Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Al Duncan a motivational speaker says, first decide if the person is really in the mood to talk to you. If you feel like someone doesn’t really want to talk to you, it’s no big deal. Move on to someone else. If the person seems willing to engage in conversation then remember this. It’s one of the supreme laws of networking. Make fewer statements; ask more questions – open ended questions. Isaisas Espinoza of Stanford University says: I find that a good way of getting to know people is to talk about things that are not controversial. Sports can be a good topic, especially if you’re coming from another city and have a viewpoint different than most. Theater and cinema are my favorites and it allows me to connect with older people more easily. Thomas Igeme of Stanford University states: When you initially meet with people, ask what they do…you want them to listen to your 90 second pitch, why not get theirs. Really listen and as they’re speaking, try to figure out their strengths and areas of influence. Also listen to points of connection and let your pitch address similar interests. Darrell Hayes of Claremont McKenna College says: Work on your pitch, hone and adjust your 30-second pitch so that you can use it for any person, anywhere, and in any situation.