This document provides information on the importance of networking and how to effectively network. Networking is building relationships and alliances to share advice, information, and referrals. It is important as 70% of jobs are found through networking, allowing access to hidden job opportunities. Effective networking involves knowing your goals, providing value to others, building rapport through asking questions, and following up. Networking can be done both online and in-person at various events and groups. Proper preparation, a positive attitude, active listening and helping others are keys to successful networking.

1. Successful Networking
University of Houston
College of Technology
Academic Services Center

2. What is Networking?
O Networking is simply building alliances
O Building relationships with intent to share
advice, information, recommendations, and
share referrals
O Networking can offer valuable contacts and
insights into career fields, companies, and
geographic

3. Why Is Networking
Important?
O According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70
percent of jobs are found through networking.
O Networking unlocks the door to the “hidden job
market” that is jobs that are never posted for the
public.
O Employers know the best candidates are likely the
ones referred to them by word of mouth.

4. Types of Networking
Online
O www.linkedin.com
O www.facebook.com
Face to Face Networking
O Chamber of Commerce Functions
O Industry groups
O Alumni groups
O Toastmasters
O Seminars
O Social and Cultural Events
General Networking (Easiest Method):
O Friends and family
O Professional contacts
O Anyone

5. Where to Find Networking
Groups and Events
O Professional Journals – posts various group
meetings
O Organization/Association Newsletter
O Local Chamber of Commerce
O Local Newspapers or Industry Magazines
O Online

6. Things to Remember
O Assess yourself
O Know your goals
O Provide value
O Build Rapport
O Follow up, follow up, follow up

7. Assess and Prepare yourself
O Dress professionally
O Know how to explain what you do
O Prepare a “30 second commercial” – something
catchy so you stand apart from others
O The more information you have, the easier it is to
establish rapport and build relationships
O Think about what you can offer networking partners

8. Know Your Goals
O What are you seeking to accomplish
from networking?
O Focus on what you want to achieve
O How can you help others?

9. Providing Value
O How can I help someone else by connecting
with me?
O Give before you take
O Invite them to an event that would be beneficial
for them
O Introduce them to people they might benefit from
O In follow up, send an article or website information
that might be of interest

10. What to Say
O Be Yourself, don’t try so hard
O Structure the conversation:
O Introduce yourself
O Ask questions about the person
O “30 second commercial”
O Plan to spend, on average, 5-7 minutes
per person in order to properly cover the
room

11. Building Rapport
O Ask questions that will engage your
partner and create dialogue. Make
them talk about themselves and look
for a mutual interest.
O Be careful with time spent, but know
the best way to win the connection is
to win the person first.

12. “The first few minutes that you talk to someone, they
decide if they like you or not.
The more you talk about and ask about them, the more
they will like you.”
-Jeffrey Gitomer
(author, professional speaker, and business trainer)

13. Networking Tips
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Project Confidence
Ask open-ended questions
Maintain Strong Eye Contact
Find Something in Common
Go where your customers and prospects go
Appreciate their time and Say “Thank You”
Always follow up
“Fear can only settle in when focus is inward.”
–Mary Kay

14. 4 keys to Fearless Networking
O
Ask the right questions at the right time
O Listen for needs, issues, wants, and concerns
O Match maker
O Service above self

15. Networking No-No’s
O DO NOT ask for a job or internship (focus on obtaining
advice, information and other contacts)
O DO NOT spam with multiple e-mails or stalk with
multiple phone calls
O DO NOT act unprofessionally or negatively
O Do NOT talking bad about your former employer
Remember: “Neediness Repels, Caring Attracts”

16. Conclusion
O Do your homework
• Be prepared
• Know how to explain what you do
• Repeated Interaction encourages
cooperation and chances for success
• Help your contacts however you can
• Relax and have fun at the events

17. Thank you!
Cynthia Olmedo
College of Technology- Career Counselor
300 Technology Building (T-1), #108
ceolmedo@uh.edu
(713)743-3445