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Do your research: Before you attend a networking event, think about who might be there, whom you would like to meet, and what kind of topics you want to talk about. Prepare a self-introduction: An introduction of 7 to 9 seconds is appropriate (this should not be a 30-second elevator speech). Tie it to why you're attending the event. This will help people figure out what to say to you. Unveil your passions: Don't just talk about business—let the conversation expand into your hobbies as well. Read the room: How crowded or empty is it? Is there a focal point or an activity taking place that could be a conversation starter? Look for potential groups to join: Look at nonverbal cues such as body language and eye contact to identify whom to approach as a likely conversant and whom to avoid. Commit fully to the discussion: Don't look over the shoulder of the person you're talking to as if you're hoping someone more interesting will show up. Discover what you can do for someone else: Great networkers want to know what they can do for you, not what you can do for them. Find everything you need for your course! N2B1084 SAGE College Publishing offers Business & Management course materials at a value students will appreciate. Our course content is available in SAGE Vantage, a learning platform instructors and students actually love. Learn more at sagepub.com/vantage. Tips for Professional Networking Sources: Entrepreneurship: The Practice and Mindset, 2e Heidi M. Neck, Christopher P. Neck, and Emma L. Murray The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle- Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything Guy Kawasaki Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, but the good news is that like any other skill, the skill of networking can be learned with practice. Here are some networking tips to keep in mind. Be careful not to dominate the conversation: Make sure you let the other person speak and offer thoughts and opinions. Avoid polarizing topics: Potentially incendiary topics like politics, religion, and other issues might elicit a strong emotional reaction. Ask good questions: The mark of a good conversationalist is to get others to talk a lot and then listen. Keep questions brief: When approaching a desired contact with a question, briefly introduce yourself, keep your question short, and explain why you are asking. Disengage gracefully: Look them in the eye, shake hands and say their name followed by "it's been good talking with you," or words to that effect. Thank people for advice: Follow up with a short note or email within 24 hours and consider connecting on LinkedIn or other professional networking sites.

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