PERSONAL NETWORKING
AND DRESS ETIQUETTE
• The WIN Conference that you have attended
today emphasized that before you invest in
others, YOU have to invest in yourself.
• That means, you have to know about your
strengths and weaknesses. Work on your
weaknesses so that you can continue to build
character and self-esteem for yourself.
• It is also important to know about your culture
and ethnic background. Sometimes these
may cause barriers for you to push outside the
box.
• By investing in yourself , it will help you create
YOUR personal brand and professional style.
Challenges in Networking
• One has to overcome shyness and
approaching someone that you don’t know.
• Must think of this challenge as an
“adventure.”
• One has to make sure they are going to work
on the techniques.
• Networking doesn’t happen overnight. It takes
time and much work.
• Don’t expect networking people to be your
friends immediately.
• Just like developing friendships or
relationships, your future networking circle
need to get to know you, trust you and
respect you.
• Don’t expect anything from them or try to sell
your business product to them immediately.
It will hurt your image.
Business Cards
• Business cards – social or business events.
• Arrive early so that you can do our networking..never know who
you will meet.
• Never leave the office without your business cards.
• Have a good supply of them with you at all times since you never
know when and where will you will encounter someone that may
be a great networking friend in the future.
• How unimpressive is it to ask for a person’s card and then say, “Oh, I
am sorry. I think I just gave my last one away.”
• Make sure they are your cards. Check them out before you arrive
at your destination.
• Your business cards and how you handle them contribute to your
total image.
• Make sure you have your cards. Check them
out before you arrive at your destination.
• Your business cards and how you handle them
contribute to your total image.
• Some cultures have different manners when it
comes to receiving business cards. Be
respective of this. (i.e. Japanese business
cards)
• If you don’t have business cards, please spend
the money and get some printed.
• Some people want to stand out – they do
something different on the back of their card.
• After meeting people, write information on the
back (i.e. Where you meet them, key points of
interest/conversation)
• Don’t write the information in front of the
person. Walk away and make your notes
privately.
• Keep your cards in a card case or holder where
they are protected from wear and tear.
• Develop a system so that you keep all the
business cards you receive at an event in a
particular area (i.e. keeps them in her right
pocket while left pocket holds her business
cards).
• Be selective. Don’t give your business cards to
everyone as if they were fliers at a hardware
store opening. It appears pushy and
unprofessional.
• You can be selective on who you follow up.
Remember – you never know who this person
knows or the valuable resources that he/she
may be able to help you with.
• One never knows what connection this person has with
someone else that you may want to meet in our
community.
• Follow up after your initial meeting within a day or
two. Write something like “It was nice meeting you at
the event. “I know you mentioned about your
daughter being interested in communications. Since I
work in the communications field, and I had previous
media experience, please feel free to have your
daughter contact me if she decides to pursue her
interest in the communications field.
• People love this reaching out and being helpful.
However, you must be sincere when you offer.
• If you tell the person, you will follow up with
some referral/resource, don’t forget to do that.
If you can’t do it or something causes you to not
be able to help, tell the person.
• Develop your personal goals so that you can
continually work on your networking skills.
• Try attending events solo. It is so easy to be
comfortable attending events with a friend.
However, it may hinder your developing
networking techniques.
Handshakes
• Develop a firm handshake. Image is often
formed on how one shakes hands.
• When you shake hands, look into their eyes
and talk. “Hi, I have not met you but let me
introduce myself to you. My name is Elaine
Kitamura. What is your affiliation with this
organization?” or “What is your reason for
attending tonight’s event?”
SMILE – IT’S CONTAGIOUS!!!!!
• Match your body language to your verbal
message.
• A smile or pleasant expression tells your
clients that you are glad to be with them.
• Eye contacts says you are paying attention and
are interested in what is being said.
• Leaning in toward the person will perceive
that you are engaged and involved in the
conversation.
• Research shows that you have about 7-10
seconds to create that first impression.
• When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of
how you are judged is based on nonverbal
data – your appearance and your body
language.
• Only 7% is influenced by the words that you
speak.
• When your initial encounter is over the
phone, 70% of how you are perceived is based
on your tone of voice and 30% on your words.
• Clearly, it’s not what you say – it’s the way you
say it.
• Choose your first twelve words carefully.
Express some form of thank you when you talk
to others. “It was nice meeting you ..Heidi.”
“Thank you for taking the time to talk to me”
• Use the other person’s name immediately
within the first twelve words and the first
seven seconds. You are sending a message
that you value that person and are focused on
him. You will stand out with people effectively
remembering them by name.
• Let people talk. Generally, people like to talk
about themselves. This way you don’t have to
ask questions. You sit back and listen. Then
they will think you are such a great listener.
• Listen when you are talking to people. You
can pick up key facts that you can use for your
follow up email.
• Help others in the networking process. When
you meet someone new and they don’t know
others in the room take the time to introduce
them to someone you know.
• People appreciate this extra effort and you will
be view as a cordial person as well as
someone that is comfortable in helping others
network.
How to Create Conversations
• Ask them why they are attending the function
or what their affiliation is with tonight’s event.
• Talk about the weather or some major news
story.
• Compliment on their jewelry or attire. Great
opening way to create your next message. “I
don’t think I introduced myself.. My name is
….”
• Comment on the food (i.e. while in line, ask
what the food is in the tray).
• If you saw them talking with someone that
you know, you can always ask…”How do you
know Lucy Ito?”
Dress Etiquette
• Pay attention to your hair. People tend to notice
your hair and face first. Putting off that much
needed haircut or color job may cost you a future
opportunity to meet this person at another time.
• Keep our shoes in mint condition. People will
look from your face to your feet. If your shoes
aren’t well maintained, the person will question
whether you pay attention to other details.
Shoes should be polished.
• For women who go on interviews, it is
recommended that you do not wear toe open
shoes. Go with standard close toe shoes.
• Many stores offer free consultations by
stylists. Invest time in getting assistance in
purchasing professional clothing to match
with your personality and personal style.
• Clothes does help create that brand and
image.
• For the men, often wearing unique,
interesting ties will cause people to draw
attention to start a conversation.
• Also wearing colored shirts that are bright are
another way to stir conversation.
Seek Opportunities to Talk
• Try your best to get at least 3 new business
cards from any event that you attend.
• It is so easy to approach fellow Asians, but try
to be outside the box and approach nonAsians. The reason being that you will lessen
your urge to be with other Asians because it is
comfortable.
• If you are attending a function because there
are people you know that will be attending,
plan your networking so that you can meet
with them prior to the event commencing.
Once the event starts, your networking is
limited unless you interrupt your dinner and
visit tables to say hi and do your networking
etiquette.
Create Networking Opportunities
• If you are really shy, consider joining a not-forprofit organization and volunteer community
service. This is a great way to meet people
with low risks.
• Become a Board Member. This means you will
have to work and do our respective Board
responsibilities. However, this will help create
networking as well as community resources.
• Attend events that are meaningful to you.
There must be a reason or passion for their
mission statement.
• If you sit at a table, ask your Table Captain to
provide the list of attendees and the names of
their companies.
• Do some internet research so that when you
arrive at the event, you should be the first to
go around and great the tablemates. Do
introduction on your own and if it is
appropriate, give them your business card.
• Offer to be a Table Captain for organizations
that is meaningful to you or that would be
good for your business networking.
• Helps others with networking introductions.
This is a great PLUS to you and builds up your
profile/image on how people view you.
Respect comes along with this gesture.
• Remember to thank others that help you
along the way.
• Watch how other people do their networking
– use techniques to match with your personal
style.
• Networking friends need to be supportive. If
one sits at your event table, there is obligation
that you may need to return the favor at a
later day.
• When you see networking acquaintances,
make a special effort to go and say hi.
The Elevator Speech
What is It?
• An elevator speech is a short (15-30 second,
150 word) sound bite that expresses and
memorably introduces you. It spotlights your
uniqueness. It focuses on the benefits you
provide. And it is delivered effortlessly.
• Elevator speeches are intended to prepare you
for very brief, chance encounters in an
elevator.
• You should use it whenever you want to
introduce yourself to a new contact. It could
be in the supermarket, waiting in line at ATM
or when you get your morning latte.
• So who better than you to describe with
passion, precision and persuasiveness what
you do?
• A great elevator speech makes a lasting long
impression, showcases your professionalism
and allow you to position yourself.
• And if you want to network successfully, you
need an elevator speech!
What’s My Line?
• First, and most important- think in terms of
the benefits your clients or customers derive
from your services.
• “Hi, my name is Elaine Kitamura, and I help
not-for-profit organizations get 24/7
advertising messages throughout the city.
OR
“Hi, I am Elaine Kitamura, and I am an
Community Affairs Director.
What’s In it for Me?
• Remember how you can help people. Keep
that top of mind when composing your
speech.
“Hi, I am Elaine Kitamura, and I help not-forprofits to promote their organizations.
OR
• “Hi,, I am Elaine Kitamura. I partner with notfor-profit organizations that need to find
volunteers and donor to help their agencies
grow and become more profitable”
• Now you got my attention!
How to Craft your Elevator Speech
• Write down the “deliverables” – the services
or features that you provide.
• Think in terms of benefits that your clients or
employer could derive from these services.
• Use successful client outcomes.
• Get that opening sentence that will grab the
listener’s attention.
• The best openers leave the listener wanting
more information.
• You don’t have to include your title, especially
if you think it will have a negative connotation
(i.e. an IRS agent, for example).
• Your elevator speech must roll off your tongue
with ease.
• Practice your speech in front of your mirror
and with friends.
• Need to sound confidence and sincere.
Examples of Elevator Speeches
• Hi, I am Lucy Ito, and I help people become
more successful at their work. For example, I
helped a client change jobs with a 40% salary
increase. I ‘ve helped a client develop the
skills to deal with a difficult boss and I have
helped a manager devise new ways to keep
her staff motivated.”
• An Avon representative may say “I help
women look beautiful.”
• Or a business coach that says “I help you get
more clients than you know what to do with.”
READY TO UNFOLD
Stand back and watch me
I’m getting ready to unfold!
I’ve decided to let my spirit go free
I’m ready to become the woman I was meant to be.
I’ve either been somebody’s daughter, mother or wife
And now it’s time for me to take charge of my life.
I’ve been pondering all this time trying to decide just who I am
At first I thought it depended on whether I had a man.
Then I thought that simply just because
Others had more seniority; they could decide who I was.
I played all the roles that were expected and I seldom
asked why
I’ve had my wings closed up, but now I’m ready to fly
I’ve been awakened and I finally see the light
I’m about to make some changes and set a few things right.
With my new attitude and the knowledge I possess
I might create a whole new world order and clean up all this
mess!
Stand back and watch me
I’m just getting ready to unfold!
Mona Lake Jones
The Color of Culture II