The author of the best-selling book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People"?
If you haven't read the book yet, go grab a copy now!
Fortunately for me, Dale Carnegie Training Hong Kong was hosting a seminar at HKUST called 'How to Win Friends and Influence People in Business'. I was an audience member.
Hi. I want a Job.
Last year, I walked into Dale Carnegie Training HK buildings with a bold plan in mind. I wanted to work with them as a public speaking trainer. I had absolutely no contacts there - and hadn't even made an appointment, so my visit was a surprise to them. They were, nonetheless, very nice, but I didn't hear from them again...
Today, at the seminar, I ran into the Human Resources Manager who immediately recognized me. She introduced me to the boss of the company and several of her colleagues and we started chatting about my prospects of interning there...
By the end of the conversation, I'd walked away with the boss's contact details and an offer to meet up for coffee.
Insight 1
- Networking is very important! Your networks introduce you to important opportunities...
- To increase your networks, attend seminars, talks, hiking groups...
- A quick conversation with someone today might not mean a lot, but when you run into them next time, they'll probably remember you and you'll be able to start a conversation much quicker
Can I Borrow a Pen - and a Piece of Paper Too?
After I sat down, I realized that I'd forgotten my pen - and hadn't brought along any paper to take notes. So I turned to the girl sitting next to me and asked:
"Hi. Could I borrow a pen? And some paper too?"
She was happy to do so.
"Hi. I'm Akash"
She introduced herself as Belle and we started talking. Belle is a friendly, first year student at HKUST, and we kicked it off pretty quickly by sharing some inside jokes about the irony of making a new friend at a seminar on friendship.
Insight 2:
- Ask for help! If you don't have a pen, ask for someone to lend you one. If you don't have a watch, ask for someone to tell you the time. They'll rarely refuse, as long as it's a reasonable request. Asking for help is great icebreaker
Dinner?
At the end of the seminar, I stayed behind to chat to the Dale Carnegie employees and mingle about more. More contact details, a few more coffee reservations...
Dinner was shared with two other friends whom I rarely run into (Daniel and German), but we were able to connect by talking about things we had in common - midterms, internships, future job prospects...
Insight 3:
- You connect by talking about things you have in common
