2011 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium Pre-conference June 19, 2011 LT Reginald O. Smith Objectives Discuss the Law of Reciprocity. Discuss the 12x12x12 Rule. Discuss two ways to become a knowledgeable expert. Objectives Describe networking at nonnetworking events. List three ways that others can promote you. Create a networking scorecard. Objectives Discuss online networking. Discuss ways to improve small talk skills. Make at least one networking connection. ICEBREAKER ICEBREAKER INSTRUCTIONS 1. Talk to someone that you know; tell them a little information about yourself and what you do on a daily basis. 2. Find someone that you do not know and make the same speech. LAW OF RECIPROCITY LAW OF RECIPROCITY The giver cannot, should not, and does not expect an immediate return on their investment in another person’s gain. Through effort and time, the generosity will be returned by your network of contacts. LAW OF RECIPROCITY Giving means helping others achieve success. The person who helps you will not necessarily be the person you helped. Success takes getting involved. Getting Involved Become active in PAC activities and PAC mentoring. Become involved with HHS mentoring; https://mentoring.hhs.gov/ Take advantage of opportunities in your deployment teams. Make it a point to meet your liaisons and PAC chairs. Contact officers that have specific knowledge related to your goals, e.g. details. Attend conferences, e.g. COF. The 12x12x12 Rule The 12x12x12 Rule PERCEPTION IS REALITY! The 12x12x12 Rule How do you look from 12 feet away? (Appearance and Body Language) Look the part before going to the event. Make sure your body language sends the right message. (3 Volunteers) The 12x12x12 Rule How do you look from 12 inches away? Do you look as good close-up as you do afar? Smile. Know how you will follow-up. Get your act together. Perception! The 12x12x12 Rule What are the first 12 words out of your mouth? Have the first 12 words ready to roll off your tongue. The 12x12x12 Rule: Summary How do you look from 12 feet away? How do you look from 12 inches away? What are the first 12 words out of your mouth? BECOMING A KNOWLEDGEABLE EXPERT KNOWLEDGEABLE EXPERT Know great deal of information about a subject and willing to share information. Provide information without overwhelming your audience. Stay aware of current news concerning the subject. Know relevant statistics in your field. Be aware of issues. Networking at Non-Networking Events Networking at Non-Networking Events Holiday parties, social mixers, birthday parties, dinner parties, etc. After asking “How are things going?”, ask “How can I help?” or “Are you meeting your goals?” Be sincere; otherwise, you will be perceived as shallow and phony. Honor the event. GETTING OTHERS TO PROMOTE YOU Have you heard the following statement: “If there’s anything that I can do for you, let me know”? WAYS OTHERS CAN PROMOTE YOU Making an announcement, e.g. giving you praise publicly, inviting you to speak briefly on a topic. Nominate you for awards. Referrals. Arrange a meeting on your behalf. Publish information for you. Connect with you through online networks. ONLINE NETWORKING Online Networking Is online networking right for you? Integrate into your networking but does not replace face-to-face. Can connect with new contacts you would like to follow-up with face-to-face encounters. Online Networking Online networking enhances offline networking by allowing you to communicate directly with others instantly. Decide if the online community is moving toward a relationship or mere socializing. Is your investment of time and energy reciprocated in meaningful ways to you? Online Networking Realize dangers of online networking. How much time per week will you devote to online networking? Decide if the online experience is moving toward a relationship or mere socializing. Is your investment of time and energy reciprocated in meaningful ways to you? Small Talk Small Talk Assessment : Y or N I have participated in at least one activity in order to develop new friendships or to meet new people this year. I’m conscious of “taking turns” in conversations so that I can learn more about others and help them know me. In the past year, I have used my contacts to help at least 2 people achieve their personal goals. Small Talk Assessment: Y or N I return offered friendship; I don’t wait for someone to offer friendship before I am friendly. When someone asks “What’s new?”, I talk about something exciting in my life instead of saying “Not much.” At meetings, parties, job fairs, etc., I introduce myself to people I don’t know and leave knowing 3 new people. Why It’s Important Clears way for more intimate conversation, laying the foundation for a stronger relationship. Makes others feel included, valued and comfortable. Small Talk Rules In safe situations, make it a point to talk to strangers. Introduce yourself. Silence is impolite. Small Talk Rules Good things come to those who go get them! It’s up to you to start a conversation. It’s up to you to assume the burden of conversation. Small Talk Icebreakers Describe a typical day on the job. What got you interested in _______? What do you see as the coming trends in your field? Small Talk Icebreakers What did you think of the movie/restaurant/party? Where are you from? Tell me something I don’t know about _______? Who is the most famous person you have met? CREATING A NETWORKING PLAN CREATING A NETWORKING PLAN Define your goals, i.e. new job, mentorship, leadership opportunities, education. Identify your contacts: Tier One, Tier Two. Match your contacts with your goals. CREATING A NETWORKING PLAN Reach out to your contacts: Schedule lunch, Schedule conference call, Meet at events. After meeting, follow-up with contacts. Track progress. New Contacts Always be prepared. Complete any tasks discussed during the meeting, e.g. phone numbers, documents, contacts, etc. Send follow-up e-mail, text, or letter within one week that summarizes the meeting and informs the new contact that the task is complete. Tips Reach out to your contacts, especially Tier 2 contacts, every quarter. Create a chart via spreadsheet or notecard that lists: contact’s name, how the contact was made, the information you provided, follow-up commitments, complete contact information, date of last contact. Example Tracking Sheet Name Where Contact Made Info Provided Follow-up Contact information CAPT Everett Langley COF 2011 My card Set-up lunch for 3rd week of July elangley@hhs. June 19, gov 2011 240.453.7777 Date of Last Contact CREATING A NETWORKING SCORCARD About the Networking Scorecard The Networking Scorecard is a tool to keep track of the things you do in a week to build your network. Lists various activities and assigns points for each one. Serves as a reminder to do things throughout the week. Activities to Build Your Network Send a thank you card. Return calls/e-mails from networking source. Arrange a one-to-one meeting. Extend an invitation. Set up an activity, e.g. fishing, golfing, for a contact(s). Activities to Build Your Network Offer to help a contact with his/her needs. Send an article of interest. Nominate a contact for an award. Ensure a contact is in a newsletter. Invite a contact to apply for an advisory board. Bibliography Fine, Debra. Small Talk. New York: Hyperion, 2005. Misner, Ivan. Networking Like A Pro. Canada: Calmes, 2009. Zack, Devora. Networking for People Who Hate Networking. United States: Berrett-Koehler, 2010. Contact LT Reginald O. Smith reginald.smith@hhs.gov 240.453.6081