From the time you first set foot in the business school, the one thing you are sure to hear about is networking. First problem: How do you do it? No one really seems to give out step-by-step instructions. To start, if you know certain people are going to be speakers or attendees at an event, research before hand so you know what they do, and a little bit about who they are. But if you just meet someone by chance, how do you know you should make the effort to incorporate them into your network? Well, Monster.com + Hotjobs has put together a list of tips that will hopefully be of use:
Tip #1: Identify good contacts. They may not be in the same industry as you, or in one you're interested in...but you never know. If the conversation is easy and you have things in common, like your love of fashion or finance, then it's worth it.
Tip #2: Manage your contacts. Write a little note on the business card they gave you so you remember who they are afterwards. Follow-up with an email saying it was nice to meet them.
Tip #3: Offer value. Ask or find out what the other persons interests are. It will make you different from the guy who runs around giving/getting as many business cards as possible.
Tip #4: Stay in touch. By knowing the persons interests you can send them articles, for example, that they may find useful. They may do the same for you in return, but more importantly it keeps your name top-of-mind should any opportunities cross their desk. It's easy. You happen to come across an article about what a new marketing campaign by a fast food chain. Send it the person you met who mentioned Big Macs are their guilty pleasure or who works in marketing for the food industry.
Tip #5: Get back from your network. Mass emails to your entire contact list when you are looking for something specific are a waste of people's time and they often don't appreciate it, especially when it clearly has nothing to do with them. Get in touch with the exact people who could possibly answer your question, or can put you in touch with someone.
For the full article, check it out here!
No comments:
Post a Comment