HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NETWORKING EVENT Networking events are one of the best ways to find job leads and expand your network, but attending events is only half the battle. You also need to know how to behave at them. If you talk too much, say too little, or arrive unprepared, you can ruin your chances to leave with new connections or a job lead. This Isn’t a Party! · Remember why you're at the networking event. · The purpose of a networking event is to help you advance professionally. It IS a social event, but a professional one. · The cardinal rule of networking events: Never get drunk. Have fun and enjoy yourself, but remember: two drink maximum. · You want the people you meet to remember you as capable, competent and polished, not as the guy or gal who was wearing a lampshade on their head at the end of the evening. · Dress appropriately. Err on the side of conservative and choose an outfit you could wear to a job interview. Your attire should say, "I'm a professional." Do Your Homework! · Don't arrive at a networking event without a plan to connect with appropriate attendees. · Is there a list of speakers, presenters or any special guests in attendance? Make a list of people you expect to be there and want to meet. · Do a little research on each of them. A little knowledge goes a long way. If you know something about the people you approach, it's much easier to start a conversation and keep it going. Know How to Start a Conversation! · Don't forget to prepare your introduction of yourself to people at a networking event. This is often referred to as an “elevator pitch,” because theoretically, it is brief enough to share during an elevator ride. · It should include a summary of who you are, your experience and abilities, and what you are interested in learning more about them and their organization. · Practice your pitch before the networking event so that it'll sound natural. Be confident, but not pushy. Remember, a networking event isn't a formal interview; it’s an opportunity to start meaningful and educational conversations. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity! · Focus on the quality, not quantity, of your connections at networking events. You'll get better results by making a few good connections than by handing out dozens of business cards indiscriminately. · First impressions matter. · Always stay focused on the person you are talking to and maintain eye contact. Don't scan the room trying to decide whom you'll talk to next. · Also, show interest in the people you meet. You can make a great impression by asking a few thoughtful questions. Above all, be genuine and sincere. You really DO want to find out all about them! · A strong professional network is based on relationships, and it takes time to build a relationship. Executive Communication Essentials The Art of Networking and Personal Introduction 1 How to be successful Plan 1: Be born into a wealthy family with lots of connections. Plan 2: Learn to hu ...

1. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NETWORKING EVENT
Networking events are one of the best ways to find job leads
and expand your network, but attending events is only half the
battle. You also need to know how to behave at them. If you
talk too much, say too little, or arrive unprepared, you can ruin
your chances to leave with new connections or a job lead.
This Isn’t a Party!
· Remember why you're at the networking event.
· The purpose of a networking event is to help you advance
professionally. It IS a social event, but a professional one.
· The cardinal rule of networking events: Never get drunk.
Have fun and enjoy yourself, but remember: two drink
maximum.
· You want the people you meet to remember you as capable,
competent and polished, not as the guy or gal who was wearing
a lampshade on their head at the end of the evening.
· Dress appropriately. Err on the side of conservative and
choose an outfit you could wear to a job interview. Your attire
should say, "I'm a professional."
Do Your Homework!
· Don't arrive at a networking event without a plan to connect
with appropriate attendees.
· Is there a list of speakers, presenters or any special guests in
attendance? Make a list of people you expect to be there and
want to meet.
· Do a little research on each of them. A little knowledge goes a
long way. If you know something about the people you
approach, it's much easier to start a conversation and keep it
going.
Know How to Start a Conversation!
· Don't forget to prepare your introduction of yourself to people

2. at a networking event. This is often referred to as an “elevator
pitch,” because theoretically, it is brief enough to share during
an elevator ride.
· It should include a summary of who you are, your experience
and abilities, and what you are interested in learning more about
them and their organization.
· Practice your pitch before the networking event so that it'll
sound natural. Be confident, but not pushy. Remember, a
networking event isn't a formal interview; it’s an opportunity to
start meaningful and educational conversations.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity!
· Focus on the quality, not quantity, of your connections at
networking events. You'll get better results by making a few
good connections than by handing out dozens of business cards
indiscriminately.
· First impressions matter.
· Always stay focused on the person you are talking to and
maintain eye contact. Don't scan the room trying to decide
whom you'll talk to next.
· Also, show interest in the people you meet. You can make a
great impression by asking a few thoughtful questions. Above
all, be genuine and sincere. You really DO want to find out all
about them!
· A strong professional network is based on relationships, and it
takes time to build a relationship.
Executive Communication Essentials
The Art of Networking and
Personal Introduction
1

3. How to be successful
Plan 1: Be born into a wealthy family with lots of connections.
Plan 2: Learn to hustle and make your own connections.
2
Learn how to make a professional introduction
Identify the importance of networking
Learn networking techniques and practice networking skills
Feel more comfortable engaging people at a networking event
Our Goal Today
3
It’s Who You Know
Business Power = Network of information sources
Your biggest asset is your contacts
EXAMPLE: The people coming to OUR networking event!
4
Two boring questions
So what do you do?
So what’s new at your firm?
5

4. Failure
1. Give name and firm
2. Play a round of “Do you know?”
3. Uncomfortable Silence
6
20 Second Pitch
Borrow tricks from advertising
20-second attention span
Plan to communicate
Help them position you in their mind
7
Position Yourself
Tell them who you are
Your role in the group that’s networking and how you fit in
Your major
The new guy
Your job/class
Your friend or co-worker
8
Navigating the Room Questions
Who do you know here? … tell me something about them.

5. Would you like to get a beverage?
Please introduce me to someone you find interesting.
9
Event Questions
Have you been to many of these before?
Who do you know here?
Who do you find the most interesting here?
What brought you here?
What other organizations like this are you a member of?
10
Work Questions
How did you get to where you are?
What’s your typical day like?
What’s most challenging about your job?
What motivates you to perform?
What part of your job is most enjoyable?
11
Social Questions
Do you have family in the area?
So what do you like to do when you’re not working?

6. Did you get a vacation this year?
What are your plans for ________ (upcoming
holiday/weekend)?
12
Reciprocation
You network to give
Look for opportunities to help
Exchange resources
If you give, you’ll get!
13
Utility
Be aware of what you have, who you know, what you know, and
where you belong
Listen for a need
How can you help?
How can s/he help you?
How many connections they have…
Ask Permission “May I…?”
14
Social Conversation

7. Use Kennedy Eyes
Handshake
Join a conversation
Breaking off a conversation
Juggling food and beverage
15
Be excited
Say, “I’m excited…”
To be here
By all this energy
To be speaking with you
Choose something you like about the person to focus on AND to
help you remember them in the future
16
Thank You Note Assignment
Purpose: To thank three people that you networked with at our
networking practice event.
Use: the Three Line Thank You Note Format (Past, Present and
Future)
Write three (3) Thank You notes, on appropriate stationary
(provided), to people you genuinely want to thank.
Include: Salutation, Paragraph Structure, Closing, and Date on
each note.
Due: One week or less after our networking event. Turn in the
original thank you notes in an unsealed envelope, addressed and
stamped.

8. 17
Next time….
Networking Event, 5:45-7:00 p.m., ST N 2100
Food and Beverage will be provided
Businesspeople will be here
You must attend for at least 1:15, you are welcome to attend for
longer.
Dress Professionally.
Bring Business Cards.
Meet as many as you can: get business cards from at least three
businesspeople.
NEXT WEEK: Writing quiz
18