Recently I stumbled upon this website called TheMuse.com which has a bunch of great resources for people either looking for jobs or are interested in learning more about advancing their career.
At Muse University, stodgy, expensive, and time-consuming education is a thing of the past. Here you'll find classes designed for your busy lifestyle: They're short, they're smart, and they're delivered straight to your inbox.
The best part? All of the classes are totally free. Just sign up to enroll, and get ready to start class tomorrow.
In regards to networking, they're designed a two week course that will help make it much more fun (and a lot less scary). The class is designed to help you get over any fears you may have—and help you develop the skills you need to meet new people and create meaningful connections.
Day 1: Get Over Your Networking Fears
Walking into a room full of people you don't know and turning them into your professional connections can be downright frightening. So, first things first: Learn how to overcome those fears.
Day 2: Get Ready to Get Out There
It may sound silly, but having a plan before going to a networking event can not only help you feel more comfortable, it can make the difference in who you connect with.
Day 3: Crafting Your Elevator Speech
"So, what do you do?" In this class, you'll learn how to create an elevator pitch that won't just answer the question—it'll make sure you're remembered.
Day 4: Starting a Conversation
It's not easy to approach a group of strangers and just strike up a conversation. But it can be easier when you have a few smart icebreakers. Try these conversation starters that work every time.
Day 5: Making (Smart) Small Talk With Anyone
So, now what? Learn what to talk about in your networking conversations and how to create a conversation strategy that helps you connect with others.
Day 6: Making a Smooth Getaway
The purpose of most networking events is to meet many people, so you don't want to get stuck talking to one person for the entire event. In this class, see how to end the conversation—while keeping the connection.
Day 7: Follow Up the Right Way
The purpose of networking isn't to just get a stack of business cards—it's more important to make connections that last. Learn how to follow up with your contacts so you can keep the conversation going in our final class.
Over the duration of two weeks, you'll need to complete sevent lessons, as outlined below:
Day 1: Get Over Your Networking Fears
Walking into a room full of people you don't know and turning them into your professional connections can be downright frightening. So, first things first: Learn how to overcome those fears.
Day 2: Get Ready to Get Out There
It may sound silly, but having a plan before going to a networking event can not only help you feel more comfortable, it can make the difference in who you connect with.
Day 3: Crafting Your Elevator Speech
"So, what do you do?" In this class, you'll learn how to create an elevator pitch that won't just answer the question—it'll make sure you're remembered.
Day 4: Starting a Conversation
It's not easy to approach a group of strangers and just strike up a conversation. But it can be easier when you have a few smart icebreakers. Try these conversation starters that work every time.
Day 5: Making (Smart) Small Talk With Anyone
So, now what? Learn what to talk about in your networking conversations and how to create a conversation strategy that helps you connect with others.
Day 6: Making a Smooth Getaway
The purpose of most networking events is to meet many people, so you don't want to get stuck talking to one person for the entire event. In this class, see how to end the conversation—while keeping the connection.
Day 7: Follow Up the Right Way
The purpose of networking isn't to just get a stack of business cards—it's more important to make connections that last. Learn how to follow up with your contacts so you can keep the conversation going in our final class.
Sound too good to be true? Well it's not!
