Careers: November 2012

Sunday, 25 November 2012

My network map is bigger than I first believed. I had never thought about how big my reach was. I already knew that my largest amount of contacts would be through school, but I wasn't aware how many robotics contacts I had until I really thought about it. When doing this exercise it made me realize how many people I can call upon for assistance, which is more than I believed before doing this.
Even though I was surprised at the amount of robotics contacts I had, I am sure that I can gain many more. Every day I am contacting new people from across North America, and they are always happy to help me. It is a reciprocal relationship, because I help these people in return when they ask for it.

I also believe I can gain more contacts in the business world. As I have only had one job, my business network is fairly small. As I put myself out there more, more contacts will come.

Chapter 10, How the Legs Reveal What the Mind Wants to Do

farther away a body part is from the brain, the less aware you are of it
legs and feet are important to study to find out someones attitude
young healthy vibrant people walk faster than old people
faster walkers swing arms higher than slower walkers
a study was taken that showed you have a dramatic increase of foot gestures when you are lying
almost everyone was unaware of their movements
legs evolved to serve 2 purposes, to get food and to run away from danger
our legs always display what our desire is (facing towards=getting food=something good, facing away=danger=bad)

4 main standing positions

at attention-formal, neutral attitude
legs apart-predominantly male, standing crotch display, use to assert dominance, adjusting crotch is a sign of masculinity
the foot forward-body weight shifted to one foot, used by high status men in middle ages to show fine hosiery, shoes, and breeches, good indication of the direction someone wants to go based on the direction of their foot
leg cross-used with people you don't know well, shows closed, submissive attitude

some people will say that their arms are crossed because they are cold, not because they are being defensive and closed off
people become more open as they become more comfortable
European leg cross-one leg crossed neatly over the other, 70% of people cross left over right
when someone crosses both legs, they are emotionally withdrawn

Sitting modifications

Present yourself well. "straighten name tag, pops a mint and strides the crowd."
Do as much research as you can on the people attending.
Try and stand out with your outfit
Be prepared to give and receive business cards. One pocket for outgoing, one for incoming, no fumbling.
Walk with purpose. Look like you are having a good time.
Start at the food table. People tend to be much more accessible around food.
Carry food in your left hand so you can shake with your right.
Circle the room once to read name tags and see if there is anyone you remember from your research.
Approach VIPs and speakers before they present. They will be swamped afterwards.
Try and talk to people who are alone.
Ask about other people, and when presenting yourself, say your name at the end so they are more likely to remember you.
Always shake hands at the start and the end of a conversation, it shows you are open and willing to talk.
Ask open ended questions to find out if the person will be of any use to you.
Be ready and willing to exchange business cards.
Try and get someone to introduce you to someone new. It is taken as an endorsement of you.
Make sure there is some give and take. Try and find out if you can help the other person with something, and if so, do it. This makes they feel obliged to help you in return.
Remember that your goal is to not close any deals. You are there to find a contacts that you can follow-up with, over a phone call or a coffee.