This document discusses the importance of professional networking and provides tips for how to network effectively. It emphasizes that networking is about building long-term relationships that can benefit one's career through opportunities for career advancement, business, and freelance work. Some tips include volunteering, informational interviews, using social media to engage with others and maintain connections, having an elevator pitch prepared, dressing appropriately for events, and following up after meeting someone. The document stresses that networking takes practice and should be an ongoing effort even after getting a job.

1. Professional Networking Kelly Rusk Manager, Marketing & Communities MediaMiser (not as painful as you might think!)

2. Uploaded on April 7, 2009 by rkostin There's more to Networking...

3. My Story Took the PR program Importance of Networking was drilled in us... But I hated it!!!!

4. I found a way that worked for me!

5. Why? Connections make the world go round: Career Advancements Future business opportunities Freelance and contract work... You are building long-term relationships that pay off in the future Basically it's about building a strong foundation for a successful career -- No matter what you do!

6. You don't have to be a 'schmoozer' Some people are natural talkers, who know how to “work a crowd”... It's OK if you're not... In fact, it could better! Image: dailyprovidence.com

7. It's more than handshakes and small talk. Get your name out there: Volunteer Informational interviews Get online It's great when people know about you before they've actually met you!

8. Forget “how can you help me?” Think “How can I help you?” The best way to get others to help you is to help others first. More like 'Pay it forward' than 'you owe me one' Photo: http://etsypayitforward.blogspot.com/2009/02/do-you-pif.html

9. Get started... Set goals and objectives Short term and long term Build out your current network Friends, family, coworkers, other students, etc. Find out about relevant events Betidings.com Professional Associations (OCRI, IABC) Informal Communities (StartupOttawa, Democamp)

10. Be prepared Create an elevator speech About 20 words that describes who you are and what you do. Invest in business cards moo.com: Cheap, but great quality cards,& you design your own! Don't go alone – but don't get stuck

11. Event Etiquette Dress Appropriately Be courteous and polite Have a drink if you must... but no more! Remember your manners ... “You have two ears and one mouth, use accordingly!”

12. Go the extra mile Twitter: Networking tool extraordinaire! Find people you'd like to meet & follow on Twitter Find out common interests, engage online if you like. Join the conversation online and bring it offline.

14. After an event Email follow up when necessary Good connections LinkedIn invite or email When contacting, reference where you met them and/or what you talked about Subscribe to people's blogs or follow on Twitter to maintain relationship

15. Lather, rinse, repeat! Networking takes practice! The more you do, the better you get. Just because you landed a job, doesn't mean you should stop! You never know when you'll need your own network.

16. Let's connect! Kelly Rusk [email_address] Twitter.com/krusk Linkedin.com/in/cardcomkel www.web2dotwhat.com