Transcription
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Networking. As MBA students, we engage in building our networks every single day. The idea of networking may elicit a visceral reaction from some, yet stimulate excitement for others. For Jeremiah, it's the former. Let's take a look as Jeremiah engages in a small group networking session at an on-campus Career Fair.
"Got this. Jeremiah, number talk to you. Assume the power pose, right? Oh, there's a group over there."
"So I met C roll with my co-workers when all the sudden the seagulls. Hi, how are you guys doing? My name is Jeremiah."
"Hi. Hi, I'm Julia. What are you talking about?"
"I was just telling a dog and aundrea about a work event at SeaWorld."
"Oh, I've never been to SeaWorld, but I've been to Monterey Aquarium. You see, I'm from Monterey. We used to go every other weekend. Oh, my favorite exhibit with the sea turtles. Such majestic creatures. Amy convinced my mom to buy me two pet sea turtles. Oh, anyway, what's your background?"
"We are all pumpkins. I think this is the fence. I think Ruth."
"Oh, that's right. That's right. I used to be a management consulting as well. You know, I was actually the top-ranking consultant of my class and every single year I was promoted. So every single year I was promoted. Um, so when you got..."
"Okay, okay. Pause. Jeremiah is out of his mind if he thinks that he's doing a good job at this networking conversation. He interrupted someone mid-sentence, was completely unaware of his audience, and only talked about himself. Today, we're gonna help you avoid the mistakes that Jerry Maji made by sharing effective ways to engage in small group network discussions. Many of you will find yourselves at a networking event in the near future, whether it be here at the GSD as you look for full-time opportunities, at EB ELLs, in career fairs, or further down the line as you go to industry conferences to solicit business partnerships. Networking is very difficult to avoid, and while most of us dread networking, it's often an effective way to develop from personal and professional contacts that can open the door to new opportunities in the future. You can learn how to become an effective networker by following a few key guidelines. First, Andreea is going to talk about how to enter a networking conversation, including how to find a group to engage with and subsequently how to get a conversation started off on the right foot. Next, a Duke will talk about how to develop rapport and connections with the folks that you're engaging with. And finally, Jeremiah is going to talk about how to gracefully exit a networking conversation, ensuring that you leave getting exactly what you want. So, let's start. How do you enter our conversation?"
For some, that seems very overwhelming. But let's think of the following scenario. You walk into a room in which the people are sitting down. What do you do? You find an empty seat. You have to do the same when people are all standing up. And how can you find your empty seat? Body language. We suggest you read the people in the room. Is the group of people you want to join with their shoulders looking towards each other or open to the room? Is there actually space in which you can walk into, or is the group closed that you cannot join them? Find a group in which you can comfortably walk into. Then, we suggest also to research in advance who will be there or who will present there. Once you get there, you know them at least in your head. You'll find a familiar face. Look for them around and then find the perfect to approach them.
Now you're already standing in the group. How do you start? We suggest you prepare some icebreakers for a difference in areas. So for this, we suggest three strategies. The first one, be honest. Approach this is very effective because people can relate to it. Just be honest and say, "Hi, sorry for coming out of the blue, but I don't know anyone here and I would not to join your conversation." Second, the flowery entrance. This is when your research might come in handy. Walk up to somebody and tell them how much you admire their work or how much you like their company they work for. This can work even with people you don't know. For example, walk up to a group and say, "Hi, I heard your laughter from all across the room, so I just wanted to come over and see if some of these happiness would rub on me." And third, getting advice. Asking questions is a great way to start a conversation. We such as you keep it light topics such as, "Hi, I've never been to this event before. Do you have any suggestions of which sessions I should go to?" And just like that, you're already in a conversation with them.
Now, once you've got into a conversation, the next question that's probably on your mind, or rather should be on your mind, is what next? How do I keep this going? Now, what they spin off of Google Chrome logo is trying to tell you is that there are three elements of an effective conversation: themselves, the other person, you, and everything in between. Let's start with them. Keep the conversation about them. A funny anecdote comes to my mind. Early in the industrial era, the buildings got taller way before the elevators got faster. Now, as a result, people started complaining. The tenants were bored of the long and boring elevator rides. Can you guess what was the solution that elevated companies came up with? Mirrors. Turns out, no one found the rights boring so long as they could look at the most interesting object in the world: themselves. So, in our context, keep the conversation centered about them. Ask them why they're here, how their day has been, and how can you help them? Second, you. Now, promise, this is the last elevator reference here, but keep a 30-second elevator pitch ready about yourself. Know who you are, what you do, and why you're at the event. Whenever you get an opportunity to say that, just chime in. And lastly, interpersonal dynamics. Now, I'm not referring to touchy-feely, but what I'm talking about is have an open body language. Enjoy the conversation. Show indication of interest. Lean in and nod.
Exit a small group because sometimes feel like jumping out of a moving car. You're always looking for that pause in conversation to sort of tuck and roll. Now, because Xing the small conversation can be awkward, here are some suggestions on how to exit stage left, honestly and with grace. This first technique, I call "There's More to See Here." It is natural when you're engaged into a great conversation to just want to stay put. However, a networking event involves more than two points. I suggest saying something like the following, and then go enjoy the rest of your venn: "It was really nice talking to you all. I'm going to go meet some nine other people. Enjoy the rest of your evening." The second tip, I call "So Long for Now." Sometimes you have that conversation that is awesome. You guys are both from the same industry. You have common passions, and you know for a fact that you are going to run into this person later on. Try a statement like this: "I really enjoyed our conversation talking about our line of work. I'm gonna go talk to some other people, but if I don't run into you again, I look forward to seeing you at another event soon." Third tip, I call this "This is a Keeper." One main reason for going to a networking event is to grow your network. That means making sure you contact with persons who you feel will either grow your knowledge or grow your brand. Try this one on for size: "It's really interesting talking to you about our line of work. I hope we can keep this conversation going. If I can keep in touch." Last but not least, I call this "Time to Balance." Not every conversation is a winner. Sometimes it's awkward starts and stops, or you have nothing in common, or perhaps you run into that version of Jeremiah that you saw in the earlier skate. Now, if you run into that version of Jeremiah, it's definitely time to bounce. Try this light on four sounds: "Very nice talking to you. I'm gonna go grab a drink. You have a great evening." Much like an elevator pitch, a well-rehearsed situational exit line can go a long way. It is the way that you can tell people how you feel about them and where they stand with you. So, I like to leave you with this last quote: "Every exit is an injury somewhere else." For you, I hope that's your next great network.
Now that we shared some suggestions on how to effectively network in small group settings, let's check, let's check back in with Jeremiah and see what he's up to.
"Got this. Jeremiah, turn to questions of any. Oh, there's a group. It looks open. Oh, and I've been open to be Julia. I'll go there. Hi, pardon me, but I'd overheard you guys talking about diversity inclusion, and I'm really passionate about that line of work. I haven't met you guys, so I was hoping I could come over and introduce myself. My name is Jeremiah."
"Hi. Yes, to meet you. Hey, I'm a dope. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you. Why, I'm Julia."
"Oh, in our way. Why did you guys really enjoy that programming?"
"Yeah, I thought the keynote speaker was fantastic. Her views on diversity inclusion were spot-on."
"Yeah, I completely agree with her. She was just fabulous. I also like that, but to be honest, I would have laughed. Would have liked her to go more deeper into the risk of her improvement. I think."
"Yeah, no, I actually agree with you. What she said really resonates with me. Part of strategy that she suggested, we're actually implementing in our company right now."
"Oh, no way. Where do you work? And how is that going? We'd love to hear more about your experience."
"Was really nice getting a chance to meet you guys. I'm gonna go check out more of the exhibit, but I hope I get to catch up with you later on because I'd really like to understand how you guys are progressing with your diversity inclusion in your own jobs."
Wow, Jeremiah did a much better job of networking in this situation. Doing a fantastic job of finding an open group, engaging in two-sided, thoughtful conversation, and exiting with grace and intent. And with that, we'll take any questions.
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