Chi Chi Okezie Teaches EASL Interns How to "Network Like a Pro"

Chi Chi Okezie explaining components of a 30 second speech

“Networking is now becoming an art, skill, and ability that professionals, students, and entrepreneurs alike are developing for success in every area of their lives,” explained owner and producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC, Chi Chi Okezie. At the invitation of Ethics and Servant Leadership (EASL) Program Director, Dr. Edward Queen, Okezie spoke to the EASL Summer interns on the importance of networking in both professional and nonprofessional settings. Her lesson focused on networking as a lifestyle, emphasizing that networking is always occurring throughout one’s progression in life. “It’s not necessarily about joining a group, a random thing you do every once in a while,” described Okezie. “It’s a lifestyle.”

Okezie offered a guide to mastering three techniques that she believes will surely result in networking success. These techniques include delivering an impressive 30-second speech, asking resourceful questions, and devising an active follow up plan. Improving upon all of these components of networking will help build one’s professionalism. Okezie also encouraged the EASL interns to take on a more professional role as well, enhancing the quality of everything they do. “Professionalism is what you make it to be,” she added. “ What’s the quality of meaning? Are you at a meeting on time? Are there typos in the slideshow you are preparing? You want to respect the social and professional protocol.”

Students discussing techniques of networking
Photos by Mariangela Jordan 

Okezie then invited the students to think about how they see themselves constructing their life and communicating this to others. She suggested students abide by the Top 5 Principles for Networking, which Okezie finds to be the foundation of a healthy and balanced networking lifestyle. Following these points can aid individuals to become more confident in networking scenarios and coming across as such to others. “How do you want people to know you or what do you them to say about you?” she asked. “Being assertive and put together can attract others to you.”

As her lesson came to a close Okezie reminded the EASL students that learning and living a flourishing networking lifestyle can create proficient opportunities not only for business professionals and entrepreneurs, but also for students just like them. “You are born into networking.”

To learn more about how to “Network Like a Pro”, visit the SIMPLEnetworking website at http://www.snseminars.com or Okezie’s website at http://www.chichiokezie.com .