Career Development - Networking

Networking is about sharing - not asking anyone for anything.

General Suggestions -
1. Be passionate about who you are.
2. Prepare a well-rehearsed '30 second elevator speech' or 'personal sampler' or 'sound bite' to include:
   a - Who you are
   b - What you do
   c - Who would be interested in this information
   Use your elevator speech all the time
3. Get out - go - join - participate on a regular basis - keep engaged
   - trade shows, Chamber of Commerce events, relevant Professional Development seminars and workshops, etc.
4. Volunteer
   - wide variety of opportunities including community and family functions, etc.
5. TIPS
   a - Follow up with people you meet - let them know you care - email next day - stay in touch
   b - Carry your own Business Card - front for contact details, back for 'What you do'
   c - Practice & Learn to speak clearly and effectively so you may present yourself well (helps with job interviews too)
        Check out Toastmasters if you are a shy or reluctant speaker
        Develop a 'Tag Line' that 'qualifies' or 'defines' you -- what you do, and what you want to do
6. Be patient, consistent and persistent

These suggestions are provided by Bob Loree, from notes taken at a presentation on Networking given by:
Eric Brown, P. Eng., ISP, PMP
Director, Information and Technology Services, PEO
(with permission)