Career Track Tuesdays - The Art of 'Networking' notes

Speakers: Anna Frank and Rick Ferguson

Important things about networking - you must think about what you can contribute to the evening at the stage of your career.

Tell me about...
People like talking about themselves generally, using the phrase 'tell me about' helps you to focus on their conversation rather than trying to consider what you will say next and will ease you into talking with others. Networking opens the door to new relationships, make connections that build up your career and reach out beyond your sector. Networking is still about working, it still is a form of finding work.

Where can you find networking events?
- Digital Leeds events
- Cafe start up
- Junior chamber of commerce - Very corporate based
- Yorkshire Mafia - Networks that promote you locally
- Leeds college of art events
- Event Brite - Easy to find free events in the local and further areas
- Bettakultcha - talk about something you are interested in

Get a linked in profile, it is a professional identity online. With this set yourself a goal, talk to at least 5 people - build up your confidence! See if you can see the attendee list and see if you can recognise any names - research them. Prepare and plan ahead to eliminate any anxiety - this could be in the form of business cards - promoting yourself. When going to networking events ensure that you go with someone for the first few events you attend however try not to stick to them. You need to be confident and approach a single person or a group of people, be brave.

You need to keep the conversation open in both form of topic and body language. For example when taking to a person, turn slightly away from the person you are talking to and this will create an opportunity for anyone to join the discussion. 'How long have you been working there? where? and how did you apply?' You can tell what people are thinking from subtle movements that they make, looking away or hijacking the conversation. Ensure that you listen, be prepared for differing opinions.

Logical levels - a theory of how conversation is structured -

Logical Levels Diagram

1. Environment - ask them where they are, where they work etc

2. Behaviours - how they act

3. Capabilities -what are their strengths

4. Beliefs - religion, morals and values

5. Identity - who they brand themselves to be

6. Spirit - their passion towards their beliefs 

Points 1, 2 and 3 - All relate to the head - the practical side - people are afraid to move to the next step of the diagram
Points 4, 5, and 6 - All relate to the heart - passion driven - why people do what they do - will make more of a connection with these points - personal values.


Elevator Pitch - Summarise yourself within 30 seconds

Body language - Active listening

- Eye contact/firm handshake
- Don't fold your arms in front of you - shows that you are vulnerable - you close yourself off from others 

- Your stance - be open and don't slouch, think about holding food and drink - need one hand free to hand shake

- Facial expressions - always smile!
- Speed of talking - slow and clear
- Consider what you will wear

To build a good rapport - match the volume and tone of voice - subtly match that moving onto other groups. Consider exit strategies however don't leave someone on their own - ask them if there is someone else they can introduce you to. Invite someone else into the conversation. Write on their business card where you met and add any action you promised - schedule 30 mins the next day to contact them. Email them and say 'nice to meet you' Follow them on twitter - retweet info about their company. Add them to your data base on Linked In - later sales or possible work etc. Need to focus on the conversation and find out what they care about - find their values and make connections.