While having a strong network is crucial for any business professional, the highlights surrounding work culture in Ireland has left the impression on me that this is significantly true, and essentially necessary, if you plan to work in Ireland. There has been a large emphasis on person-to-person business, and we have learned that cold calling really isn’t a thing in Ireland and that business is all about who you know. It’s common for a business deal to be made over a cup of coffee or lunch versus emails or formal meetings. It’s all about who you know in Ireland, and therefore a thriving network with wide connections is key.

Rob brought up two concepts that, while they may seem small, can make a large impression during networking events and I look forward to utilizing: name tag placement and open networking groups. Your name tag is one of the first things people (should) see when meeting you, and this is vital information! How can someone find you on LinkedIn or refer you to their manager for a job posting if they can’t even recall your first name? Your name is tied to your personal brand. Rob suggested that when you receive a name tag for a networking event, it should be placed on the front of your shirt on the side that you shake hands with; therefore, when someone goes to shake your hand when you introduce yourself for the first time, there line of vision goes right towards the tag. To me, women’s business casual clothing can make clipping name tags a bit of a hassle. I usually opt to clipping my name tag on my hip, but after listening to Rob, this placement can make the badge easily overlooked. In the future, I will be making a conscious effort to make sure my name tag is visible.

Second, Rob talked about the idea of a closed networking circle and an open networking circle. When I have gone to career fairs for Pitt Business, I’ve mostly seen one-on-one pairs, where the recruiters will talk about aspects of their company and will answer questions and the student will try to market themselves to open the door for job opportunities. From Rob’s explanations, these would be closed circle networking groups. I never really considered open circle groups, as I haven’t seen this much in networking events I have attended, but I am definitely curious to explore the nature of them in the future. Rob mentioned how at networking events, there will be that person who stands in the corner alone and aloof, shying away from reaching out to other participants. I have to admit. . . this is usually me. I get easily flustered at networking events, and tend to cling to people I already know. I think my network has been a weak spot for me because I find it very daunting to reach out to someone I don’t know and strike up a conversation. Open circle groups allow for others to join conversations and for participants to introduce other people to the whole. Open circle groups are definitely going to be something I keep an eye out for at networking events from now on, as I think there is less pressure when there are multiple people to talk with and there are others to help facilitate the discussions. These networking opportunities seem pretty welcoming and also provide a way to meet and network with multiple people at once!