This document provides networking strategies and tips, including developing professional contacts for mutual long-term benefit, networking even when employed, and investing time in the highest value networking activities. It also outlines specific networking tools, methods for planning networking events, preparing for and performing at those events, and following up after events. The overall goal of networking outlined in the document is to make personal connections to help others as you want to be helped.

1. 
Networking
Strategies and Tips
By Todd Snover, PMP, LSSBB
February 2013
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2. 
Networking Strategies
1. Develop your marketing plan and skills
2. Develop professional contacts for mutual long
term benefit
3. Network even when you have a job
4. Invest time in the highest value activities
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3. 
Have an informative and memorable business card
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4. 
Networking Tools
• Business Cards (www.avery.com) • Rubber Bands / Small Post-It Notes
• DIY with Design Pro 5 download • File Folders / Hanging Files
• Pocket Sized Note Pad or Post-It Notes • Own Name Tags - Clip on
• Calendar – Monthly or Weekly (paper)
• LinkedIn Profile • e-Mail Signature
- include your ‘e-speech’ / job history - Include Name, Title / “Brand”
- customize profile name / web links - Contact info including LinkedIn
• People Hire People – Not Resumes Joel Reinert Calendar jmreinert@stlcc.edu
- by Frank Danzo www.peacefrog.biz ,STL Business Journal,
• Don’t Send a Resume, by Jeffrey Fox BounceBack, GO! Network, KMOX, Yellow
• Make $1000 / Minute, Jack Chapman Tie, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
• Thank-You Cards • Mini – Resume (1 page)
• Envelopes for mailing - 9x12 - Target Job Titles
• Nice paper for resumes / cover letters - Target Company List
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5. 
Networking Methods - Plan
• Highlight Event calendars, topic not critical
• Check other sources / Network Partners
• Seek out the Target Rich Environments
• ‘Pencil-in’ meetings on your calendar
• Include ‘box’ for registration to-do / done
• Call & ask if free for guests / unemployed
• Put key meetings on spouse’s calendar
• Seek un-posted jobs from news events
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6. 
Networking Methods - Prepare
• Dress For Success, unsure?  Overdress
• Leave Portfolio and Resume’s in the car
• Carry One Target Company List (in jacket)
• Nametags: Write BIG, Post High, Do Own
• Food is the bait, you are the fisherman
• Ideally eat something first, arrive early….
• Set a Goal  Meet 20? Why Not Everyone!
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7. 
Networking Methods - Perform
• Ask about them 1st, then ‘I’m btwn. Co’s’
• Explain your goal, then it’s OK to move on
• Use a Business Card In / Out System
• Notes & Stars on Cards, Pocket Notepad
• Work the room for best prospects
• Seek stragglers / odd numbered groups
• Skip known contacts until later / after
• Eat during speech or goal of cards rec’d
• Drinking & Networking is an advanced skill
• Keep moving, Leave Early for another event
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8. 
Networking Methods–Post
• Rubber Band / Event Cards / Mtg.
Mini Post-It
• Ideally e-mail each new card in 24 hrs.
• Call / e-mail. Goal  15 min. meeting
• Ask to connect on LinkedIn / Join Groups
• Do LinkedIn People/Co. search by Zip+75
• Contact visible names in LinkedIn
• Visit places near target companies
• Attend meetings hiring managers go to
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9. Networking 1 on 1 Meetings
• In person 1 on 1 gets the best results
• This is the true goal most people skip
• Keep it short, offer to help them
• Use a Target Company List
• Don’t ask them for a job, only leads
• Ask for advice, feedback, direction
• Send a thank-you note or e-mail
• Follow-up on help they needed 9
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10. 
Summary – What is
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Networking? to help
It is making personal connections
others as you want to be helped
• It requires learning, dedication, and courage
• It will improve your social skills & confidence
• It will improve your sense of self-worth
• It will improve your life long job security
• It is rewarding and fun!
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