GNN How to Guide Fifth Annual Global NetNight March 3, 2015 This document contains some simple guidelines for implementing a Global NetNight event through your regional association. It describes the NetNights programming template, which was originally developed by the Princeton Club of Washington DC (Lee Dudka *77) and has proven successful in connecting alumni in many regions including Chicago, London, Mumbai, New York, Philadelphia, Portland (OR), Rochester (NY), and San Francisco. WHAT IS a NetNight? A NetNight is a Princeton affiliated networking event organized by regional associations that brings together Princetonians who want to strengthen their career network and continue developing their career. A NetNight has three hallmark components: Discussion of a career related topic (may include video presentation, a guest speaker or panel) Structured networking session (a planned exercise that allows individuals to introduce themselves) Traditional networking reception A NetNight fosters connections. It offers alumni opportunities to problem solve a critical career issue, learn innovative ideas about careers, establish contacts in an industry or organization, or find business partners. A NetNight is useful to anyone navigating a career. Participants develop an essential life skill: networking. While these events are tremendously helpful to alumni "in transition," the most successful networking is an ongoing effort that is undertaken long before a need is urgent. NetNights are valuable to all alumni who want to strengthen their career network and foundation, to further their current career goals, or to inform a future career decision. WHAT IS a Global NetNight? One night. One focus. On March 3, 2015, Princeton Regional Associations from around the world will host networking events for alumni interested in developing long term professional relationships, becoming better mentors or mentees, and reconnecting with fellow Tigers. As the world shrinks, Princeton alumni need access to a networking environment that connects them to alumni both in the United States and in countries around the world. The Global NetNight model is a first step in this direction. With the addition of LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, participants will be connected to one another before, during, and after the event in ways that will enable them to share information, connections and job openings. GNN How to Guide Page 1 of 5
Six Easy Steps To Creating A Global NetNight. 1. Identify a coordinator for the Global NetNight in your region. Find an alumnus/a in your region with the energy and interest in arranging the event. Email the contact s name, email and phone to Jennifer Caputo at jcaputo@princeton.edu. This role can be shared amongst two or more Co Chairs if needed. 2. Pick a time and venue. Global NetNight 2015 will be held on Tuesday, March 3. Your regional association should pick a time on that day that works best for you. (If this date does not work for your region, you can pick another date that is more suitable.) Traditionally, NetNights have been held over two hours. Consider a law firm, community center, local alumni club, restaurant, or other location that will offer space free of charge or for a small per person refreshment fee. 3. Leverage the event theme. Regional associations are encouraged to theme their event around the topic presented by the Alumni Council Committee on Careers. This year, the Alumni Council Committee on Careers is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with the Office of Career Services and Princeton s new Executive Director of Career Services Pulin Sanghvi. Using concepts from their Career and Life Vision program, Pulin and his team will provide video segments and small group interactive exercises designed to help you discover new insights about yourself and what matters most to you. This is the same program that was launched on campus in January 2014, and has already reached hundreds of students and alumni. Please note that the video segments from the Office of Career Services will be made available to all participating regions in mid January 2015. 4. Solicit a moderator or speaker(s). While a guest speaker or panel will not be necessary with the video segments provided by the Office of Career Services, you may wish to identify a moderator for the evening. You may wish to consider local alumni who are professional coaches or headhunters, human resource professionals, a company CEO/COO and entrepreneurs. Alumni speakers are desirable but a Princeton affiliation isn t necessary. While we hope you will take advantage of this partnership with the Office of Career Services, please note that for regions that prefer a speaker, panel, or an evening of straight forward networking with no guest speakers, you are more than welcome to follow your own format. 5. Promote the event. Use multiple channels: electronic (create an event page on your website; or send a Save the Date using TigerNet Administrative Tools, Facebook event page, LinkedIn, or Twitter) and print (regional association newsletter, postcard). It is important to highlight the lifetime benefits of networking to generate interest among all alumni, not just those looking for work. 6. Finalize the details. Determine a cost to cover expenses (typically in $10 $20 range) and set an agenda. Here s a sample: Feel free to modify this schedule as needed. 6:30 6:45 registration and arrival 6:45 7:30 program 7:30 8:00 networking exercise (if not using video segments from the Office of Career Services), such as Offer & Ask (Exercise should be a minimum of 30 minutes) 8:00 8:30 cocktails or refreshments and networking 7. Foster connections after the event. After the event, send a list of names with contact information to all participants, encourage continued conversations among attendees as well as those who could not attend via LinkedIn. Schedule additional career programming as requested by regional association membership. GNN How to Guide Page 2 of 5
A NetNight With Social Media Facebook Post your event announcement on the Princeton Global NetNight page. Create a Facebook event page for your regional association NetNight event. LinkedIn For GNN Organizers Before the event: On your GNN invitation, invite your regional association members to join the GNN LinkedIn group, Princeton Global NetNight. Publicize your event via your regional association LinkedIn group and the GNN LinkedIn page. Twitter Encourage members to tweet interesting discussion points or questions on Twitter. (#princetongnn) Assign a volunteer to tweet photos and comments throughout the evening. During the event: Encourage attendees to post event topics and questions on the LinkedIn page. Sign up for HootSuite or TweetDeck to navigate several social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) at once. After the event: Encourage continued alumni connections via job postings, discussions of career topics and other career issues of interest. LinkedIn For All Alumni Join the GNN LinkedIn Group (Princeton Global NetNight). Post job openings in your region (Under the tab entitled Jobs ) Respond to posts on the page (Under the tab entitled Discussions ) Ask a career networking question (Under Discussions ) TigerNet Discussion Groups Encourage alumni to join TigerNet and the various discussion groups available there including Career Networking, Journalism, Mid Career Networking, and many others. What Logistical Support Will A Regional Association Receive? 1. Steering Committee members and other NetNight veterans to help you plan your event, answer questions, and solve problems. 2. This practical how to guide for NetNight organizers. 3. If there is enough interest, the Alumni Council Committee on Careers will host calls in January and February for participating regions. This will provide the opportunity to share best practices and solve problems with other Regional Associations who are participating in Global NetNight 2015. The conference call schedule will be sent to all participating regions in early January. 4. A comprehensive event website: http://alumni.princeton.edu/calendar/gnn/index.xml 5. Promotional assistance, including an event logo, templates for Save the Date announcements and event invitations, etc. These can be found in TigerNet Administrative Tools hosted by Harris Connect. If you have questions about using these services, speak with your regional president or regional communications chair. 6. Technical assistance for creating your own Facebook page and linking to other events via LinkedIn and Facebook. GNN How to Guide Page 3 of 5
How Career Programming Benefits Regional Associations 1. Career programming provides a vital service to your membership. Given the current economic environment, many alumni are looking for ways to connect around career issues. Career programs offer alumni opportunities to find business partners, learn innovative ideas about careers, establish contacts in an industry or organization, and problem solve a critical career issue. 2. Career programming helps Regional Associations to reach alumni in their region who may not be involved in other association activities. 3. Career programming is easy to do. To quote one Regional Association Careers Chair, to use the NetNights program template successfully, all you need is a room (in an office or a bar or restaurant), about $100 worth of munchies, a speaker (optional), and some alumni. Additional Information The Alumni Council Committee on Careers Contacts We are available to support you as you develop your event for Global NetNight 2015. Brian Childs 98 (Chair) bmchilds@alumni.princeton.edu 617 460 0526 Tony Rodriguez 79 (Vice Chair) tonyrodriguez@alumni.princeton.edu 310 924 9838 Jennifer Caputo (staff liaison) jcaputo@princeton.edu 609 258 2861 What is a networking exercise and how do I facilitate it? The unique feature of a NetNight event is the organized method of facilitating connections. This is a crucial component of a successful networking event and may be a key motivating force in generating attendance. While some alumni will be looking for jobs, or seeking information about changing career paths, others may just want to build their contact files and get to know other Princetonians. These exercises address this wide range of interests. For GNN 2015, If you are using the videos provided by the Office of Career Services, exercises will be provided. If you are following your own format, and wish to incorporate exercises, see below for examples. Networking Exercises 1. Problems and Solutions this activity uses index cards to group source solutions to individuals real world career questions & problems. 2. Offer & Ask this exercise focuses networking on both the give and the take with individuals letting the group know both what they have to offer and how others might help them. (See instructions below) 3. Two Minute Networking in the vein of speed networking, individuals quickly meet each other one on one. (See instructions below). 4. Completed Thought a facilitator offers incomplete sentences such as, The main reason I am here is, to spur group discussion. 5. Find One standard introductions transition into specific assistance as each attendee finds an individual they can help. GNN How to Guide Page 4 of 5
Traditionally, NetNights has used Offer & Ask. Here are instructions for facilitating an Offer & Ask and Two Minute Networking. Offer & Ask Instructions This exercise can be done at the beginning or the end of the program. At the start, the facilitator can demonstrate an Offer and Ask. Step 1: Give a five second self introduction, including class year and current position. Step 2: Offer something to the group that can be career oriented or otherwise, e.g. I can review your resume if you are interested in consulting. Or, I can offer advice on Italian restaurants in New York City. Step 3: Then ask for something, I am currently researching plastics for a consulting project and seeking contacts in the state. Or, I am helping my daughter find an internship this summer, specifically at Channel 13. Note: This requires only 3 4 sentences and should not be used as an opportunity to describe a resume or career. Brevity keeps the focus and prevents the process from bogging down. Step 4: The facilitator then asks others in the room to offer and ask in the same way. If you have a very large group, the room can also be broken into groups of 6 10. Offer & Ask can be easily conducted in these more intimate groups. Two Minute Networking Instructions This exercise focuses on one on one interaction. Break your group into an inner and outer circle that face each other. Each inner/outer pair interacts with a general focus on careers and what they are looking for in their work. Rotate one of the circles every two minutes. The exercise ends when all pairs have met or 20 minutes have elapsed. This exercise is a less intimidating option for some attendees. GNN How to Guide Page 5 of 5