There are the technical skills you were taught in school: engineering, geology, environmental services. science and methods why). As you start working in the industry, you need to gain more skills and experiences related to real-life business activities.
As your career progresses, you’ll earn professional records and most likely be promoted to the Project levels. Your responsibilities start to mount and it’s up to you to meet deadlines and prepare deliverables. Learn to write reports, interact with clients and manage project teams.
It will be difficult at first, but with time and experience, it becomes second nature. because you know the why, and I have learned the What.
One of the most difficult activities facing engineering and environmental professionals is business development; networks. You understand the technical aspects of your job; science and engineering (the why)but how (how to build relationships, how to establish clients and how to network with associates) it is beyond your education. This is a skill that you were definitely not taught in school and one that you need to develop as a professional to advance your career. But where do you start?
Here are some tips on What to network
It is important to remember that no one died from networking (we review it).
· Start by attending an association luncheon. If you choose an event with a speaker or topic that interests you, you’ll have something to talk about during the networking session.
Bring cards and get ready with your elevator pitch. This is who you are, who you work for and how your company relates to the day’s theme, in 30 seconds. If your marketing department doesn’t have that message crafted, try Google.
· Have a plan. If event attendees are not listed online, please show up early and scan nametags. Make a mental note of who you would like to talk to.
If you recognize the name of someone you don’t know but would like to meet (perhaps a decision maker at a potential client company), hang out at the registration table and see who picks up that name tag.
· As other attendees appear, it’s okay to make a beeline for a friendly face. Ask your friend to introduce you to the surroundings. Warning: don’t hang out with your friend for the entire networking session. Give it time to mix on its own; be sure to blend in on your own as well.
· The easiest way to find someone to talk to is to locate a person who is lonely, wishing they were anywhere but there. Put your nerves aside, approach and say hello.
(Speaking of nerves, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous. Many seasoned business development professionals get butterflies before every networking event.).
· The best way to break the ice is to ask your new acquaintance about himself. People love to talk about themselves.
· Ask open-ended questions. A yes or no question ends the conversation. Guide him with questions that lead to more questions, but don’t question him!
It’s okay, even preferable, to talk about something other than business. Relationships develop over time by getting to know someone as a person, rather than a potential job.
Know when to move on. Don’t monopolize one person’s time, and don’t let one person monopolize yours. Once you meet someone, learn about them and exchange information, move on.
Make it your goal to meet at least three new people during your networking time. This will keep you moving and maximize the use of your time.
When it’s time to sit down for lunch, DO NOT sit with someone you’ve already talked to. This is the time to find one of the people you want to meet and find a seat at or near their table. Introduce yourself and chat for a bit, with the promise to follow up later.
Once everyone is seated, pass a stack of your cards around the table. Everyone else should do the same. Then introduce yourself to the people on either side of you. Keep the conversation light. Now is not the time to set up meetings or discuss projects.
Please, please, use common sense when conversing! Politics, religion, sex or anything controversial is prohibited.
· Industry gossip, however juicy, is also prohibited. You don’t know who knows who, and the very nature of gossip is negative. Don’t get carried away by it.
· After the presentation is over, close the circle with your table mates and the other people you spoke with. Everyone has to get back to work, so now is not the time to engage in an in-depth conversation.
The most important part of any networking event is the follow-up. Send an email to every person you meet. Remind them of your conversation, provide any information you promised to share, and request a follow-up meeting.
The more often you attend events, the wider your circle of contacts will be. Stay in touch with your network. Build relationships, share information and advance your career.
When you’ve built your network and are ready for new opportunities, contact Webuild Staffing. They work with a large group of industry leaders who are interested in hiring quality engineers.
