The 3 Bones of Networking for Student Success | Isaac Serwanga | TEDxCSUS

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on the importance of networking, inspired by the book 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferrazzi. After experiencing the power of relationships in securing job opportunities, the speaker founded 'Profound Ivy' to teach networking to students, resulting in over 90% securing their dream jobs or internships. The speaker simplifies networking into three 'bones': the 'wishbone' for clarity of goals, the 'jawbone' for competency with humility, and the 'backbone' for persistence. The message is to instill networking as a fundamental skill and mindset for young people, akin to math or reading, emphasizing its value in the 21st century.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker graduated from a top academic institution but faced the reality of unemployment, which sparked a quest for solutions.
• 📚 A book by Keith Ferrazzi, 'Never Eat Alone,' shifted the speaker's perspective on using networking for personal and professional growth.
• 🔄 Implementing networking principles led to job opportunities approaching the speaker rather than the other way around.
• 🤝 The speaker questioned why academic institutions do not teach networking skills, which are crucial for success in the job market.
• 🏫 The creation of the 'Profound Ivy' program aimed to teach networking principles to fellow students to mitigate post-graduation uncertainty.
• 📈 Over three years, the 'Profound Ivy' program showed a high success rate, with over 90% of students securing their dream jobs or internships.
• 👧👦 The speaker extended the teaching of networking to younger students, even elementary school children, recognizing the importance of early learning.
• 🤔 The challenge of teaching complex networking concepts to young minds was met with the idea of simplifying the principles into 'three bones to networking'.
• 🎯 The 'Wishbone' principle emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want and who can help you achieve it.
• 🦴 The 'Jawbone' principle combines competency and humility, stressing the need for knowledge and the ability to connect with others respectfully.
• 💪 The 'Backbone' principle is about persistence, highlighting the need to keep trying even when faced with rejection or failure.
• 🌟 Networking is presented not just as a skill set but also as a mindset, suggesting that it is a fundamental part of success in the 21st century.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on June 4th, 2013 for the speaker?

The speaker graduated from the number one academic institution in the country.

What was the emotional conflict the speaker experienced after graduation?

The speaker felt elated about graduating but was also troubled by the prospect of being a college graduate and potentially unemployed.

Which book did the speaker's friend give them, and how did it influence their perspective?

The book was 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferrazzi. It changed the speaker's perspective on networking and its importance for personal and professional growth.

What was the outcome of the speaker applying the principles from 'Never Eat Alone' in their life?

The speaker found that instead of searching for jobs, opportunities from companies like JP Morgan, NCAA, and Princeton University started coming to them.

What program did the speaker initiate after being inspired by their own experiences with networking?

The speaker initiated a program called 'Profound Ivy' to teach networking principles to young people.

What was the success rate of the students who participated in the Profound Ivy program?

Over ninety percent of the students in the Profound Ivy program landed their dream internship or job.

Why did the speaker feel compelled to teach networking to younger students, including elementary school children?

The speaker believed that networking is an essential skill that should be taught from a young age, similar to math, reading, and writing.

What are the 'three bones to networking' as mentioned by the speaker?

The three bones to networking are the wishbone (knowing what you want and who can help), the jawbone (competency and humility), and the backbone (persisting).

What is the significance of the 'jawbone' in the context of networking?

The jawbone represents the dual components of competency (knowing what you're talking about and doing your research) and humility (being likable and willing to give more than you take).

Can you explain the 'backbone' concept in networking as described by the speaker?

The backbone in networking refers to persistence. It's about continuing to network and reach out even when faced with rejection or no response.

What personal anecdote did the speaker share to illustrate the power of networking?

The speaker shared how they wanted to become an author and reached out to ten authors in their desired field. Only one responded positively, offering guidance and support that helped the speaker achieve their goal.

Why does the speaker believe that networking is not just a skill set but also a mindset?

The speaker believes that networking is a mindset because it involves recognizing the potential for mutual assistance and progress with the people around you, which can lead to unimaginable support and opportunities.