The document provides guidance on proper etiquette and techniques for successful networking, including introductions, business cards, conversation starters, attire, and dining etiquette. It emphasizes establishing eye contact, remembering names, asking open-ended questions, and following basic rules for entering and exiting conversations. The presentation aims to help attendees improve their networking skills through practicing handshakes, introductions, and sample conversation topics.

1. Successful
Networking
Attire
Etiquette
& Chit-Chat
Jeff Pelletier (@JeffBC94)
The Ohio Union

2. Components of Successful
Networking
Networking Basics
Networking Activity
Working with Food
Tips for Student Success
Questions
Presentation available online at http://www.slideshare.net/jeffbc94

3. Networking Rules to Live By
 The Rule of 12…
 Nametags – always on the right side
 Every time you meet someone
 Stand when being introduced
 Look them in the eye
 Give a firm handshake
 Greet them by name
 Say your name slowly when introducing yourself
 Smile

4. Proper Introductions
 Say the name of the most important person
first, then the name of the person being
introduced
 “Mr. Obama, this is Brutus Buckeye.”
 Introduce people in the following order
 younger to older
 non-official to official
 colleague to customer
 Clarify your relationship with the person
 “Jeff works at the Ohio Union at Ohio State”

5. The Business Card
 When presented with one, hold it and look
at it; do not put it right away
 Never offer a business card at a table
(unless it is asked of you); wait until the
meal is wrapped up
 Keep business cards with you – you never
know who you might meet and when
 Better to offer a business card than a
resume

6. Networking Tips and Tricks
 Always stand when being introduced, and
shake hands
 Make friends before you need them
 Don’t keep score
 Be interesting - craft your “elevator speech”
 Show interest in others

7. Conversation Starters
 Screw ‘em…
 The Golden Question – F ‘em!
 Family/Friends
 Favorites
 Future
 Fun
 From

8. Conversation Starters
 Have good FORM
 From
 Organization
 Recreation
 Motivation
 Don’t ask what, ask why
 Why did you pick that major
 Why do you enjoy working here

9. Entering or Leaving a
Conversation
Entering
 Wait for a natural break
 Establish eye contact to gain an invitation
 Try not to jump in right away
Leaving
 Wait for a natural break
 “I’d like to catch up with you more later”
 “I just saw my friend…”

10. Tips for Shy Networkers
 Understand your strengths
 Be a good listener
 Volunteer to help others
 Adopt a mentor to help you
 Practice!

11. Networking with Food
 Use a nearby table to place plate or glass
 Food or beverage alone is easier than both
together
 The reception is not a meal replacement
 Go back for seconds, rather than fill up early
 Avoid having to use a knife

12. Activity
 In groups of 3 - 5, practice!
 Handshakes (if feasible)
 Establish good eye contact
 Repeat/remember names
 Asking (and answering) your golden questions
 Entering and leaving a conversation

13. Some Questions For Today
 What are you looking forward to most
about Spring quarter at Ohio State?
 What is your favorite thing about Ohio
State?
 What are you involved with on campus?
 What do few people know about your
hometown?

14. How did it go?
What What What do I
worked did not do if…

15. Dress for Success
 Formal
 Dressy/Business Dress
 Snappy Casual
 Business Casual
 Casual
 College Casual/Don’t Dress Up

16. A Piece of Advice…
 Write thank you notes
 RSVP - what it means and how to do it
 Background information is okay
 Speak slowly; leave your phone number
 Notify your host in advance if you will miss a
meeting/class, or arrive late
 Power Down!
 Match your response & watch response time
 Distinguish professional/personal e-mail/phone
calls (caps lock, smileys, signature lines, fonts)

17. Acing the Interview
 Research
 Get Yourself Together
 Be punctual
 Moment of Truth
 Stand when being introduced
 Eye contact; Handshake
 Use nonverbals; Posture
 Listen actively; Take notes
 Relax; Stand Out

18. Signature Line – What Not to Do
Trevor S.
University of Michigan 2011 - LSA English
123.456.7890
UAC, Vice Pres. - Marketing
College of Pharmacy, ITS Technician
Undergraduate English Association, Exec. Board & Webmaster
Xylem Literary Magazine, Design & Web Editor
Every Three Weekly, Web Editor
The Detroit Partnership, Webmaster
Fortnight Literary Magazine, Design & Web Editor
M-Flicks, Event Coordinator

19. At the Table – Pop Quiz!
 Which Fork is Which?
 Grab a Goblet…
 To Butter, or Not to Butter…
 This Sauce is Delicious!
 The Marriage of Etiquette
 When in doubt…
 Follow the leader
 Use common sense
 Don’t make a mess

20. Hosting a Successful
Networking Event
 Tailor comments to type of event
 Tailgate
 Business event
 Admitted/Prospective Student Information Session
 Always have nametags – preprinted if possible
 Food – light, finger-ready
 Help make the space network-capable
 Specify dress and RSVP information in invitations
 Role model good networking behavior
 Have your “A-Team” to help the room

21. Conclusion
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