This document provides information on how to effectively network to find new contacts. It defines networking as developing mutually valuable relationships through activities like meeting people to share information and find business opportunities. The document outlines why networking is important, such as finding jobs, having a support system, and accessing resources. It then gives tips for networking, including developing a plan specifying who to network with, when, where and how. It emphasizes following up with contacts and maintaining relationships. Overall, the document provides guidance on utilizing networking to proactively look for new professional contacts.

1. How to look for
contact

2. 2
Module M8 Digital networking for next generation
Competence
unit
U8.2 Building a digital
networking
Learning
outcome
Proactively look for new
contacts
Type of
resource
PowerPoint
(PPT)
Type of
learning
Face to Face
Resource title How to look for contacts
Learning
hours
1 Hour
Contents
- What is Networking
- Why to use Network?
- How to benefit from it
- Networking Tips

3. Let's go inside the networking world

4. Networking
Networking is about doing what
your mother told you to never
do... talk to strangers.
It's like playing host at someone
else's party. At a real level, it's
about learning about other
people and finding the links that
you have with them.
44

5. Networking definition
5
- Networking is a socioeconomic business activity by
which businesspeople and entrepreneurs meet to
form business relationships and to recognize, create, or act
upon business opportunities, share information and seek potential
partners for ventures.
5

6. 6
A Networking Example
6

7. 7
A Networking Example 2

8. What is Networking
8
➤ Networks - groups of
people who talk and share
ideas, information, and
resources.
➤ Networking - discovering
connections between
people.
8

9. Why Network?
➤ Faster Answers to Questions
➤ Safety Net in a rapidly
changing business world
➤ Less need to be an expert
➤ Resource for Business
Deals, Alliances, Jobs
9

10. Networking Plan
10
1. My Goal – Purpose
2. What relationships do I have/need?
3. How do I best access them?
4. What value can I bring? Bring it.
5. Establish how much time per week to devote and schedule it in.
6. Be patient, but monitor results over a sufficient period of time.
10

11. Tips for successful networking 1111

12. Why is Networking important
12
Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable
relationships
Key words :
➤ Development – Takes time
➤ Maintenance – ‘Not a one-time occurrence’
➤ Mutually valuable relationships – Focus is not ‘me’ centered
WHY is networking important?
➤ Networking is the #1 way to find a job
➤ Over 60% of job opportunities are obtained through networking 12

13. Networking skills
Reasons why Networking does not always come easy
➤ Fear
➤ Personality Types
➤ Unfamiliar Territory
➤ Getting started
Helpful Hints
➤ Develop your personal ‘elevator speech’ or commercial
➤ Practice with friends who can provide helpful feedback 13

14. Take one step at a time
14
Develop a Networking Plan
➢ Who
➢ When
➢ Where
➢ How
Work the plan
➢ Follow-up with every lead in a timely manner
➢ Keep a record of conversations and meetings
➢ Develop a contact follow-up schedule
➢ Thank those who help you
14

15. Develop a Networking Plan – Who?
15
Social Networks
➤ Who
➤ Friends, Family, Neighbors
➤ Alumni contacts
➤ Volunteer contacts
➤ Use networking tools – Facebook,
➤ LinkedIn, LinkedIn/Classmates, alumni groups
Professional Networks
➤ Chamber of Commerce
➤ Professional Networking events
➤ Voluntary organisations
➤ Economic Development Groups
➤ Small Business Development Groups
➤ Public Hearings
➤ Committee Involvement
15

16. Develop a Networking Plan – How?
16
Informational Interviews
➤ Can you tell me more about this company
➤ What do you do there?
➤ What do you like about your company?
➤ How did you get your position?
➤ What type of education or training are needed for this type of job?
➤ How do you apply for a position at your company? Is there someone in particular I should talk
to?
➤ Can you look at my resume and give me some feedback?
One-On-Many Approach
➤ Offer to speak at various local groups, organizations and associations
➤ Transform your expertise into an informative, concise and entertaining speech that will help
others boost business
16

17. Networking Tips
17
➢ Join professional organizations
➢ Attend industry conferences
➢ Attend Job Fairs
➢ Join support groups
➢ Volunteer your time and talents to
worthy causes
➢ Join a gym or other hobby clubs
➢ Identify mentors and/or coaches
➢ Schedule and conduct informational interviews
➢ Utilize Alumni Associations and career offices
➢ Follow up better than your competition
➢ Send Thank You Notes
17

18. Networking Tips
18
➢ Get a short and appropriate email address
➢ Order resume cards w/ brief resume stats
➢ Write and master a 30 second pitch
(record & listen)
➢ Build a LinkedIn profile and update it
often – Add recommendations
➢ Become active on LinkedIn groups
➢ Sign up on Twitter – follow any people who follow you
➢ Create an appropriate Facebook page
➢ Ask for referrals when sharing business & resume cards
➢ Join organizations & networks, chambers of commerce & business networks
➢ Participate in discussion forums
18

19. 19
Networking Do’s
➤ Be genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships
➤ Develop your goals for each networking meeting
➤ Visit groups that spark your interest
➤ Hold volunteer positions
➤ Ask Open-Ended questions
➤ Become known as a resource to others
➤ Articulate what you are looking for & what you do
➤ Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals
➤ Understand the needs of the people you are networking
with and offer some value to THEM
➤ Try to contact one person per day
➤ Go beyond your industry
19

20. 20
Networking Don’ts
➤ Don’t fear the ‘big shots’
➤ Don’t corner a ‘heavy-hitter’ with your personal life story at a social
event
➤ Don’t hand out business cards to everyone
➤ Don’t only talk to people you know
➤ Don’t waste time talking to ‘Me-ers’
➤ Don’t drink too much at evening events– obviously!
➤ Don’t expect anything
➤ Don’t dismiss anyone as irrelevant
➤ Don’t take ‘NO’ personally
20

21. Project Number: 2018-1-UK01-KA202-047909