How exactly does the first step in networking happen?

[bluemagic]

Networking has always been one of my weaker points.

Here's a current opportunity for me:

I'm taking a seminar right now at my college in which I talked to a classmate, and found out that her father is a professor in the professional school that I will attend next fall (in a subject related to the seminar in fact, and one in which I may be interested in).

She gave me his e-mail.

Where do I go from here?

I'm sure this will seem like second-nature to me in the future, but I remember now how hard it was for me to cold-call people for interviews in the past, and it seems as if it's always going to be this process of acclimatization for new social tasks for an introvert such as myself.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

this a warm referral not a cold call.

My approach would be to mention who i am, that i'm friends with his daughter, Mention that i'd be attending that school and i'm looking forward to it, and ask if he has any advice or recommendations.

 

[bluemagic]

Thanks.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

this a warm referral not a cold call.

My approach would be to mention who i am, that i'm friends with his daughter, Mention that i'd be attending that school and i'm looking forward to it, and ask if he has any advice or recommendations.
Good advice.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by JayJay

Good advice.

+1

 

[BYucko]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

+1

+2

If you can pull it off, maybe you can try subtly asking some stuff about him. People love talking about themselves.

 

[Star]

I was once told never put a person in a position by asking them directly for a favour instead ask them instead if they might know someone who could help you with what you are after. Asking for advice and their thoughts also seems like a good way as mentioned above.

 

[Happydayz]

That is an easy networking opportunity. Just follow the advice given earlier - in your e-mail mention your connection to his daughter, your future attendance to the school, your interest in his speciality, and ask if you can meet over lunch.

This isn't in any way an out of the ordinary request.

 

[BDC2823]

Originally Posted by Happydayz

That is an easy networking opportunity. Just follow the advice given earlier - in your e-mail mention your connection to his daughter, your future attendance to the school, your interest in his speciality, and ask if you can meet over lunch.

This isn't in any way an out of the ordinary request.

+1

Perfect advice. Best way to gain knowledge and make a good contact. Definitely a Golden opportunity.