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What it Means to Network and Tips to Do It |
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Having
Coffee v. Networking |
Turn
One Cup of Coffee into a Broad Reaching Network |
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A networking meeting is
not just a chat – you never know what it
could lead to. The possibilities include: o
A champion for you who advocates
for you to get an offer. o
A supporter who is enthusiastic
about introducing you to other contacts and broadening your network of
supporters and mentors. o
An advisor who takes a keen
interest in your career. ¾
Respect the time of the
individual with whom you are meeting: This means you should be thoughtful and
prepared for your meeting. It is your job to show the individual with whom
you are meeting that you want to maximize the information and insight that
you can gain from him/her within the time that has been set aside for you. ¾
Research the person with
whom you are meeting – o
What specific questions arise
given his/her background? o
What can you learn about his/her
business? o
Ask questions that leave an
impression. Do your homework about the industry, show your enthusiasm, think
through how you see yourself in the industry in the future and put your
thoughts out there to this person for feedback (and so that person will get a
concrete image of you in her/his mind about your future in the industry). |
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Each person you meet will
probably have a number of contacts who can help you. Do not ask
a general “Who else do you think I should talk to?” Think through specific types of people you
would like to meet – based on their business, background
characteristics, interests, values, etc— ¾
Examples: o
“I am looking to meet people in these
three areas…” o
“Do you know any
women/Bangladeshi/etc. who work in (insert your interest)? I am interested in
talking to someone about their experience and how they managed to get where
they did. o
“I see myself as a trader,
but I have an engineering background. Do you know anyone with this kind of
educational background?” ¾
Remember, people are
impressed by people who are thoughtful about their careers, and
also, people want to help such people.
It is easier to help people who ask for specific contacts and advice. |
