This document provides networking tips in 3 main areas: 1) Be prepared by knowing your interests and background, having an elevator pitch ready, and researching places to network. 2) Be genuinely curious by finding common ground, asking questions, and making conversation a two-way street. 3) Put yourself out there by attending events, introducing yourself with confidence, following up appropriately, and growing your network over time. The overall message is that effective networking takes some planning but can be enjoyable and help you build new relationships.

1. NETWORKING 101

2. NETWORKING 101

3. The Rules:
1.be prepared
2.be genuinely curious
3.put yourself out there

4. 1: be prepared

5. know your roots
what interests you, drives you,
gives you purpose/energy

7. practice talking about yourself
Seattle native, San Antonio-schooled (talk about
your culture shock!). Equal love for Shakespeare
and country music. Best shows of all time:
M*A*S*H and The West Wing. Both w/ Alan
Alda. Coincidence?

8. my twitter bio
@samirluther
Missouri-born, LGBT &
environmental/public transit
advocate, techie desi (South
Asian... but via Kenya) with
an HR / CSR bent
tag lines:
“professional homosexual”
“career queer”

9. what’s in your wallet?
Samir Luther
samirluther@gmail.com
+1-202-495-0950
www.linkedin.com/in/samirluther

10. where we • school
build • jobs/internships
relationships • workshops/seminars/
conferences
• volunteering
• bars, happy hours
• sports
• trains, airports, planes
• online

11. where we
build
relationships
in DC
http://dc.linktank.com
http://clotureclub.com
http://dcist.com/
http://americanprogress.org/events
http://www.dcconvention.com/events.aspx

12. tips for when you get there
• find the bathroom first
– hair, nose, teeth, clothes
• check your outdoor jacket, bag, umbrella (or
leave in a corner you can keep an eye on)

13. who are you?
HE L LO
my name is
Samir
Luther
@samirluther

15. 


17. 2: be genuinely
curious
people love feeling
useful/needed

18. what do you have in

 common with the people in
this room?
find common ground

19. working the room
http://lifehacker.com/5332556/learn-how-to-work-a-crowd

20. be relaxed & authentic
minimize negativity
make mistakes
avoid one-word answers

21. answers: more than one word!
extend your answers – make them
opportunities for hooks
hooks = memorable

22. exit strategy!
• come back to the goals of
what you need to accomplish
“is there something in specific
that you’d like to follow-up?”
• excuse yourself
– Restroom
– “I can’t stay for too much
longer and was hoping to meet
some of the staff. Why don’t
you follow-up with me by e-
mail?”
• don’t give out your cell phone
(try Google Voice)

23. 3: put yourself out
there
and ignore the assholes!!

24. tale of a Hill Staffer
who happens to be a very good
friend of mine

25. takeaway: don’t be afraid to ask for
something
• business card
• get coffee or a drink sometime to hear more
about you and how you got to where you are?
• find out more about that report you’re
working on
• connect me to your colleague/friend?
• would you mind if I added you on Facebook?

26. less-awkward second encounters
“Hi Alison, I’m Samir – we spoke after
your Welcoming Schools
presentation at Creating Change last
year. Thanks again for your tips on…

27. the next-day follow-up email
Subject: Follow-Up to GLIFAA Happy Hour
Dear Jon:
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about opportunities in foreign affairs at the
GLIFAA Happy Hour last week. You mentioned connecting me to a colleague of yours who might
be able to help me find positions to apply to – would you mind providing me with an email
introduction?
Thanks again, and have a good week.
With gratitude,
Samir
Samir Luther
samirluther@gmail.com
202-495-0950
www.facebook.com/samirluther
www.linkedin.com/in/samirluther

28. should you add/accept?
ask your manager for
recommendation

29. privacy settings are key.

31. who’s in your network?
super
network
everyone you know
inner
circle
family, close
friends

33. thanks!
samirluther@gmail.com
@samirluther

34. Read These
• Improve your confidence:
http://bit.ly/nw-confidence
• Handling second encounters:
http://tcrn.ch/nw-greetings
• Business card etiquette:
http://bit.ly/nw-bizcard