Fandom High School

"Today we're going to practice using your networking skills," Nathan said. "Pretend that you're putting together a charity event to benefit all the teal deer who were made homeless thanks to getting lost in the fog. You need to figure out what kind of event to have and how you can make it happen for the least amount of cost but greatest amount of benefit to the charity.

"Think about all of the talents everyone has on the island, as well as all the businesses. Put your heads together - not literally - and come up with a way to use those resources for your event. Remember that good networking involves giving a benefit as well as getting one. Once you've figured out your event you need to present it to your sponsor." Nathan gestured towards where Lana was sitting. "If she doesn't like it she won't put her company's weight behind it, and without her you won't have nearly as much donations or free publicity. She's going to want to see creative events that bring a lot to the table.

"Get started and I'm here if you have any questions."

[ooc: OCD is up!]

"Today we're going to work on building your confidence," Nathan said. "We're going to play a game called 'I've Done Something You Haven't Done'."

Nathan paused, glancing at the students. "You may find a variation of this game coming in handy later. When you're older. Possibly in college."

Nathan cleared his throat. "The way the game works is that you introduce yourself and state something that you've done that you think nobody else in the group has done. If somebody else has done it you have to come up with something else. We'll then go to the next person until everybody's gone. The idea is to realize that everyone has something interesting - something unique - that they can share about themselves to help break the ice at parties.

"I'll start us off. My name's Nathan Petrelli and I flew planes for the US Navy." Nathan pointed to a student at random. "Your turn."

[ocd is up!]

"When you're at a networking event you may find yourself dealing with someone you don't like," Nathan said, feeling inspired to change the class topic for the day given his earlier encounter with insult-flinging pirates. "Unfortunately saying anything obviously bad about someone has a way of hurting you more than it hurts them. After all, who's to say that you won't start talking badly about everyone you network with?

"However sometimes you'll have someone in your network who you'd really like to tell the truth to. Let's say they're about to hire someone who you fired and for good reason. Now you'd get into all kinds of trouble for saying that you canned someone because you were pretty sure they were stealing petty cash. But you could say something like 'I'm very happy to say he's a former employee of mine.'

"Think up ways someone could bother you - maybe they're sexist, maybe they have bad breath, maybe they never pick up a check. Then think of a way to warn somebody about that while still sounding polite. Go back and forth with each other. Extra points for creativity."

[ocd is up!]

The class had been given handwavey notice to meet up with Nathan for a walk in town.

"For our final session we're going to be dealing with the ultimate form of networking: Getting to where the people are. This requires skills beyond handshakes and business cards. It'll be tough. Nobody here is going to be an expert by the end of the day, but the sooner you start the sooner you have even a remote chance of having success in this area."

Nathan finally stopped in front of Wonders of the World. "Golf. More deals are made out on the links then almost anywhere else. Of course we don't have a proper course on the island, but I think mini-golf will do in a pinch."

Nathan gestured for them all to go ahead. "Sign in, then go have fun. See if you can beat my score if you're feeling brave."

[ooc: OCD up!]

"We're doing a little arts and crafts today," Nathan said after the students had filed thanks to handwavey notice into the computer lab. He held up an example of what they were going to do. "Business cards. You go, you meet people, you want to give them your card. This is what represents you after the handshake is long gone. You want something that conveys who you are. If you're artistic, you want something creative. Night club operator? Something edgy. More traditional job?" Nathan gestured towards himself. "Elegant and classic.

"For information stick to the basics. Name, title, company, contact information." Nathan copies of his own card from the DA's office to show them. "Feel free to make up the details for now. You all have a program set up on the computers. Have a fun with it. Though remember: font choice is everything."

[ooc: OCD coming up!]

"Our third class may seem late in the game to discuss dealing with shyness," Nathan said as he passed around the day's handouts, "but I wanted you to get your feet wet on the basics before we started on fine-tuning.
( Fine-tuning to be found thisaway... )

[ooc: OCD is up! Class like you've never classed before!]

Nathan? Wearing a suit and tie as always.

"Welcome to Networking to Success," Nathan said. "I'm your teacher, Nathan Petrelli. You can call me Mr. Petrelli. That includes those of you who may have a more... informal relationship with my brother, Peter." Why no, he wasn't looking at anyone in particular here. Not at all.

"Unless you're hoping to live the life of a hermit, you're going to need to know how to network. That is, you're going to need to meet people, make a good impression, learn how you can help them and how they can help you.

"With today's class we're going to start with the basics." Nathan grinned. "This is one of the few classes where introducing yourself actually is part of the cirriculum. But we are going to put a spin on it."

Nathan passed around a handout. "Handshakes are an important part about introducing yourself. As you can see, how you shake hands can make or break your first impression. So I want you to go around and introduce yourselves to one another. That's name and a fact about yourself. Doesn't have to be fancy. Where you're from or your favorite hobby is fine. Do all that with a handshake and let the other person do the same to you. Try to get as many people as you can. The more you learn this week will help you with next week.

"I'm here if you have questions. Or you can talk to Lana, who's the TA."

[OCD is up! Go nuts!]