By guest writer, John Exley
At 19, John Exley is already networking the tough job market. He’s a sophomore Interdisciplinary Engineering & Management major at Clarkson University. He is also President of his school’s chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO). We met him on Twitter – @JohnExley.
Attending conferences can greatly improve your personal and professional network. But, when should you start networking those conferences? I believe you start well before the conference.
Success in life is a complicated recipe. One crucial ingredient is who you know. Networking can increase your contacts and enhance your ROI. “Pre-networking” can launch your career and change your life.
Tweeting, Linking and Zooming
I recently attended the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco and it changed my life – before I even attended the conference!
How? I did it by “pre-networking.” Using several social media tools, I was able to build relationships with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in the web 2.0 technology space before the very first keynote even kicked off.
The process was simple: once I registered for the conference, I reached out to Twitter to meet other people planning to attend as well.
I utilized the search option on my Tweetdeck for “Web 2.0 conference” and used something called a “hashtag” (#w2e) to engage in conversation with other attendees.
Additionally, the Web 2.0 Expo event on LinkedIn represented a pre-networking goldmine. LinkedIn’s events component allow conference attendees to list themselves as speakers, exhibitors, or attendees.
This is an organized and efficient way to focus your pre-networking strategy.
Identifying clear goals for the conference was essential for success from a networking standpoint. Instead of pre-networking with lots of people only once or twice, I communicated more often with a more manageable number of 10-15 of the most influential people that I wanted to meet in San Francisco.
I also utilized a service that provides a very comprehensive source of information on business leaders called ZoomInfo, whereby I was able to study the past business experiences of the people I was pre-networking with. This enabled me to begin developing relationships with business leaders and enhance the level of connection with each person prior to arriving at the conference.
Rubbing Elbows
While I was not successful in meeting everyone I pre-networked with, those I did meet were significantly more helpful and interested in my personal and professional aspirations. I was fortunate to be able to establish some key relationships with people carrying proven track records in the entrepreneurial circles.
I established a potential mentoring relationship with a veteran entrepreneur in the legendary Silicon Valley, Steve Ciesinski; currently the Vice President of Strategic Business Development and Marketing for SRI International.
Mr. Ciesinski has held executive management positions with many companies in industries such as semiconductor capital equipment, telecommunications, Web 2.0, open source, and medical devices. Having started his career at Procter & Gamble, working as a consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton and also serving as a venture partner with Earlybird Ventures, his advice regarding my future entrepreneurial journey was invaluable.
I also spoke with Jeffrey Kalmikoff, the Chief Creative Officer and a Partner at Threadless and SkinnyCorp. Mr. Kalmikoff has had noteworthy success in launching high-growth companies while young and in that regard his advice was of particular interest to me.
Because of his inspiring story and specific experience starting a business at a young age, I offered to connect him via email to the directors of the National Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) in Chicago in order to speak at the National CEO conference this fall.
Additionally, I met Greg DeVore, the CEO of Blue Mango Learning Systems. By pre-networking with him extensively through Twitter I had learned a lot about his intriguing background and his start-up company.
Before launching Blue Mango with his brother Trevor (whom he introduced me to via Twitter), Mr. DeVore earned a Music Composition and Film Scoring degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and worked in the film music industry in Los Angeles. His start-up company creates e-learning solutions for medical device manufacturers such as GE, the company that I am interning for this summer.
I was excited to speak with him in person and gain his insight into going into business with a sibling. I attended the conference with my younger brother and was very interested in learning about his and Trevor’s experience concerning building a business with your brother.
You Can Too
Your success in life, whether viewed from a business or a personal perspective, often results from the people that you know. By pre-networking at conferences, you gain the opportunity to enhance those relationships and come away with connections that can assist you in your journey towards achieving your dreams.
Pre-networking changed my life recently and helped me to get the most out of the Web 2.0 Expo. I encourage you to utilize a pre-networking strategy the next time you are preparing to attend a conference.
47 comments ↓
Hi, this is Jun from UC Berkeley. Great meeting with John at the Web 2.0 Expo. I agree with John that pre-networking is very effective. During a such huge event like Web 2.0 Expo, you must be “prepared” to interact. You have to plan ahead of time on which conferences you will attend and which group (engineers, VCs, marketing experts, media, and business owners) you would like to engage. By Pre-networking, you can make a better decision.
Having taught John this past semester at Clarkson.. I am not surprised by the excellent quality of his advice and insights.. A sage at a young age… This is a young man who is going to go places – so make sure you have him in your network!!
Great article, VERY helpful and inspiring!
Great insight from a young man who is DEFINITELY going places!
Interesting article, John. Good advice for all of our students heading out into the workplace!
Hi Jun, Floyd, Dustin, Jay and Michael,
We’d love to send out John’s article to all the students in the U.S. The time to connect is now. The time to brand is now. The time to look for a job is now. John Exley gets it. Thanks to all for your comments. I noticed that there are several professors commenting, and that’s a good thing. Gotta’ be encouraged by the future that folks like John will help to bring.
As one of John’s first employers (when he was just a young strapping chap. Oh wait, he still is), I can attest to his entreprenaurial talents and knack for networking. I loved this article, John. I’ve never read anything about conference PRE-networking before. Got my creative juices going!
Hi Pamela,
You are right! Not many people are writing about this – and even fewer are doing it. Thanks, hilarious comment.
As John is one of my good friends I know a lot about his networking…he never ends! He is full of ideas and insight from the places he goes, but most importantly the people he meets. Great Job John!!
Way to go John. Keep up the good work and don’t forget to send financial planning business your cousin Keith’s way. Aunt Deb
Wow John, way to go, you definitely know what your talking about. I can tell why you care so much about this.
Keep up the outstanding work.
Thanks Crista, Debbie and Tom,
It’s easy to see that this isn’t the first time John Exley has tuned up his networking abilities. The comments are coming in from all over the place! Thanks, folks.
I can’t help but wonder if it’s one of Aunt Deb’s secret recipes for success!
Great article John. Solid advice that I will keep in mind for the future. Looking forward to some more articles!
Great job John; wow!- hope for America! You are absolutely correct: our friends, the depth of our “network” is the real value in our lives. It’s easier and more profitable to listen and learn then to learn everything by experience. You are very wise. Interesting article. Can you address this subject to your peer group in Vietnam? You are invited.
Paul
What an inspiring article John!
keep up the good work my man,
and keep on “defying convention” with every chance you get.
John,
Nice article. I enjoyed reading it.
Let me know when you might be looking to start something up in the future. I’ve been learning about entrepreneurship a lot at school as well these days.
Very well written and interesting article! As much as we all pick on you for your extensive networking I know it is going to get you far, and we can all take something away from your advice. Good work.
Inspiring Mr. Exley! You truely know how to network and you have inspired me to do the same. You have opened doors to tools that I never knew existed and are always on the leading edge. Keep it up and bring me along!
John’s role as one of my mentors has already had a lasting impact upon me. This article picks up upon his astounding ability to network – a vital skill for any serious business professional.
When I was getting to know John, I was alway impressed with how many individuals he knew on a personal level. Walking down the hall he would seemingly know 9 out of every 10 people. Each of these relationships not only opened doors in the working world, but more importantly shaped John as an individual. Whenever there is a networking luncheon to attend you will always find John there absorbing priceless knowledge from everyone he talks with.
Keep up the good work John, and thank you again for all that you have already taught me.
Hi Paul, Paul, Nduka, Mike, Jennifer, Ryan and Matthew,
Great comments from all of you – and thanks for taking the time. I just have to say that I agree that John is exceptional. However, what he does with his pre-networking strategy can pay off for anyone – whether they’re a genius, or just regular folks. Don’t ask us how we know!
What he’s teaching here is pretty straightforward. Takes a little work – but anyone can do it.
John — you need to have a conference in Rochester to teach us “old” people how to “twitter.” I’m lost on this stuff!
John,
This is fantastic! Congrats on all of the new contacts and keep up the great work!
Oh Ellen,
John is about the only person you should trust to teach you to Twitter – don’t pay anyone else! Put social networking sites to use – there are tons of folks willing to help you learn all the in’s and out’s for free. That’s one of the best ways to use them! I can’t resist linking to our article called “Social Learning Guy.” – http://goldencompass.com/blog/social-learning-guy/
Great article John. And I’ve seen you employ these techniques on two continents!
It’s inspiring to see John shine! I have attended many networking events, and I’m sure I would have gotten so much more out of them if I had used the pre-networking strategy. John gets it and I love the fact he wants to share what he has learned.
John,
Having also just returned from a conference on the west coast where a significant number of the sessions were dedicated to relationship building and management, I concur with your assessments, especially on the pre-networking concept. You never know when someone in one professional or personal sphere can get entre’ into another circle of influence. I came away from a conference on material handling distribution with a promise for an introduction to a potential customer in my new area, dental equipment supply! Nice to see you have continued to harness your enthusiasm from the freshman course into CEO and these other activities. Check out Dave Nour and his concept of Relationship Economics (R)–good luck, my friend!
Good advice! Great insight into the way the business network functions in the 21st century.
Hey John – excellent article and well written as usual (you get that from your mother). The above remarks are very interesting and thank you Michael for your astute comments as well!
Very cool stuff I have not, but plan to incorporate. And like the Golden Compass link too.
The G
Great article from a very mature and intelligent young man. Networking is more important than ever and this article has a vast amount of useful information. Keep up the great work, John.
I vaguely have an idea of what Twitter is and how to do it, and if I were to choose ANYONE to tutor me on it, it would be one of my former STANDOUT student’s…Mr. John Exley!
Way to go John…keep up the good work!!
Great article, keep up the good work John!
Thanks Karolyn, Mike, Owen and Chris,
Great comments about specifics of attending conferences and considering some of the ideas John writes about. Thanks so much to all of you.
Hello Exleys – and Jeff,
Yes, we’ve already learnded a lot from John – and we teach this sort of stuff! And, Jeff, no worries, we’re pretty vague about most of modern technology. Thanks for your comments. I’m thinking one of those Exleys is dad, right?
Hi Michael,
Yup – I am John’s dad! Love your site and work looks VERY interesting. John was born networking or at least talking, first with the labor and delivery nursing staff and my wife’s physician and then has not since stopped. He’s a great guy. Appreciate your quick comments and replies. Have a great day.
John:
Great article. Good showcase of the number 1 way to get a job-”Networking”, as well as the number 1 skill employers say they are looking for; brief, organized, cohesive writing skills. Yes we all do joke with you about your persistent networking, but next year, perhaps we will enlist you to teach the Career Center’s “Networking” workshops! Looking forward to seeing the network you build next semester in Singapore. Congratulations on being selected and also, already practicing, “Pre-Networking”.
Excellent article John! Very well written and detailed. Thanks for an intro to Twitter… something new to us high school math teachers at Honeoye! Keep up the great work John!
John,
I don’t think i know of any adjectives that justify how amazing this is. I do know that you should probably show me this hole twitter deal over the summer. I dabbled it in, but never quite caught on. Anyways, keep it up bro, I look forward to seeing what the future beholds for you. Hope all is well and to see you soon!
John,
Thanks for your thoughts and insight! Well done.
Nicely done John. Very inspiring. You, sir, are clearly going places. Man, I wish I had the drive you do when I was 19. Keep rockin, brother!!!!
- Mike
Hi George,
Tell John’s mom Happy Mother’s Day from us – and thanks for the comment back. It was fun meeting you in the comments section!
Thanks Barb, Aimee, Ian, Katherine and Mike,
Appreciate you taking the time to comment. Yes, Ian, you should get John to show you all the strategies he has for networking – perhaps in one of Barb’s classes (that it looks like John might be teaching!).
Hey John…great article. I’m counting on you to help navigate the future. Your skills are very much appreciated and you are such a joy to know and observe.
Hey John,
I must admit that your networking skills never cease to amaze me. This article is truly impressive, enhanced by the fact that I see you implement these tools everywhere! I could have used your networking finesse here this semester, and can’t wait to see you in action again next year!
Excellent job. Talk to you soon!
Hi Nicole and Susan,
I think John wins the cake for most comments on a guest article. Nice going, John.
Great article John! Today’s professional candidates and entrepreneurs need as many tools as they can find to break into a competitive job market. As small business owners, networking has been key to our success. You are definately on the right track!
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John,
You raise some excellent points my friend, pre-networking already sets you up to be at a greater familiarity level right off the bat, and instills the idea in the person that you really are serious about what you’re doing, good stuff!
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