This morning I had the exciting challenge of living up to the introduction I received below at an event hosted by Matt Youngquist of Career Horizons:

Topic: Networking Tips, Technique & EtiquetteI'm at a networking event--Now What??? by Sandy Jones-Kaminski

Guest Speaker: Sandy Jones-Kaminski, President of Bella Domain & Author of “I’m At a Networking Event: Now What?”

In this next meeting, we’ll be joined by a good friend of Career Horizons and one of the top local experts on professional networking, Sandy Jones-Kaminski of Bella Domain.  Having recently published her new book, mentioned above, Sandy has agreed to come share some of her top tips about how to win friends and influence people in the modern marketplace.  A huge proponent of the “pay it forward” philosophy, she’ll be discussing some personal stories of how she’s leveraged her network of relationships to great effect and how her constant attempts to assist others have brought her many levels of personal/professional prosperity, in return.  It should be an exciting discussion, and in the first hour of the meeting, we’ll also be engaging in some networking exercises and icebreakers designed to help all of you make some new acquaintances and become more effective at this important interpersonal aspect of the job search process.

One of the things I reviewed with the group had to do with some networking myths (included below) which I believe I adequately debunked during the presentation. My goal was to set the stage for all 47 of his guests to read the gift copy of my book (he provided them) with a much more open mind. Based on the feedback I received at the end of the event, as well as Matt’s kudos, it appears I did fairly well and I think I even achieved my goal! 🙂

What a great time I had and what a wonderful group this was to be part of today! Thanks so much Matt – you’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger fan than moi!

 

Myth #1: Networking means you’re looking to use people to achieve selfish goals or opportunistically ask people for help. REALITY: The definition of the word network according to The Oxford Dictionary:nétwerkn. & v. a group of people who exchange information, contacts, and experience for professional or social purposes.

Networking can be defined as one’s efforts to create this group, and of course it can be done honestly and considerately!

Myth #2: You have to be a born networker or a natural at it. REALITY: The skills needed to be an effective networker can be learned by anyone. Get comfortable asking folks you meet, “So, what are you working on these days?” or, “What do you need help with right now?” Then, just read my new book titled, “I’m at a Networking Event—Now What???” for more ways to further develop your networking muscle.
Myth #3: You must have above average charisma to be a good networker. REALITY: You merely need to be thoughtful, sincere and genuinely helpful. You get offered a job or opportunities from people who are trusting of you. There IS a hidden job market out there, but you have to be willing to be open and giving to be part of it. Myth #4: You have to be a good talker or an overly chatty “schmoozer” to be a good networker. REALITY: The truth is it is almost the exact opposite. According to Guy Kawasaki, co-founder of Garage Technology Ventures, Forbes columnist, and author of the recently published, Reality Check, “The mark of a good conversationalist is not that you can talk a lot. The mark is that you can get others to talk a lot. Thus, good schmoozerʼs are good listeners, not good talkers.”

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Networking myths debunked
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