Business networking

business networking, career advancement

Transcript

1. www.lifethenfinance.com 1 Business Relations/ Networking www.lifethenfinance.com
2. 2 www.lifethenfinance.com Networking •  Is practice of making contact and exchanging information with other people who have interests in similar areas. •  **Networking is one of the most important business skills you can have in today`s age.**
3. 3 www.lifethenfinance.com Networking Day-to-Day: •  As a business professional you need to network day-to-day. •  Building and maintaining relationships with friends is important too. •  Having contacts in the professional field and from high school and college is important with networking.
4. 4 www.lifethenfinance.com Ways to Network: •  This can even be done through Facebook, twitter, linkedin, meetups or emails. •  Make efforts to reach out and meet new people in person or online. •  Be active and participate in social and/or extracurricular activities. •  Getting involved with community service, student groups, etc.
5. 5 www.lifethenfinance.com Elevator Pitch: •  Elevator pitches are relaxed and informal part of networking. •  Always state your current projects and it`s good to include what you`re currently working on because they may know somebody that can help.
6. 6 www.lifethenfinance.com Staying Ahead of the Game… •  Younger professionals need to be sure to emphasize the wiliness to learn and receive direction, when they network. •  People are willing to help if you only ask. •  Educate yourself in your areas of interest. •  Keep well informed with what`s going on in your field of interest. –  News, blogs, RSS feed
7. 7 www.lifethenfinance.com Staying Ahead of the Game… Cont…. •  Seek ways to help others accomplish goals while they help you accomplish yours •  Hang out at the locations that the people you need to know hang out –  Example: Attend trade shows, meetings, etc
8. 8 www.lifethenfinance.com Networking… Cont… •  If you are starting your own business, research competition and pay close attention to whom they are partnered with. •  Facebook and LinkedIn are the most common ways to network online with other professionals. •  Consider joining the virtual world of networking.
9. 9 www.lifethenfinance.com Networking Online: •  Do not post personal information like your address •  Exercise extreme caution. •  Be mindful of what you post online. •  Start a business account for both Facebook & LinkedIn with a professional name. •  Simple ways to start; add all the groups that relate to an area you think will help you reach your goals. •  …
10. 10 www.lifethenfinance.com Networking online: Cont… •  Write a personal note to the head of the groups and in a sentence or two let them know what you`re about and what you are looking to accomplish and your support. –  Example: lThanks for joining ________ group. I`m graduating from college next year but am working to get into this field. Keep up your commendable efforts and please let me know if I can help out in any wayz. Your Name. By the way do you have any suggestions for someone looking to get into this field?z •  Make sure to have your elevator pitch ready to respond to questions on these sites. •  Be real. Don`t pretend to be an expert . . . let them know your starting to look into this field. People naturally want to help others. •  Continue to add people to your network and keep in touch from time-to- time by sending them relevant news or other information.
11. 11 www.lifethenfinance.com Mentors: •  Mentorship is a relationship with a person that is experienced in the field or area you seek help in. •  Most mentorships build over time and many years. •  A mentor can help with trying to get you a job, promotion, starting a business or even advice on personal stuff you`re trying to figure out
12. 12 www.lifethenfinance.com Finding a mentor •  Decide what your goals are and what type of mentor will help you get there. •  Think about the skills you`d like to develop and locate mentors that can help you develop those skills. •  Where to find a mentor: •  Remember this is a long-term goal to find the right mentor . . –  College alumni organizations . . . ask career center. –  Professional organizations in your field –  Social networking –  Friends of friends or family –  Through an internship –  A boss or employer
13. 13 www.lifethenfinance.com Trusted Advisors •  It is important to work with trusted, reputable and established professional within any given field. •  Many financial planners, investment bankers, Realtors, loan officers and other financial professionals often work off of commission and may not give the best advice.
14. 14 www.lifethenfinance.com Trusted Advisors: Cont…. •  Overtime, you will build a team of trusted professionals –  College planner –  Tax planner – the tax code has over 15,000 pages . . . either learn them all or find a professional to do your taxes. –  Lawyer –  Financial coach, advisor or professional –  Realtor & mortgage professional – if you plan on purchasing a home.
15. 15 www.lifethenfinance.com Questions to Ask Potential Advisors: •  How many years have you been in your respective field? •  Are you knowledgeable in real estate matters? •  What are your fees and how do you get paid? •  What credentials do you have? •  What professional boards do you belong to? •  Have you ever had any disciplinary action? •  What is your past experience?
16. 16 www.lifethenfinance.com Questions to Ask Potential Advisors: •  What other services do you offer? •  How many years experience do you have? •  What credentials do you have? •  Do you invest your own money in the stocks or funds you’re recommending? (If not, why not?) •  What professional boards do you belong to? •  Have you ever had any disciplinary action? •  What other services do you offer?