Comments on: Networking is Notworking for me

By: " » netWORK IT!" from PR Girlz

" » netWORK IT!" from PR Girlz — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:05:13 +0000

[...] that really got me thinking was Alex Milroy’s comment on Jos’s post. She made a couple suggestions, one of which was to approach the person who is [...]

By: Carmel Joseph

Carmel Joseph — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 02:36:14 +0000

I can definitely relate to your situation Joscelyn. I am a people person but when it comes to networking with professionals I get shy. I believe I get a little intimidated by all the other people and students and sometimes start to feel like I am not qualified or experienced enough to apply for positions whether it is for internships or jobs. Being in the PR field, we MUST get out of this to excel and create relationships. I am glad you showed your concern. I will also be taking the tips Alex Milroy posted and hopefully it will help me emerge from my shell.

By: Stephanie Perrett

Stephanie Perrett — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:59:32 +0000

Thank you for posting this question on your blog, for it surely not only helped you but a lot of readers out there with similar apprehensions. As a PR student, I love coming across blogs that are filled with useful information that is oftentimes overlooked.I am now going to make a concentrated effort on polishing my networking skills in an array of situations. I think Kyra’s comment highlights the importance as well as the benefits of networking.

By: Joscelyn

Joscelyn — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:54:23 +0000

Alex and LeeEllen- thanks for the great tips! I especially like the Exit Strategy. Getting OUT of a conversation can sometimes be harder than getting in!

Kyra- it was a pleasure meeting you!

By: Kyra Aylsworth

Kyra Aylsworth — Thu, 31 May 2007 01:39:51 +0000

Joscelyn,

It’s ironic that you wrote this post before attending Third Tuesday, where you befriended me out of the blue as you saw that I was alone and feeling awkward.

Perhaps your gift is seeing the human element of ‘networking’ and just being your wonderful self. Thanks for that – it made my solo journey to Third Tuesday much more memorable than it would have been otherwise.

By: LeeEllen

LeeEllen — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:50:06 +0000

Walk straight up to a stranger, extend your hand and say “I don’t know a bleeding soul in this room. May I introduce myself?” Guaranteed conversation opener.

By: Alex Milroy

Alex Milroy — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:46:18 +0000

Hi Jos – Being an army brat, talking to people I’ve never met is one thing that I’ve had lots of experience doing, so I will pass on a couple of tips that help me.

1. Approach the person who is standing alone. They are hoping someone will come up to talk.
2. Introduce yourself with your name AND some context. “Hi, I’m Joscelyn Smith. I’m with Thornley Fallis.” The additional information often provides a lead to the conversation.
3. If the person is comfortable networking, they will pick up their side of the conversation easily.
4. If the person is not comfortable networking, it will be harder work – but recognize that they are already impressed with the fact that you are obviously much better at it than they are!
5. Always have the next question planned. A good one for this type of event is “Are you originally from Toronto?” This can easily evolve into where they work, went to school, neighbours, etc.
6. And have a graceful exit strategy. Networking is about meeting lots of people, not standing around with one person. So when it’s time to move on, simply smile, tell the person you have enjoyed meeting them, and that you are going to circulate. Ask if they would like to walk around with you, or introduce them to a co-worker, and move on to the next new person.
And remember you don’t need to be interesting, just interested!