Whether for personal growth, career growth, or for the growth of a business, networking is a vital aspect for many industries. To some people, networking is viewed as a an uncomfortable situation and a chore to be avoided. To others, it is essential for success. In the world of recruiting, networking is a routine function of the job. So for this month's newsletter, we had the Tier One team share their best advice for getting the most out of a networking opportunity. But first, here are our featured candidates and featured positions. | | Problem Solving Science Manager, North America | This candidate is a Red-X technical problem solver and a Six Sigma Black Belt with almost 20 years of experience in a lean, high volume, automotive manufacturing environment. This candidate has experience working with a large global manufacturer and is currently managing lean OP-EX and technical problem solvers across 18 plants in 3 countries. This candidate's cost savings and cost avoidance accomplishments are too many to list. Willing to relocatable anywhere in the USA and Canada. Email information@tieronesearch.com for more details or call +1-313-887-8300 ex. 102. | | Intellectual Property Chief Legal Counsel, Mainland China | This candidate is based in Shanghai and would ideally like to stay there but is open to other areas in the APAC region. This person has an outstanding record of success in all aspects of IP law including managing a team that polices trademark infringements as well as technology and patent applications and infringements. This candidate has a Bachelor’s degree from a top Chinese University and a Master in Law from a top USA school. This Chinese national has worked in the USA and in China for a USA based global manufacturer. This candidate has a mix of technical international law skills, Chinese intellectual property law knowledge and experience, as well as exceptional leadership and management skills. Email information@tieronesearch.com for more details or call +1-313-887-8300 ex. 102. | | Plant Manager, Northeast USA | In this position you will manage a small but important plant for a $6 billion global manufacturer and technology company. You will have two separate value streams reporting in on the manufacturing side – with two production managers reporting into you. You will have overall responsibility for safety, cost, quality and delivery for this machining operation that supplies customers in the aerospace and automotive industries. You should have experience in leading a plant or leading a sizable production area within a larger plant. You should also have a 4 year technical degree and be able to relocate to the Northeastern USA. This is a great opportunity to join a winning organization that offers opportunities to move into large plants or large scope roles within North America and the world. Please contact information@tieronesearch.com or call +1-313-887-8300 ex. 106 for more information. | | Quality Manager, Michigan | Our client is the global leader in its product areas and is a key global supplier to the automotive industry. We are seeking an experienced automotive quality manager to lead all aspects of quality for a large plant in mid-Michigan. The plant supports OEM customers such as Ford, FCA, GM, Honda, and revenues are $200 Million annually. You will lead a team of quality engineers, technicians, and inspectors, as well as a quality systems administrator and auditors. Email information@tieronesearch.com for more details or call +1-313-887-8300 ex. 102. | Throughout your career, you may find yourself facing opportunities to network in a professional setting, such as conferences, training sessions, or other local events. No matter the industry, the benefits of growing your network are hard to overlook. Best practices, tips and tricks, new tools, new ideas, sales opportunities, potential business partnerships are all things networking can bring to the table. The team was asked to think of their most important tip for networking at a conference-type event. Whether it was advice that was passed down to them, or something they have gathered from their own experiences, this is what they had to say: |  Mark Thibodeau, Senior Partner | "I suggest that one sets goals as to how many professional or industry events he or she wants to attend in a quarter or year. Then set goals for how many connects or conversations with ‘strangers’ he or she wants to have – by event and by sessions at the event. In other words, if you are going to the breakfast prior to a seminar, you may want to achieve 3 new connects at the breakfast where you would introduce yourself and ask the person where they are from. If you then are going to a keynote presentation, set a goal of three new connects who are seated near you. If you set these goals for a year, pretty soon it will become second nature to reach out and network." |  Aynk Murtty, Director Business Development | "I have always found a good ice breaker is to talk about the conference which is the common reason why the both of you are there. I find it's best to rehearse a couple of questions like 'Who is your favorite speaker?' 'What did you enjoy about that speaker?' and 'What are you looking to take from this conference?' I find questions like this build a common ground which can lead into questions about who they are, where are they from and how their business is going." |  Jacklyn Bezaire, Market Intelligence & Media Manager | "When facing a networking opportunity, we can forget to put ourselves in other people's shoes. My advice is while you might be feeling a bit self-conscious in a room full of strangers that you're supposed to connect with, remind yourself that most people are probably feeling the same. At a networking event, find the person who is sitting or eating by themselves. If you approach this person, you may find them thankful for making that initial contact and from there, it becomes an easier conversation. I find this to be a great way to get to know new people and make a deeper connection." |  Speranca Hurmiz, Global Fulfillment Manager | "As someone that likes to build genuine personal connections, I think it’s key to approach networking by simply being yourself. I know it can be intimidating to talk to complete strangers, whether it’s at a networking event or simply through LinkedIn, it takes a lot to build up the courage to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. My tip for making the process easier is to simply start with 'Hi, how are you today?' This tactic puts the ball in your opponents court, they can choose to turn it into a long, meaningful conversation, or turn it into a short and sweet encounter. If you find you want to deepen the conversation, ask easy questions 'where are you from?', 'are you enjoying the conference?', 'do you watch game of thrones?', etc., easy, lighthearted topics to chat about that can help segue into a deeper conversation that may lead to talking about your business, setting up a meeting, or simply exchanging contact information." |  Elliott Duda, Global Fulfillment Manager | "The main thing that I would recommend is take it easy and have fun. Have your elevator speech ready, of course, but try to build a legitimate relationship with people rather than trying to get them to buy what you are selling. Introduce yourself to new people at mealtimes and sit next to people you don’t know during presentations. This is a great way to set up a very brief introductory chat, give them a business card, just try to give them a face to put your name to. This will open a door for you later on when you find those individuals in a circle of people chatting, which are bound to form outside a conference room door after a talk. I prefer to join these kinds of conversations because it becomes a brainstorm of dissecting the information we just heard and bouncing ideas off each other on how we can translate this to our own business. It also lessens the pressure of having an awkward first encounter with someone you don’t know, but you both are trying your hardest to 'network'. In my opinion, especially if you are feeling any anxiety about going to these types of functions, put yourself out there and meet new people, but there is no need to force it. It is so much easier to meet new people in a group setting when you are being genuine and having fun." | You can find us at TierOneSearch.com and connect with us on social media. | |
