#FridayFive Networking

Guest Blogger: Steven Coyle, graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a degree in Public Relations 

How I Got Over My Networking Fear

One of the first things I was told by my public relations professors was, “Learn how to network, your career will depend on it.” Immediately I developed this odd fear of networking even before I knew what it truly meant. I was that one kid who told himself, my skills should get me the job not my connections. I was quickly proved wrong.

The truth is you need both; the connection and the skill. After going through a deep unemployment depression, I snapped out of it, threw my pride out the window and started networking.

Twitter became my mecca for networking. I found my niche in participating in twitter chats, responding to influential professionals and giving my own advice to others. I was no longer afraid.

Honestly my fear was truly based on the fact I didn’t know how to network. I would just simply collect random business cards of professionals I met and then ask myself, what do I do now? Do I just ask them for a job? Do I just email them my resume? The confusion was discouraging. So in-case you’re discouraged, here are five things that helped me.

1. The worse they can say is “No.” They could possibly say more rude things but the usual response of someone who doesn’t want to help you is no response at all. Out of the 14 professionals I reached out too, only 4 responded. Rejection is a huge part of the industry, just get use to it.

2.Twitter Chats! Find a twitter chat that interest you and participate. I love chats about job hunts and resume building. HAPPO hosts some really good ones. I always learn something and meet awesome people.

3. Follow-Up. If you met a professional who is willing to help you and give you advice, try your hardest to keep up with. Learn their clients or some of their interest and follow up with small things. If you notice some press about their clients, send them a congratulations. Show them that you aware of what’s going on and that you have an interest in him or her. But don’t fake it, and don’t bug them. No one likes a suck up.

4. Have your own stories. Whenever you are meeting with a professional to discuss anything regarding help or advice be prepared to share your own stories. I feel like this helps them relate to you more. If you two can find some common ground they will remember you.

5. Join professional groups on LinkedIn. I belong to about 4 groups and actively participate in all of them. Find a topic you are interested in or know about and engage in conversation. Show them that you have personality and expertise then use it to your advantage. Follow the people who you responded to on twitter, engage with them there and then ask them for advice. Like I said in number one, the worse they can say is no.

I haven’t mastered this whole networking game, but these things have helped me become a whole lot better.

Steven Coyle is a social media strategist based in Chicago, IL.
Find him on twitter: @steveninpr

Colorado AIDS Project Red Ball Event Internship!

Colorado AIDS Project Red Ball Event Internship Description

Internship runs from November 4-December 9

Deadline to submit: Monday, October 31 at 5 p.m.

About Red Ball: Igniting Awareness for World AIDS Day

Red Ball is a hip, chic and ultra-contemporary alternative fashion and outrageous hair show that features collaborations between local fashion designers and salons, as well as a fiery cocktail reception, amazing entertainers, a substantial silent auction and special guests. The event takes place three days after World AIDS Day and is intended to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS. Last year’s 2^nd annual Red Ball grew by leaps and bounds over the inaugural event in 2009, doubling attendance and creating a positive buzz in the community. The event is quickly becoming the “it” fashion event in Denver for people to see and be seen.

The 3^rd annual Red Ball takes place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 4 at EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver, CO 80205.

Funds raised at Red Ball support services provided by Colorado AIDS Project and its mission to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and provide for those affected by the disease. For more information, visit our event website at www.redballdenver.org or the Colorado AIDS Project website at www.coloradoaidsproject.org.

Internship Description

The Red Ball committee seeks a public relations intern to assist in increasing awareness about Red Ball and World AIDS Day among key influencers and publics with the end goal of increasing ticket sales and educating the public about the mission of Colorado AIDS Project.

The intern will be required to use several social media tools to disseminate messages and also may be asked to write news releases and other content for multiple platforms and audiences. The intern will also assist in follow-up tasks during the week after the event.

The intern is required to work an average of 10 hours/week. The workload is likely to increase as the event approaches, and the intern must be available to attend the event. Scheduling of weekly hours is flexible. Much of the work can be done away from the office; however, the intern should be available to attend meetings in Denver in the lower highlands neighborhood and in other locations as needed.

Please check with your internship advisor to determine whether you can receive course credits for this internship.

Intern Qualifications

All applicants must meet the following qualifications.

-       Possess superb writing and editing skills.

-       Exhibit a professional attitude and approach to all work and people.

-       Exhibit knowledge of and experience in social media.

-       Exhibit creativity in delivering messages to audiences through non-traditional channels.

-       Pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, public relations, marketing or some related degree.

-       Interest in nonprofits, media relations, special events, social media and the fashion industry.

-       Video production and photography skills are a plus.

Contact Information

Please send a cover letter and resume, with clear indication of social media knowledge and abilities, and two writing samples, to Stephanie Blake at stephanie@blakecommunications.com by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 31.  

Deadline

All resumes and cover letters must be received by Monday, October 31. Interviews will take place between November 1 and 3, and interviewees will be required to take a writing test. The internship will run from November 4 to December 9.