There are many videos on YouTube that can help you with networking, including TED Talks. I have screened many of these and want to recommend some with the links provided below.
First Topic: Learn the real meaning of networking
Networking is not just about getting at job at a networking fair, but it’s about building relationships. It would be better for someone to go to conferences, leadership programs, trade shows, MeetUp.com, recreational basketball leagues, and the gym because these events have more than one objective than just “networking.”
Second Topic: Be confident and believe in yourself
Make sure to be confident in yourself and be approachable. Wear the part, but not just a suit and tie. If it is not a formal event, you can wear a shirt related to your product or organization to promote yourself. Introduce yourself and ask, “What brings you here?” “What do you hope to get out of this?” “What cool stuff are you working on right now?” so you can learn what networkers want.
Third Topic: Play Matchmaker
Connect people to others even if it doesn’t benefit you immediately. It benefits others and connecting other puzzle pieces will make an enormous network for yourself later. Make a list of people in your life: friends, family, partners, clients. Then make a second column of what those people want.
First Topic: Wish Bone
Ask yourself “what do you want?”
Second Topic: Jawbone
Competency: ask yourself, “Do you know what you’re talking about?” Research about the company, program, organization, and the individual.
Humility: people are not going to want to be in a relationship if they don’t like you. Offer to help which puts you in a position to succeed.
Third Topic: Backbone
Get used to being told “no.” Reach out to as many people as you can. Persist. Networking is like currency where you can progress and go forward.
Video #3
First Topic: You are never lonely, if you can connect
Her Grandfather left China in his 20s with his son (her father) for a better life in Canada. Life was good and there were many great memories because she had family. She learned family was something one can create, and it was not just blood. Building connecting became important to her. She worked as a clinic counselor for people with depression, anxiety, OCD, and personality disorders and helped people build connections. It takes time, effort, commitment.
Second Topic: Know yourself
See what you like or what you don’t like and know your strengths and weaknesses. It is important to accept your weaknesses to become stronger. Accept the way you look, and your strengths will enhance. She embraced her sense of humor. Don’t just try to show your good side. People close to you have seen your good and bad side. Let people see you fully for a better connection.
Third Topic: Don’t take it personally
Some things are not completely about you. Many times, it reflects their way of thinking, emotional state, and patterns of behavior. If someone says something that hurt, reach out to someone you trust and ask for clarification.
Fourth Topic: Bad vibes- judgement and assumptions
Sometimes we meet people we just don’t like. Sometimes we are just judging by looks. Because of this, make sure you tell your whole story, so people don’t just assume things about you and judge too quickly. People use terms like “pretty,” “ugly,” “right,” “wrong,” to judge and assume using terms like “would,” and “should.” It takes two to build a connection, so both people must be interested.
Fifth Topic: It’s All in the Delivery
It’s not hard to be honest- it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Focus on communication, what you really want to say. Allow the person to explore suggestions.
One of her friends asked, “Do you think it I’m fat?” She asked, “Have you stopped exercising?” “Have you been dieting?” The friend answer knew the truth, but she was not mad.
Make sure to watch the videos to get all the details, and good luck on networking!
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