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<p>Foreword xi</p> <p>Introduction xiii</p> <p><b>1 The Importance of Networking and the Hidden Platter of OpportunitiesTM 1</b></p> <p>Eight Networking Myths 4</p> <p>Understanding the Hidden Career Market 10</p> <p>Breaking into the Hidden Job Market 11</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 14</p> <p>Notes 14</p> <p><b>2 Understanding and Articulating Your Value Proposition 15</b></p> <p>Your Unique Problem-Solving Abilities: The Cornerstone of Your Value 16</p> <p>Brand, Attitude, and Reputation: The Networking Trifecta of Triumph 24</p> <p>Your Brand Statement/Elevator Pitch/30 Second (or Less) Commercial 33</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 42</p> <p>Notes 43</p> <p><b>3 Determining the Right Opportunities for Me 45</b></p> <p>The Concept and Pursuit of Bliss 45</p> <p>Your Personal SWOT Analysis 47</p> <p>Your Career Opportunities 50</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 54</p> <p>Note 54</p> <p><b>4 Establishing Your Brand and Reputation to Gain</b></p> <p>Access to the Hidden Platter of OpportunitiesTM 55</p> <p>Always Ask Questions 55</p> <p>Asking Questions of non-STEM Professionals 57</p> <p>Stupid Questions 62</p> <p>Seeking Mentors: The Importance of Mentor–Protégé Partnerships in Networking 63</p> <p>Being Professional 71</p> <p>Professional Etiquette in Networking 74</p> <p>The Tale of the BallO’ Butter 75</p> <p>Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity 85</p> <p>Failure is the Ultimate Opportunity 88</p> <p>Self-promotion – The Right Way 90</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 105</p> <p>Notes 105</p> <p><b>5 Developing Your Networking Strategy 107</b></p> <p>Identifying your Goals for Networking 107</p> <p>The Art and Science of the Thank You Note 121</p> <p>Following Up 124</p> <p>Organizing Your Network 127</p> <p>Continuing to Follow Up and Look for Opportunities to</p> <p>Exchange Value over Time 127</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 128</p> <p><b>6 Identifying People for Your Networks 129</b></p> <p>Start With Who You Know 129</p> <p>Institutional Networking 130</p> <p>Diversity Groups within Organizations and Companies 132</p> <p>Professional Societies 133</p> <p>Conferences 139</p> <p>Articles 149</p> <p>Regional Industrial Representatives: Regional Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Industry “Cluster” Associations 153</p> <p>Alumni Associations 161</p> <p>Regional Philanthropic Organizations 164</p> <p>“Young Professionals” Societies 165</p> <p>Religious and Political Affiliations 166</p> <p>Regional STEM-related Activities 166</p> <p>Spontaneous Networking – On an Airplane, Train, Taxi 168</p> <p>Other Places to Meet People 170</p> <p>Create Your Own Networking Opportunity! 171</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 171</p> <p>Notes 172</p> <p><b>7 Networking at an Event 173</b></p> <p>Pre-Event Strategies 173</p> <p>Attending the Event 176</p> <p>Conversation Starters 178</p> <p>Conversations Enders 181</p> <p>If the Person is a Jerk 182</p> <p>Following Up 184</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 184</p> <p>Note 184</p> <p><b>8 Social Media Networking 185</b></p> <p>Principal Pillars of Social Media Networking 187</p> <p>Preparation 189</p> <p>Building your LinkedIn Presence 191</p> <p>LinkedIn Groups 197</p> <p>Facebook 201</p> <p>Twitter 203</p> <p>Other Social Media Sites 206</p> <p>Launching a Blog 207</p> <p>Your Klout Score 209</p> <p>Chapter Takeaways 209</p> <p>Notes 210</p> <p><b>9 The Networking Continuum 211</b></p> <p>Index 219</p>

<p><b>Alaina G. Levine</b> 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.</p>

<p><i>"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."</i> <p>Dr. Kevin B. Marvel, Executive Officer, American Astronomical Society <p><i>"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</i> Networking for Nerds<i>, scientists around the world will have access to Alaina's real-world experience and expertise in the comfort of their own homes and offices."</i> <p>Chris McEntee, Executive Director/CEO, American Geophysical Union <p><i>Networking for Nerds</i> 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. <p>An invaluable resource for both established and early-career scientists and engineers (as well as networking neophytes!), <i>Networking for Nerds</i> 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. <p>Written by award-winning entrepreneur and strategic career planning expert Alaina G. Levine, <i>Networking for Nerds</i> 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. <ul> <li>Practical how-to guide for professional networking in the sciences and engineering.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Reveals often-overlooked professional avenues and game-changing career opportunities accessed only through networking.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Highlights the importance of networking to advancing the fields of science and engineering.</li> <li>Explains how to use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to grow and strengthen professional networks.</li> </ul>

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