activities.
• Getting involved with community service,
student groups, etc.
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5. Elevator Pitch:
• Elevator pitches are relaxed and
informal part of networking.
• Always state your current projects
and it’s good to include what you’re
currently working on because they
may know somebody that can help.
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6. Staying Ahead of the
Game…
• Younger professionals need to be sure to
emphasize the wiliness to learn and
receive direction, when they network.
• People are willing to help if you only ask.
• Educate yourself in your areas of interest.
• Keep well informed with what’s going on in
your field of interest.
– News, blogs, RSS feed
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7. Staying Ahead of the
Game… Cont….
• Seek ways to help others accomplish
goals while they help you accomplish
yours
• Hang out at the locations that the
people you need to know hang out
– Example: Attend trade shows, meetings,
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etc

8. Networking… Cont…
• If you are starting your own business,
research competition and pay close
attention to whom they are partnered
with.
• Facebook and LinkedIn are the most
common ways to network online with other
professionals.
• Consider joining the virtual world of
networking.
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9. Networking Online:
• Do not post personal information like your
address
• Exercise extreme caution.
• Be mindful of what you post online.
• Start a business account for both Facebook &
LinkedIn with a professional name.
• Simple ways to start; add all the groups that
relate to an area you think will help you reach
your goals.
• …
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10. Networking online: Cont…
• Write a personal note to the head of the groups and in a sentence or two
let them know what you’re about and what you are looking to accomplish
and your support.
– Example: “Thanks for joining ________ group. I’m graduating from college next
year but am working to get into this field. Keep up your commendable efforts
and please let me know if I can help out in any way”. Your Name. By the way do
you have any suggestions for someone looking to get into this field?”
• Make sure to have your elevator pitch ready to respond to questions on
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these sites.
• Be real. Don’t pretend to be an expert . . . let them know your starting to
look into this field. People naturally want to help others.
• Continue to add people to your network and keep in touch from time-to-time
by sending them relevant news or other information.

11. Mentors:
• Mentorship is a relationship with a person
that is experienced in the field or area
you seek help in.
• Most mentorships build over time and
many years.
• A mentor can help with trying to get you a
job, promotion, starting a business or even
advice on personal stuff you’re trying to
figure out
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12. Finding a mentor
• Decide what your goals are and what type of mentor will help you
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get there.
• Think about the skills you’d like to develop and locate mentors
that can help you develop those skills.
Where to find a mentor:
• Remember this is a long-term goal to find the right mentor . .
– College alumni organizations . . . ask career center.
– Professional organizations in your field
– Social networking
– Friends of friends or family
– Through an internship
– A boss or employer

13. Trusted Advisors
• It is important to work with trusted,
reputable and established professional
within any given field.
• Many financial planners, investment
bankers, Realtors, loan officers and other
financial professionals often work off of
commission and may not give the best
advice.
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14. Trusted Advisors: Cont….
• Overtime, you will build a team of trusted
professionals
– College planner
– Tax planner – the tax code has over 15,000
pages . . . either learn them all or find a
professional to do your taxes.
– Lawyer
– Financial coach, advisor or professional
– Realtor & mortgage professional – if you plan
on purchasing a home.
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15. Questions to Ask
Potential Advisors:
• How many years have you been in your respective
field?
• Are you knowledgeable in real estate matters?
• What are your fees and how do you get paid?
• What credentials do you have?
• What professional boards do you belong to?
• Have you ever had any disciplinary action?
• What is your past experience?
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16. Questions to Ask
Potential Advisors:
• What other services do you offer?
• How many years experience do you have?
• What credentials do you have?
• Do you invest your own money in the stocks or funds
you’re recommending? (If not, why not?)
• What professional boards do you belong to?
• Have you ever had any disciplinary action?
• What other services do you offer?
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