Networking involves connecting with others through communication and sharing passions. It is important to start networking before you need connections by having a professional email and business cards, maintaining a positive social media presence, and attending events. When networking, ask questions to learn about others, have prepared talking points like local events or restaurants, and avoid dominating conversations. Follow up with new connections through thank you notes, emails, or connecting on social media. Everyone you meet has potential value in your network, so do not dismiss anyone.

3. What is Networking?!
“In its purest form, it’s about people enjoying other
people, communicating passions and connecting with
others who share those passions. ”
(Vest, 2014)

4. 1: Start Networking Before You Need It
• Networking is not a one time thing
• Have a professional E-mail account
• Think about investing in generic
business cards
• Make sure you have a positive social
media presence
• Always!

5. 2: Ask Questions
• People love talking about
themselves
• What do they do?
• Why they are at an event?
• Stay away from potentially
awkward subjects
• Listen and stay focused on what
they are saying

6. 3: Have Prepared “go-to” Topics
• Examples:
• New restaurants you visited
• Events on campus
• Current event (make sure it is not
political)
• The weather.. It works!
• Know about the event or the
person being honored
• Bring up their accomplishments

7. 4: Don’t be that person
• Avoid talking over people
• Keep a professional tone
• Give others time to shine

8. 5: Knowing What the Connection is
• They assisted you in some way at that time
• Thank you
• E-mail, Hand-written card
• You see them as someone who can assist you in the future
• Connect with them
• LinkedIn, Twitter, E-mail
• The “we’ll just be friends”
• Leave a good impression

9. 6: Never Dismiss Anyone as Unimportant
• You never know where your next
connection will lead you
• You might be the connection they
are looking for

10. How to Handle
Awkward Situations
(But let’s hope they don’t happen)

11. You Forgot their Name
• Try not to forget it!
• First, repeat their name back to them
when they introduce themselves- might
help you remember
• Use it in conversation, so you don’t
forget
• Look for a name tag
• Bring them over to someone else to
introduce
• Honestly, just ask them again! 

12. Leaving a conversation; Before it’s Over
• “You work in ___? So does ____,
come with me to meet them! “
• Introduce them to someone else
• “Anyway, I don’t want to
monopolize your time”
• “It’s been great talking with you,
let’s exchange cards”

13. Any Questions?!