by Andrea Nierenberg
For the last 15 years, I have spoken at colleges and universities around the country talking about what ‘real life networking’ is and how important it is to develop the skills that will help one get a job, keep it and get promoted. These types of interpersonal skills will serve students over a lifetime.
The term ‘traditional’ networking has gone through different definitions and the old way is out— in truth, real networking can happen anywhere, anytime and can be learned from all the people you meet.
We live in a very competitive world. Those individuals with the life skills of networking, that give them a competitive edge, will simply have the opportunity to do better in life and in their careers than others who do not have these skills. Networking is not a hidden secret or something that only a few lucky people can learn. Anyone can do it if they want to put forth the effort, time and energy to network correctly. The fact is, many know this but few will make the commitment, so the rewards go to disproportionate few.
With that being said, here are my top 10 networking tips for college students and recent graduates:
1. Be prepared. ‘Networking’ opportunities can happen anywhere, anytime. Be polished, poised and professional 24/7.
2. Be confident in your approach. Eye contact, listening and a strong hand shake create a presence that will help you stand out.
3. Prepare your introduction. Begin the conversation with a general statement about yourself. This could include the degree you are pursuing, your major, or your expected graduation date. For example: “I am in the MBA program with a concentration in Marketing and will graduate in 2011. I would like to learn more about marketing opportunities with your company.” The key is to have a short opening line or introduction to get conversations started – in fact create several of these openers.
4. Networking is all about building relationships and giving before you get. Figure out ways you can give something to those that are helping you. For example, you could say that you are on the cutting edge of technology and could offer suggestions to help them.
5. Show a strong interest in the people that you meet and ask them how they got into their business and what advice they would give you.
6. Research companies and people. Know as much as you can so that you have talking points and show that you have done your homework. You can never do too much homework!
7. Always ask people their preferred method of communication when you follow up and always follow up — no matter what. Some people prefer email, phone or text. Never assume, ask. Always ask people open-ended, ‘high gain’ questions to learn what you can from them. It shows interest and that you took the time to find out.
8. When you do go to any type of event, arrive early and realize you are on from the minute you walk in the door. Be interested and take the initiative. Introduce yourself to people and listen more then you speak. Take notes and be a sponge. More opportunities happen when we put ourselves in interesting opportunities.
9. In your ‘networking’ tool kits, always carry a business card with you. Create a simple, professional card with your name, contact information and perhaps your area of interest. Make it easy for others to contact you. Carry pen and paper to take notes so that you can follow up and remember things that people told you-including their name or something that was important to them.
10. Send follow up notes. Always send a thank you note when someone has spent time with you, given you advice or information, or a referral—anything. What gets remembered gets rewarded. Stand out by following up with a handwritten note or, as I say, your 44 cent investment plan. It will separate you from the crowd and will show that besides being high-tech, you are also high touch. You distinguish yourself, follow up and follow through, and create a positive, lasting impression.
Andrea Nierenberg is president of The Nierenberg Group, an internationally known business development authority, author and speaker on professional development, sales training and business communications.
She and co-author Dr. Michael L. Faulkner created the definitive guide to Networking for College Students and Recent Graduates in their latest book. In this approachable “How-to”, they break down networking in the modern work place into manageable, accessible “baby steps” for success.
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