What's up everyone!
So you missed out on Week 7's meeting? That's okay, because here's an update just for you. This week's workshop was about How to Network Creatively. It was presented by Kurt Solano, the current Chair of External Affairs.
Let's start with the basic definitions of networking. If you look online you'll see that the definition Google gives you is this:
"Networking is a process that fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest. It may be for social or business purposes."
I know, it's too wordy. Who has time to read all of that right? Here's my definition:
"Networking = building relationships."
That's it! It's super simple. You don't have to go to big fancy events where everyone is in suits and dressed to impress. You can network in literally any places, whether you're sitting in class, waiting in line for you coffee, or if you're just hanging around at work. The key is to make sure you are constantly creating relationships, getting to know people's names, and establishing a bridge that you can revisit later when the need arises.
In my workshop I presented 8 different things that you can try to establish stronger bridges with other people. In this update, I'll give you my top three ideas for networking creatively.
#1: Start Conversations While Waiting in Line (Build Bridges)
When you're at Starbucks and you have nothing to do but be on your phone, why not start a conversation with the person in front of you or behind you. "Damn, this line is really long" usually get's people talking. It might seem awkward and out of place but you never know who you'll meet when you do this. You might meet someone who knows someone who works at a company that you want to work for. Now you have someone who can introduction you to someone on the inside. Remember it's not what you know, but who you know that can land you the job.
#2: Create Thank You Letters (Maintain Relationships)
Part of proper networking apart from building relationships is maintaining them. This is a trick I learned accidentally when I wrote my old boss a letter thanking them for teaching me all they know. I told them how much I appreciated what they did for me and how much I learned from the internship. I signed the letter and included a hand-made coupon to Panda Express for one free meal before I graduate college. The reason I did wrote this and included a free meal coupon was because (1) I was genuinely thankful for their help and guidance, it's important to be authentic when writing these letters. Speak from the heart. And (2) the coupon will allow me and my old boss to reconnect after some time has passed. A $10 meal is worth nothing compared to a long lasting relationship with someone who is established in their field.
#3 Host Dinner Parties (Gain Larger Networks)
This is an exercise that I learned from the master of networking, Jordan Harbinger. (Here's a link to his free course on networking for those of you who are interested in expanding your network: Level One: High Caliber Networking Intensive). Warning: I have not tried this method out myself, but I am planning on it when I get my own place to host after college.
The purpose of this dinner party isn't just to meet other people, the other purpose is to learn a new skill. This is what you do first invite a group of friends over for dinner, about 2-3 people is enough when starting out. Tell them that you are hosting a small get together with close friends and that the only contingency to be able to attend is that they have to bring another friend, a plus +1 so to speak. Explain to them that the point of the dinner party is for everybody to meet new people and learn a new skill. What skill? Well in these dinner parties there will one person each week (or however frequent you want to host) who will present to the entire group a skill that they're good at or something that they are passionate about. It can range from anything like public speaking to the history of their shoe collection. The point is that everybody leaves the dinner party with a set of knowledge and they get to expand their network in return.
The first presenter can be you and then you pick the next presenter from the crowd. It's also important to mention that if they want to return to the dinner party they'll have to present some day and they have to bring a plus one. This way people don't treat this event more seriously and respect. Try not to invite too many people because it may get overwhelming and by keeping it small and intimate (6-9) people you ensure that everyone gets a chance to know each other.
WELL! These are the tips that I have for you today. I hope you continue to come to our meetings and attend our events. Good luck on finals! - Kurt Solano
So you missed out on Week 7's meeting? That's okay, because here's an update just for you. This week's workshop was about How to Network Creatively. It was presented by Kurt Solano, the current Chair of External Affairs.
Let's start with the basic definitions of networking. If you look online you'll see that the definition Google gives you is this:
"Networking is a process that fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest. It may be for social or business purposes."
I know, it's too wordy. Who has time to read all of that right? Here's my definition:
"Networking = building relationships."
That's it! It's super simple. You don't have to go to big fancy events where everyone is in suits and dressed to impress. You can network in literally any places, whether you're sitting in class, waiting in line for you coffee, or if you're just hanging around at work. The key is to make sure you are constantly creating relationships, getting to know people's names, and establishing a bridge that you can revisit later when the need arises.
In my workshop I presented 8 different things that you can try to establish stronger bridges with other people. In this update, I'll give you my top three ideas for networking creatively.
#1: Start Conversations While Waiting in Line (Build Bridges)
When you're at Starbucks and you have nothing to do but be on your phone, why not start a conversation with the person in front of you or behind you. "Damn, this line is really long" usually get's people talking. It might seem awkward and out of place but you never know who you'll meet when you do this. You might meet someone who knows someone who works at a company that you want to work for. Now you have someone who can introduction you to someone on the inside. Remember it's not what you know, but who you know that can land you the job.
#2: Create Thank You Letters (Maintain Relationships)
Part of proper networking apart from building relationships is maintaining them. This is a trick I learned accidentally when I wrote my old boss a letter thanking them for teaching me all they know. I told them how much I appreciated what they did for me and how much I learned from the internship. I signed the letter and included a hand-made coupon to Panda Express for one free meal before I graduate college. The reason I did wrote this and included a free meal coupon was because (1) I was genuinely thankful for their help and guidance, it's important to be authentic when writing these letters. Speak from the heart. And (2) the coupon will allow me and my old boss to reconnect after some time has passed. A $10 meal is worth nothing compared to a long lasting relationship with someone who is established in their field.
#3 Host Dinner Parties (Gain Larger Networks)
This is an exercise that I learned from the master of networking, Jordan Harbinger. (Here's a link to his free course on networking for those of you who are interested in expanding your network: Level One: High Caliber Networking Intensive). Warning: I have not tried this method out myself, but I am planning on it when I get my own place to host after college.
The purpose of this dinner party isn't just to meet other people, the other purpose is to learn a new skill. This is what you do first invite a group of friends over for dinner, about 2-3 people is enough when starting out. Tell them that you are hosting a small get together with close friends and that the only contingency to be able to attend is that they have to bring another friend, a plus +1 so to speak. Explain to them that the point of the dinner party is for everybody to meet new people and learn a new skill. What skill? Well in these dinner parties there will one person each week (or however frequent you want to host) who will present to the entire group a skill that they're good at or something that they are passionate about. It can range from anything like public speaking to the history of their shoe collection. The point is that everybody leaves the dinner party with a set of knowledge and they get to expand their network in return.
The first presenter can be you and then you pick the next presenter from the crowd. It's also important to mention that if they want to return to the dinner party they'll have to present some day and they have to bring a plus one. This way people don't treat this event more seriously and respect. Try not to invite too many people because it may get overwhelming and by keeping it small and intimate (6-9) people you ensure that everyone gets a chance to know each other.
WELL! These are the tips that I have for you today. I hope you continue to come to our meetings and attend our events. Good luck on finals! - Kurt Solano