NETWORKING 101; NETWORKING TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

( Excerpts from an online meeting with members of the meeting point)

MEET OUR COACH

I am Osaretin Asowata, a graduate of Pharmacy, University of Benin , 2002, with a Masters in Business Administration,  2011, and a present member of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy (WAPCP).
I had my internship in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and worked as a locum pharmacist in a community practice but I’ve been in marketing and sales since 2004, after NYSC.

I’ve worked in Megalife Sciences, Pfizer and presently, I am the head of marketing and sales for Biogenerics since 2011.

To wet the ground for today’s topic, let me tell you. I got my present job through facebook, had interview on the phone and resumed before meeting my employer face to face. That just tells the power of today’s networking media.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this session you should:

• Understand why networking is important
• Describe yourselves and your career goals succinctly
• Recognise and take advantage of a networking opportunity when it arises
• Develop networking skills
• Increase awareness of networking resources

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

First, a Network = “An interconnected system of things or people”;You are in one whether you know/like it or not

Some popular Quotes:

‘No man is an island’

Networking is more about listening to what people say than saying the right things.

It is “using the personal relationships people have with one another to increase your exposure to information and opportunity”.

Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships.

Key words :

Development – Takes time

Maintenance – ‘Not a one-time occurrence’

Mutually valuable relationships –

Focus- is not ‘me’ centred

Note: information and opportunities! That’s the primary objective of networking, NOT money! Information and opportunities bring money but you must get your priorities right.

WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT?

Life has changed and will keep changing: In the past, we talk of -‘connections’, ‘Long legs’, ‘big name’, etc., now, its networks.

Networking is the #1 way to find a job now.

Over 60% of job opportunities are obtained through networking. High percentage of jobs at all levels of employment are now through personal contacts.

70% job vacancies are filled by recommendation or referral.

The wider your network, more likely you are to find the right connections.

HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR NETWORK?

Take one step at a time

Develop a Networking Plan

o Who to network with?

o When to network?

o Where?

o How?

Work the plan

o Follow-up with every lead in a timely manner.

o Keep a record of conversations and meetings.

o Develop a contact follow-up schedule.

Thank those who help you at anytime. Always keep doors open.

* Develop a Networking Plan – Who?

Social Networks

• Friends, Family and neighbors.
• Alumni contacts.
• Volunteer contacts.
• Use networking tools – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, LinkedIn/Classmates, alumni groups.
• Reach out to personal networks.
• Volunteer, get involved to meet new people.
• Keep your contacts informed – your 1st job won’t be your last (long term process).

Professional Networks

• Professional associations like PSN, ACPN, NAIP etc.
• Professional Networking events.
• Social clubs like Rotary, Lions Clubs.
• Economic Development Groups.
• Small Business Development Groups.
• Special Committee Involvement.

How do you Develop a Networking Plan ?

One on One approach: Use Informational Interviews:

E.g. If you want to work in a particular company, you need to identify someone who’s already there:

• Can you tell me more about this/your company?
• What do you do there?
• What do you like about your company?
• How did you get your position?
• What type of education or training are needed for this type of job?
• How do you apply for a position at your company?
• Is there someone in particular I should talk to?
• Can you look at my resume and give me some feedback?

One-On-Many Approach

• Offer to speak at various local groups, organizations and associations.
• Transform your professional expertise(eg as a pharmacist) into an informative, concise and entertaining speech that will help others boost business.
• Write articles or tip sheets about hot topics in your industry.
• Give examples of hot topics in pharmacy today Or in your area of interest. What can you say or write about it?

Your Current network – you already have one!

• Friends, family, lecturers
• Contacts from voluntary work, societies/clubs
• Part-time work, internships voluntary work

Expand your network by:

• Attending careers fairs, employer presentations, conferences.
• Alumni services (Expert scheme).
• Ask people you know for other contacts.
• Join professional associations (student membership).
• Study abroad if you can afford it.

Online Networking

• First impressions count – even online! And may be the last.
• 45% of employers use social networks to screen job candidates.
• 35% of employers did not offer a job based on a candidate’s content uncovered on a social networking site.
• Facebook, LinkedIn and My Space are targets.
• Provocative photos / references to drinking and drug use are cited by employers as ‘red flags’.
• Bad mouthing previous employers/colleagues and poor online communication skills also a problem.
• Social media self-audit: http://mashable.com/2009/04/08/social-media-recruitment/
• Lock down your Facebook account!
• Choose and accept your friends wisely.
• Be careful what you post.
• What does your online behaviour / presence say about you?

Now I’m sure most of you have one or more FB, twitter, Instagram, Blog accounts. Take note these are double edged swords that can make or mar your networking efforts. Make rules for yourself on these platforms.

Note that anything you post can be seen by the whole world. Once you ‘like’ or share anything, it becomes your own. So be careful what you post because it will come back to you.