Mock Informational Meeting

Summary

In this video, Nathan Perez conducts a mock 20-minute networking meeting with an MBA grad, Taos, and an executive. The meeting focuses on career development, with Taos seeking insights into management roles. They discuss Taos's background, the importance of articulating one's experience, and the value of building relationships. Nathan shares his career path, emphasizing the need for diverse expertise and continuous learning. He advises networking with peers for job search insights and offers to connect Taos with finance professionals in the food industry. The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of reciprocity in networking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking meetings should be efficient and respect the other person's time, ideally lasting about 20 minutes.
• 🔍 It's beneficial to have a clear career goal in mind when networking, focusing on gathering information rather than directly seeking a job.
• 🤝 Building relationships is crucial for career advancement, and networking should aim to foster such connections.
• 📈 A successful career path often involves gaining expertise in various areas, such as sales, marketing, and finance, to prepare for leadership roles.
• 💼 Tailoring your narrative to fit the context of the conversation can help articulate your value and experience effectively.
• 📚 Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends and leadership development are essential for leaders.
• 🗣️ Networking isn't just about connecting with executives; it's also valuable to network with peers and those slightly ahead in their careers for practical insights.
• 🤔 When asking for advice, be prepared to offer something in return, fostering a relationship based on reciprocity.
• 📝 Follow up after the meeting to show gratitude and maintain the connection, potentially sharing relevant resources or contacts.
• ⏳ Remember that networking is a long-term investment, and the key to building trust is giving back to the relationship.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 20-minute networking meeting discussed in the video?

The main purpose of the 20-minute networking meeting is to conduct a focused and efficient conversation that aids in career development, without necessarily asking for a job. It's more about gathering information to inform one's career path and goals.

Who are the two characters featured in the mock networking meeting?

The two characters in the mock networking meeting are Taos, a soon-to-be MBA grad, and an executive played by Nathan Perez.

Why is it important to be sensitive to the executive's schedule during the meeting?

Being sensitive to the executive's schedule is important to show respect for their time and to ensure the meeting remains productive and within the agreed-upon duration of 20 minutes.

What does Taos mention about his experience managing junior interns before starting his MBA?

Taos mentions that he was able to manage three junior interns the year before starting his MBA, which he found to be a positive and confirming experience for his desire to be a people leader in a corporate environment.

How does the executive describe the various paths to becoming a general manager?

The executive describes that there are several paths to becoming a general manager, traditionally through roles in sales, marketing, or finance. The key is to gain expertise in all these areas to oversee the day-to-day operations of the entire organization.

What opportunity did the executive take to transition into different areas of expertise?

The executive took an opportunity that arose when the marketing division worked closely with the sales division, which allowed him to gain experience in a different area and eventually led to more opportunities.

Why is articulating one's background effectively important in networking?

Articulating one's background effectively is important in networking because it allows others to understand how your skills and experiences fit into potential roles and opportunities, which can lead to more traction in one's career path.

What is the skill that the executive believes all good leaders possess?

The executive believes that all good leaders possess the ability to make and maintain relationships. He emphasizes that healthy working relationships with colleagues are as valuable as technical expertise.

Why does the executive suggest networking with peers in addition to experienced professionals?

The executive suggests networking with peers because they can provide insights into current job search trends and experiences, which may be more relevant and relatable than the perspectives of those who have been out of the job market for a longer time.

What does Taos offer the executive at the end of the meeting as a token of gratitude?

Taos offers the executive an article written by Johnston Brown, VP of Marketing at Vivid Tech, on the importance of relationships in the workplace, and expresses his willingness to connect the executive with Johnston if there's overlapping interest.

What is the closing thought offered by Nathan Perez about networking and relationship building?

The closing thought offered by Nathan Perez is that people and relationship building are the foundation of networking, and that reciprocity is key to building trust with others. He emphasizes the importance of giving and giving back to make a positive impression and foster professional relationships.