Published in Imprint July 30, 2010

During the rest of the summer break—between sunny days and finals —I hope you take the time to connect with your classmates and expand your network. The stress of exams and excitement for “the end” is something everyone shares in common, meaning that you have something to talk about with everyone on campus for the next few weeks.  

Since this is my last column of the term, I want to leave a few tips and tricks that you can take with you on vacation. Just in case a golden networking opportunity presents itself on Miami Beach—or in your hometown’s grocery store—I want you to be prepared.  So far you’ve learned how to make a great first impression, network like a fiend at conferences, and build a LinkedIn profile all while staying genuine so you can build lifelong connections.  This article is about staying prepared with the right equipment: all contained in your networking briefcase.

Whether you are heading to a conference or a student club meeting, it’s always important to have a few things with you. The first thing you should have is a reminder card shoved in an easily accessible pocket.  

This card should read, “the best person in my life is only one introduction away.”  Keep this card close, and when you feel grumpy or feel like you’re not getting the reaction you want, pull it out and read it to yourself.  

This will help inspire you to keep being friendly to everyone you meet, because you never know who the next person might be.

The next most important thing to have is an item or accessory on you that is memorable and shows off your character.  Ideally this item should be interesting enough that people are prompted to exclaim how much they like it, but not so strange that people don’t know what to say.  Something about North American culture makes us gravitate towards items.  This item should give people something to talk to you about, and you should have a story that goes with it so people remember you better.

Although many of us like to carry around laptops or net-books, true networkers leave the keyboards at home.  

While you are staring at a screen, you could be engaging with people around you —at most you should have a smart-phone that helps you collect peoples’ phone or email information after meeting them.  Use text messages, Skype, MSN, Facebook, and Twitter while you’re alone, rather than dividing your attention away from people who are actually in your physical presence.  This sends the message that you value peoples’ time in a way that a quick email turnaround never can.

Most importantly of all, carry around the patience and goodwill to listen to others, so they know you care about who they are.  

Exam time can be very busy, and as you become successful you will only be more crunched for time.  Learn to take small moments with everyone you meet and your network will grow naturally.  Keep networking.