Using speed networking to kick start conversation and connection
In today’s connected world, the strength of your network can be your most vital tool when it comes to seeking a new job. Knowing how to network is an important skill to help you make connections and expand your reach.
At Northeastern University-Seattle, we have used speed networking as a way to foster conversation and connections at two recent community events.
The first event brought together students, alumni and faculty from the College of Computer and Information Science, and the speed networking exercise succeeded in kick starting conversation, creating links within the network, and finding common interests among those in attendance.
Last week’s Military Community Networking Reception aimed to connect local employers with active service members and veterans. An interview skills workshop outlined the importance of knowing how to describe military experience for a civilian audience.
“The goal is to emphasize the important experiences, knowledge & skills gained from the military,” said Andy McCarty, Northeastern’s Director of Veteran and Military Services. “In order to do so, qualify & quantify military terms & experiences to help a non-military interviewer understand your credentials.”
The veterans and active service members in attendance were then able to practice their elevator pitch in the speed networking exercise with employer representatives from companies including Amazon.com, Porch, U.S Customs and Border Protection, Nordstrom and Entomo.
It was a verbose, whirlwind hour as participants received feedback on their pitches and made real network connections with potential employers. The evening concluded with a reception to allow for untimed conversation and a chance to circle back to promising leads.
You get one chance at making a first impression and crafting a solid elevator pitch is a key element to making sure that impression is a good one.
An elevator pitch is a 30-second introduction that summarizes who you are, what you do, why you are unique and your immediate goals. Many articles offer tips for creating a great pitch, but as the adage goes, practice makes perfect.
Speed networking allows participants to hone their pitch in a series of quick, timed, face-to-face interactions. It eases the intimidation that can come from an open networking event by providing a structured opportunity to speak to many contacts in a short period of time. Plus, if a particular introduction isn’t going well, just wait to be saved by the bell and try again with the next match.
Tips from Paco Mesch, Faculty Cooperative Education Coordinator:
- Avoid being vague
- Identify a problem that you can solve
Tell a story that illustrates the problem/solution - Consider your listener – in your field or not?
Keep it simple enough that your grandmother could understand it