"Vital Signs: How to be taken seriously when networking with professionals"
W. Roy Grizzard, Ed. D.
Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy
2005 National Youth Leadership Network Conference
Washington, DC
July 25, 2005
INTRODUCTION
It's a real pleasure to address this group of future leaders in the disability community. I particularly want to acknowledge
- Peter Squires-Chair of NYLN
- Kristen Jones – Vice Chair of NYLN
- Betsy Valnes- Newly hired Executive Director of NYLN
- Laurie Powers- NYLN Project Director from Portland State University
- The National Youth Leadership Executive Board
The topic I've been asked to discuss is networking. I cannot emphasize too strongly how important effective networking skills can be to your ability to embark on and move ahead in your careers.
Definition of Networking
- Networking (It is not about just about what you know or who you know but who knows you.)
- Definition: To interact or engage in informal communication with others for mutual assistance or support.
- How to network: Ask specific questions, find similarities and differences, allow people to talk about themselves
- With whom:
- Anyone could become a good person with whom to network ("six degrees of separation")
- Neighbors
- Friends
- Co-workers
- Teachers
- Mentors
- Where: Anywhere and everywhere
- Purpose: To built lasting relationships with people with whom you can exchange advice and assistance (reciprocal process)
- 80-90% of jobs are not advertised (most jobs achieved through informal paths- i.e. not jobs section of the news paper)
- Networking is great for a person with a disability because it provides extra information about jobs like…
- access
- accommodations
- work environment
- salary
- transportation
- health care
- organizational culture
Personal Example
Let me give you a perfect example -- from myself. When I was a young man in college, I volunteered for track meets as an official at a high school. When I graduated, the individual who was the athletic director, unbeknownst to me, picked up the telephone, called the Central Office, and told them to offer me a job a middle school in Henrico County. That is how I got that job. It was networking, through volunteering my time, getting to know people, and getting to know the right people.
Important Elements of Networking
- Be Professional (treat people the way you would like to be treated)
- Be respectful of others time
- Schedule meetings- don't just show up
- Do your homework. Be prepared when you approach new contacts. Use your favorite search engine to look for recent articles about the company or organization and its principals
- Be punctual for meetings/ interviews
- Return calls or e-mails ASAP
- Thank people for their time
- Recognize that professionals are willing to spend time with you but they are very busy
- Dress appropriately for all occasions Look sharp at networking events.
- Avoid Jeans and hide your tattoos.
- Know when you must be dressed up.
- It is better to be dressed up too much than down too much.
- The more you dress up the more you are taken seriously and given respect.
- Mind your manners, shake hands firmly, stand up straight, make eye contact and show respect in any way you can. A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview
- Don't Forget Your Business Cards
- There is nothing more embarrassing than establishing a good relationship with someone, extracting a pledge of help and then searching around for a napkin to write on. While you're at it, spend a few extra bucks to print professional-looking cards on good-quality paper.
- Be confident and proactive (do not be intimidated by professionals)
- Approach professionals first
- Show an interest in their careers –Remember that people generally like to talk about themselves. You need to be a good listener
- Follow up with contacts
- All professionals are people too
- Know your strengths and how your are unique as a worker
- Be upfront and honest
- Be Prepared
- Prepare a script or talking points to share when speaking with professionals which outline
- Who you are?
- What are you looking for (a job, information, training)?
- Your strengths?
- Share the unique insight that comes from having a disability
- Be upfront about the accommodations you need
- Know your legal rights and how to advocate for yourself
- Always have a resume ready to distribute
Conclusion
Remember, the purpose of networking is to be remembered – in a positive light. You have only one opportunity to create a first impression. Make it a memorable one. Make sure that you have shared information about your skills and talents.
It's standard procedure for business colleagues to ask each other about potentially good employees. Hone your networking skills so that yours is the first name that comes to mind for the people with whom you network.
If you master networking skills, who knows? Perhaps I'll be calling on you some day when you are the Assistant Secretary for the Disability Employment Policy.
Wherever your career may lead, I look forward to watching where your leadership will take not only you, but others in the disability community.
