There is still a little time, I had never heard of the word “Networking”. I just knew the word applied to computers “Network”, which means, “Network” in English. In fact, if we try to be as close as possible to the exact translation, the word “Networking” is translated as “Networking”, as the Canadians say. When in June 2004, I started to head out on everything possible in order to m’expatrier in New York, so you can work as an engineer Son, that famous word “Networking” appeared on various websites. I knew that people generally gathered in a given place with a time-definite, and that they exchanged information.
But I really did not understand the meaning of such events. At most, and like many French, j’assimilais it all a kind of sects! And then we must recognize our other French one is not one to talk to people we do not know. It is accustomed to the first round of the person concerned, judge and then take the decision whether we will send him the floor or not. However, it is only trying to do something that you do not know, after that we can afford to make a judgment. You should know going beyond prejudices and appearances. The Networking is a process that is typically English, and therefore practiced in countries Anglo-Saxons. In the USA, the importance of this tool has proven itself. To give you a vein, only New York, Networking represents 90% of the job search. Do not make Networking would just say: “I live in country A, and I m’expatrier in country B. But I n’apprendrais not the language of the country B, I just be content to continue A speak my language. ” In short, this would be senseless and totally devoid of any logic. I could also tell you that even with the best ideas in the world, even with the greatest determination, even with the biggest motivations, your projects will not go very far if you do not Networking. Does not networking just once in your life, history gives you a clear conscience! This would serve strictly nothing, especially since it is learning. Personally, it is doing Networking, as I learn to make Networking. At each event, j’affine my technical presentation called “Elevator Pitch.” In other words, a technique that is a very short time (60 seconds), to appear effectively to someone. Also in order to make a good impression is an important point that should not be overlooked. Obviously, you have information to frame substantive to happen. Next place, person and the circumstances, adapt as much as possible this presentation. By the time you must spend before, during and after a Networking is important. This may seem time lost or wasted, but it is not. If you want to succeed your plans, make your dream become a reality, you will have to invest you personally and financially in the Networking. It is common to pay between 15.00 and 30.00 € to the door the day of the event, while it will be a little less pre-sale on-line. Target and select events on which you go: prefer quality and not quantity. However, according to your availability, you can participate in 1 to 3 Networking a week, even 4 to 8 Networking per month. The Networking comes in two distinct forms: formal and informal. In its formal form, Networking is provided in a specific place (conference room, seminar room, etc…). The number of people present varies from 15 to over 100. The person who organizes the event inspires and guides the evening (usually from 18.30), which is when people leave work. Most of the time it takes 02.00 or more. Under his informal, Networking is practiced almost everywhere: in a taxi at the airport, metro, bus, and restaurant, bar, and bowling or in the street. Are you still in your best profile (’re always on your 31), i.e. it must still impress the person with whom you speak. Depending on the case, in a formal Networking, it is better to be in costume / tie and shaved (for men), and tailoring (for women). However, some events may be formal thematic as a costumed ball for example, where a specific place is needed. In other cases, during an informal Networking, you are as you are during the discussion (jean / pullover or costume / tie). In all cases, to speak loud and intelligible voice, so that everyone understands your message! Without knowing and quite harmless, each of us is an already party network. Wherever you live, you are surely from associations such as: parents, sports club, a club that fails, philately club, veterans, alumni promoting school X, committees of companies, Etc…When you participate in a Networking, the aim is to create and build links between each of the networks mentioned above (note: this list is not exhaustive). A question is tirelessly: “What can we expect from a Networking”. It can be different things: finding a job, finding new customers looking for new ideas, finding a partner to set up a business, hiring an employee to launch a new range products, and even have other viewpoints on a project. Regarding the search for a job, you must know that it is likely that a person you communicate information about an employer who recruits. But this information will have been no announcement, nor in the press or on the Internet, nor on any other medium. This is precisely where the Networking is proving very useful, and also a sharp razor blade. It is that which sapped the hidden job market. For my part, the first Networking, which I participated, was organized by Bib in Paris, through his company Biba4Network. I remember having said just before you go: “People will discuss them, and they will leave me in my corner.” In reality, and to my great surprise, it did not at any place as I imagined. First Bib has been the introduction, in this case that she was and what was the work of his company. Then, everyone has been able to submit a brief explaining clearly what he was looking for. Then, depending on what is research and following what was said during the presentations, conversations have begun to establish it among those present. A conversation goes another, in the most natural kind. And I can assure you again; people in front of you will not believe everything you eat. Most of the time, making Networking also means meeting people open-minded.
When you explained to your interlocutor what you were looking for, he did the same on its side. Then, everyone gives his business card to another. Do not neglect this small piece of paper card that the business card, it represents you or your company! Keep in mind that among all the cards exchanged during a Networking, you should make sure to leave the lot. Also, customize as much as possible your cards: be original. Whatever happens and wherever you go, always go out with your cards. Do include all relevant information (name, phone, e-mail), so that your interlocutor can contact you if an opportunity would present itself. Once networking fact, always think to send an e-mail follow-up (this is neither more nor less than a follow-up). In this e-mail, resume outline but also the topics discussed with the person concerned, so that it can more easily remember who you are, and what was said. Ask him if you also need to send your curriculum vitae.
In order to strike while the iron is hot, do not delay in sending this e-mail: better do so within 24 hours after the event. Let take a week and spend a phone call to each person to whom you sent e-mail. Ask them if they have received your e-mail, because there are several scenarios in which e-mails do not reach their addressees. Very often, people are not their e-mails over a long period, which has resulted in a saturation of their mailbox, and your e-mail will be rejected!
Sometimes the e-mails get lost in the maze of Internet servers may be out of service, or the anti-Spam are zealous and block ¾ e-mails (where I spoke knowingly cause!). Today, after only 3 months experience in Networking, I still participated in events organized by 7: Biba4Network, Euro net, Paris Nights, Hepatica, Experts Paris, Interference. Generally, you are informed of events by going to register on-line on their respective websites, but also being included in their newsletter. To summarize in a general way, remember well what am below. In everyday life, when someone asks me to explain what the Networking, I say simply: “Networking is an exchange of good intentions”. From there, a priori is already less severe…
Jun 18