2. Today’s main points
Networking is a skill that anyone can
develop with practice.
Professionals want to talk to you!
Be confident in what you have to offer a
professional relationship.
4. Ice breaker
Where do you see
yourself in 5 years?
*Focus on your
professional goals
only.
5. Treat your peers like CEO’s
Marshall Macias, former
CEO at Socialbees
Richard Law, Founder
and Chairman at Allysic,
Inc.
Megan West, Program
Manager of Corporate
Citizenship and Public
Affairs at Microsoft
6. How to get started
Know your goals
Know your skills
Be prepared with:
An updated resume
LinkedIn profile or personal webpage
Business card
Elevator pitch
8. How to connect
LinkedIn:
Invitation to Connect – State the following:
Your purpose/interest
Shared interest: previous experience, club,
major, hobby, etc.
Once connected, follow up with a call to
action
Inviteto get coffee
Ask for a 15-20 minute informational interview
9. Example invitation
Hello (Name),
I am a current WWU student and noticed
your profile while researching the public
relations industry. I see that you participated
in PRO while at WWU, which I do as well! I was
hoping we could connect and share ideas
about public relations.
Thank you and have a great day!
Kiné Camara
10. Moving on up: Connecting
with non-WWU professionals
Identify your targets…
Target company
Target job title or career path
People who clearly want to be contacted
11.
12. Example
Hello (Name),
My name is Kiné (Ka-nay) Camara and I am currently a student at Western
Washington University located in Washington state. I found you while looking up
(Company) on LinkedIn. I found your online branding to be really captivating,
especially your non-traditional resume.
I am interested in connecting with you to talk about your experience working in
public relations as well as your experience working at (Company).
If you are available, I would love to chat soon! I am available [dates/times]. I am
aware that we would need to coordinate through time zones. Please let me
know when the most convenient time for you would be.
Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of your day!
Best,
--
Kiné Camara
kinefcamara@gmail.com
kinecamara.com
13. Informational interviews
Research your contact and the company
Be sure to establish who will call
Stick to your time frame; can ask for more
time
ASK: Is there anyone else that you would
recommend I talk to?
14. Sample questions
1. What is a typical day in this position?
2. What do you enjoy about your job/
working for XYZ company?
3. What is challenging about your position?
4. What advice do you have for someone
wanting to succeed in your field?
15. Go meet people!
Professional Readiness Workshop
Professional Women’s Association
Student Marketing Association
The Bellingham Chamber of Commerce
Business After Business
Networking Breakfast
Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPS)
Meetups
The Career Fair
Etiquette Dinner
16. Remember your tools
Prepare for these events:
Always bring business cards
Know current issues in your field
Research speakers/attendees when
necessary
Elevator pitch
17. Networking Basics: 8 Tips to
Networking Without Being
Fake
Video by Maria Forleo, Business Strategist
18. Be a connector
Help others
Share information
Be an asset to your professional relationships
Networking = Reciprocity
19.
20.
21. Follow up, it’s really important
Be timely:
send a follow up email 1-2 days after
contact is made
Mention something positive about your
interaction:
“I really enjoyed the networking tips that
you provided us. I felt empowered to
connect with professionals and I
appreciate that.”
Call to action
In pairs, share where you see yourself in 5 years. Tell at least 2 people.Ask the class to share some of the answers….Wouldn’t you want to connect with that person?
Reflect on your goals. Understand your strengths and feel confident in them. People want to connect with other driven students/professionalsBy a show of hands, how many of you have already created a LinkedIn? Personal website?
I found it easier to contact alumni.Esp at first, I would contact recent alums. It was not as stressful, but still very rewarding when successful.
Another “low stress” contact, is someone who lives out of state. They may have your dream job, but since you wouldn't actually work there, it takes your pressure off of possibly worrying about the other person thinking you just want a job. –
Specialized groups; A good way to identify targets is to research on LinkedIn; Job search – research company and employees using LinkedIn
Find more sample questions on my website in the resources
Pinpoint 3-4 events
Make business cards in Microsoft Publisher; Print a sheet at print and copy services for $1 if you cut on your own
Offer stories: Teila and Educational Systemics; Ariana/Amalia – BlueShoes Media