Why Networking Matters

I had the opportunity today to attend the Why Networking Matters event at The University of Maine today, and thought that I would share some of the key points with you. Here they are!

Abe Furth is a local business owner in my area, and he gave 10 Principles for Networking:

1.) Say yes to engagement opportunities. You never know what networking event will be instrumental to something in your future, so you should take advantage of every opportunity that arises.

2.) Foster friendships from every generation. If you're young, don't feel like you can't interact with the older generation. They have a lot of wisdom to offer, and you can benefit from great friendships with them. For the older generation, younger friends can be great, too! You may even be able to learn something from them. 

3.) Be approachable. A lot of times, your facial expressions and the attitudes that you're giving off say MUCH more than what you're actually saying, so be approachable and conscious of how you appear. 

4.) Nurture hobbies that you're passionate about.

5.) Be an expert at a few things in life. Abe said that this point is a bit more difficult to achieve, but that it's a great idea to aim toward becoming an expert in an area.

6.) Read social cues! Does someone look like they want the conversation to be over? Are you talking too much? As point (3) stated, social cues say a lot. 

7.) Image management. Also related to point (3), your image is important. How do you come across on social media? Would a professional looking at your social pages respect what you have listed as public information? Would a potential employer hire you after seeing what you put on social media?

8.) Excel at your current occupation. What are you doing now? Are you taking it seriously? Even if you don't see yourself staying with your current employer or occupation, give it your all while you're there.

9.) Volunteer. 

10.) Be okay with standing out, and get comfortable with getting uncomfortable. (I love this point!)


The next person who spoke was Emily Cain, who is a politician and served in the Maine Senate. I had the opportunity to meet her and speak with her for a few minutes, and really enjoyed doing so. Here are some of the main points that she made on professionalism and networking:

1.) "You have to be comfortable in your own space if you want someone to connect with you." This connected with what Abe Furth said about being comfortable and approachable. Emily pointed out that in a professional setting, it's important to be comfortable, dress like yourself, and trust your gut.

2.) Make genuine connections with people. Don't be fake. When you connect with someone, connect with them as a person, don't just connect with them to make another contact. 
-Find ways to connect with people for who they are.
-Frame of mind matters. Be positive!
-Focus on the benefits of an event. Like Abe said, take advantage of engagement opportunities.
-Have a good handshake! This is so relative. I repeat, HAVE A GOOD HANDSHAKE. 

3.) Talk to strangers at events. Don't just stand next to a wall by yourself. Introduce yourself. Emily said to risk rejection...it's not always better to be safe than sorry. You'll regret it more if you don't take action in introducing yourself, than if you risk the possibility of being rejected. Emily even quoted Taylor Swift... "Shake rejection off!" 

4.) Use your OAR. Observation, Ask a question, Reveal something about yourself when meeting someone new. These three tips will help you make a genuine connection.

5.) Listen more than you talk. This is extremely important, not just in a professional setting, but in every-day life. People who listen are more approachable and more likable. 
-Nod, smile, ask questions
-Be open and receptive
-Make eye contact
-Bring the conversation full circle (remember what the person you're talking to says)


The event was great, and I'm glad that I attended. I'm feeling proud to be a Mainer! I hope that you guys learned something from these points. Until next time, connect with me on Twitter HERE.

Here are a few photos from the event: