Networking Events to grow your employer database
While growing your database of possible employers, what are some useful ideas? We were thinking about doing social networking events providing refreshments and snacks. Do you feel like this would be an acceptable setting to introduce employers to the school and possible graduates?
Hi George
Really good questions. How to create a strong database of employers so they see you as the school to turn to for work ready grads. And they participate in your career training events like mock interviews and they help with curriculum. It takes time. And contacting each person a each company one at a time. Invite some to be on your advisory board. Ask others what roles they may want to take. Networking events are only effective if you offer something of value. Your event has to be worth their time away from work. Plan Plan Plan. And create a list of activities and strategies to connect with each employer one at a time and determine how you can meet their needs. Good luck, Susan
Building relationships is key with this endeavor. Employer must see value. We offer not only well trained graduates but we help offices with additional training which is a value to them. We also give them excellent customer service when they are looking to hire. We understand their business and can help them get what they want quickly and professionally. Always try to offer them value and they will respond. This is something that you need to cultivate constantly. Good Luck.
Tom,
I hope everyone is reading your message. Very powerful. Building relationships with employers is what it is all about. Get known as THE source for the best grads and also career training and continuing education. Find out the training needs in the workplace and provide it. It is the ultimate customer service to have each employer believe your training offerings were designed just for them. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We focus on adding value to the possible employer's organization. One way is by offering training and workshops.
Jodi,
Sounds great Jodi. We believe in congoing communication with current employers and companies that should hire your grads. You can learn a lot by staying in touch. Examples include just how well your programs train grads to be successful on day 1. What skills are needed in your training and which aren't. Employers can tell you about new training that will be needed in the future so you can be prepared to offer that training before your competitors. Lots of reasons to keep at least one staff member out in the community every day. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Yes. Very acceptable. Once you get use to attending networking events, sometime positive always come out of it. There may be an event where you do not meet an employer directly. However, you'll notice that those events often lead to you getting invited to other events-where in turn your meet great contacts.
