Networking 101

Recently I put a presentation together for my boss that was all about networking. It got me thinking that we all may think we are networking and using all the social networking tools to our advantage, but have not yet mastered the art of networking.

First, the facts:

• Networking is the best way to land an entry-level job (or any level job, for that matter)
• An estimated 80 percent of jobs are secured through networking
• It is not taught at most colleges and universities

Networking also has one big myth associated with it: to do it effectively takes a lot of time, and that you have to do it all the time . This is completely untrue. There is such a thing as smart networking and it has four characteristics:

• Smart networkers prioritize quality over quantity
• Smart networkers are highly effective face-to-face
• Smarter networkers leverage tools in the right way
• Smart networkers have mastered the “art of the ask”

When looking at how you network you need to first ask yourself, “Are you really networking?” The overall goal of networking is to create a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship. If someone helps you let them hear your success stories. Networking may also give you knowledge of new products and services you might not have been aware of before or simply didn’t know how to use. Before Twitter was the next best thing a fellow alum I network with introduced me to it and we all know what happened with Twitter.

Before you start networking you need you come up with your unique selling points (USPs) You may not have years of experience, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something special to offer. Figure out what your USPs are and own them. After you figure out your USPs create an “elevator pitch” based off those skills.

This is your 60-second story and says:

• Who are you?
• What are you seeking?
• What can you offer?

Think of yourself as the salesperson and the product. Don’t sell too hard or your buyer won’t like the merchandise.

Get the most out of your network. The saying “it’s all about who you know” has never been more true than in today’s economy. It’s never too early to start building a strong professional network.

Using social media, like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook is the easiest way for a 20-something to network. Use each sites individual qualities to your advantage. ReTweet something you found interesting, comment on blogs, find a common acquaintance on LinkedIn.

If you do go to an in-person networking event make sure to have your elevator pitch ready, know the dress code, collect business cards, and make notes on the back and then follow-up after the event.

Make sure you manage your network. Use social networking tools and don’t forget to pay it forward.

5 Things Every Business Should Know About Using Social Media

Everyone now-a-days is using social media, including businesses. Some businesses considered it a great asset and dove head first into the world of Twittering and LinkedIn profiles, while others consider it a nuisance and say it’s just a trend that will soon pass. Either way, there are some things businesses should know about social media.

• Social media is here now, so you better do something. Generation Y is the biggest user of social media. Not only are they customers, but also your new and up-in-coming employees. There is a lot of information flowing out there on these networks — it is up to you to get a hold of it.
• Don’t drop everything else and make SM your #1. Social media is just another form of communication and interacting with different audiences, but it shouldn’t be the primary way you communicate. Talking face-to-face or over the phone should still be your top gun.
• Our boss uses Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. at work, why can’t I? It’s addictive, I’ll admit, and if employees have access to the Internet while they’re at work, chances are they are Facebook stalking and Twittering. Employers need to have rules when it comes to using SM at work.
• Tell the truth or social media will out you. I am not saying everything said on Twitter is true, not even close. What I am trying to say is that if you lie, chances are someone somewhere will out you or your company. If you say your company does something and a customer has had a bad experience, they will let everyone else know about it, and most of the time they are not too nice about it.
• Chances are social media is here to stay, so learn to be good at it. You might think all this social media business is just beyond you. Think of hiring a young 20-something tech savvy grad to manage your company’s social media. Regardless if you decide to go that route or not, you should personally learn this medium. Do you have a hobby? Blog about it, find Twitter users who have similar interests and ask them about how they use social media. You might find this social media thing is not really that far beyond you.

Originally article written by Lindsay Elias for the CR e-newsletter.