Networking for Nerds: Find, Access and Land Hidden Game–Changing Career Opportunities Everywhere

Alaina G. Levine is a Networking Ninja. I ve learned a lot from her that has helped me get where I am today, and if you follow even half the advice in this book, you ll be networking better than most scientists I ve met. You ll immediately see direct, tangible benefits for your career.

Dr. Kevin B. Marvel, Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society

Alaina G. Levine has provided thousands of AGU s student and early career members with invaluable advice during her webinars, workshops, and one–on–one consultations. With the release of Networking for Nerds, scientists around the world will have access to Alaina s real–world experience and expertise in the comfort of their own homes and offices.

Chris McEntee, Executive Director/CEO, American Geophysical Union

Networking for Nerds provides a step–by–step guide to understanding how to access hidden professional opportunities through networking. With an emphasis on practical advice on how and why to network, you will learn how to formulate and execute a strategic networking plan that is dynamic, multidimensional, and leverages social media platforms and other networking channels.

An invaluable resource for both established and early–career scientists and engineers (as well as networking neophytes!), Networking for Nerds offers concrete insight on crafting professional networks that are mutually beneficial and support the advancement of both your career goals and your scholarly ambitions. Networking does not mean going to one reception or speaking with a few people at one conference, and never contacting them again. Rather, networking involves a spectrum of activities that engages both parties, ensures everyone s value is appropriately communicated, and allows for the exploration of a win–win collaboration of some kind.

Written by award–winning entrepreneur and strategic career planning expert Alaina G. Levine, Networking for Nerds is an essential resource for anyone working in scientific and engineering fields looking to enhance their professional planning for a truly fulfilling, exciting, and stimulating career.

Practical how–to guide for professional networking in the sciences and engineering.

Provides tips and insights on how to get started, as well as tools for establishing a personal, long–term professional networking strategy that mirrors and supports your own career development plan.

Reveals often–overlooked professional avenues and game–changing career opportunities accessed only through networking.

Offers specific advice for networking at an event, identifying people for your networks, and establishing your reputation via appropriate avenues to gain further access to hidden opportunities.

Highlights the importance of networking to advancing the fields of science and engineering.

Explains how to use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to grow and strengthen professional networks.

Foreword xi

Introduction xiii

1 The Importance of Networking and the Hidden Platter of OpportunitiesTM 1

Eight Networking Myths 4

Understanding the Hidden Career Market 10

Breaking into the Hidden Job Market 11

Chapter Takeaways 14

Notes 14

2 Understanding and Articulating Your Value Proposition 15

Your Unique Problem–Solving Abilities: The Cornerstone of Your Value 16

Brand, Attitude, and Reputation: The Networking Trifecta of Triumph 24

Your Brand Statement/Elevator Pitch/30 Second (or Less) Commercial 33

Chapter Takeaways 42

Notes 43

3 Determining the Right Opportunities for Me 45

The Concept and Pursuit of Bliss 45

Your Personal SWOT Analysis 47

Your Career Opportunities 50

Chapter Takeaways 54

Note 54

4 Establishing Your Brand and Reputation to Gain Access to the Hidden Platter of OpportunitiesTM 55

Always Ask Questions 55

Asking Questions of non–STEM Professionals 57

Stupid Questions 62

Seeking Mentors: The Importance of Mentor Protégé Partnerships in Networking 63

Being Professional 71

Professional Etiquette in Networking 74

The Tale of the BallO Butter 75

Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity 85

Failure is the Ultimate Opportunity 88

Self–promotion The Right Way 90

Chapter Takeaways 105

Notes 105

5 Developing Your Networking Strategy 107

Identifying your Goals for Networking 107

The Art and Science of the Thank You Note 121

Following Up 124

Organizing Your Network 127

Continuing to Follow Up and Look for Opportunities to Exchange Value Over Time 127

Chapter Takeaways 128

6 Identifying People for Your Networks 129

Start With Who You Know 129

Institutional Networking 130

Diversity Groups Within Organizations and Companies 132

Professional Societies 133

Conferences 139

Articles 149

Regional Industrial Representatives: Regional Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Cluster Associations 153

Alumni Associations 161

Regional Philanthropic Organizations 164

Young Professionals Societies 165

Religious and Political Affiliations 166

Regional STEM–related Activities 166

Spontaneous Networking On an Airplane, Train, Taxi 168

Other Places to Meet People 170

Create Your Own Networking Opportunity! 171

Chapter Takeaways 171

Notes 172

7 Networking at an Event 173

Pre–Event Strategies 173

Attending the Event 176

Conversation Starters 178

Conversations Enders 181

If the Person is a Jerk 182

Following Up 184

Chapter Takeaways 184

Note 184

8 Social Media Networking 185

Principal Pillars of Social Media Networking 187

Preparation 189

Building your LinkedIn Presence 191

LinkedIn Groups 197

Facebook 201

Twitter 203

Other Social Media Sites 206

Launching a Blog 207

Your Klout Score 209

Chapter Takeaways 209

Notes 210

9 The Networking Continuum 211

Index 219

Alaina G. Levine is President of Quantum Success Solutions, a career consulting enterprise with focus on advancing the professional development expertise of scientists and engineers. She is an award–winning, internationally known science and engineering career consultant, science journalist, professional speaker, and comedian.