By Elizabeth Borino

Motivational speaker Trish Rubin talked to students about the difference between online networking and real time face-to-face networking as part of an event hosted by the Career Center Wednesday evening in the Axinn Library.

Rubin, who owns her own consulting firm, just started Network School, where she teaches people about the art of networking.

In her book “New York Minute,” she describes the “3M” technique, which is designed to allow someone to be able to sell themselves by being able to vocalize three meaningful aspects of their experience or personality.

Rubin stressed to students that the three most important points in networking are that it can be learned (and you can always get better), it is a genuine process and that you need to strike a balance between online networking and real-time networking.

She cautioned against the excess or explicit use of Facebook. “As easily as you can put it out there, employers can access it,” she said.

She added that when you apply for a job, most employers will check online activity. Because of this, Facebook can be considered a dangerous social networking site, Rubin said. People can tag photographs that show the prospective employee in a negative light, and the person might not be aware of it. While she did not suggest abandonment of the site, she did suggest ensuring that your profile is appropriate.

Two Web sites Rubin suggested registering for were Linkedin and Twitter. Linkedin is a widely known site that connects a user directly to business professionals. Twitter, on the other hand, is a site in the early stages of development, Rubin said. When Twitter is fully developed it will allow you to update your status, and allow people who are interested in what you are doing become your “followers.”

“This is a site that holds promise,” Rubin said.

Rubin also gave students tips on business dinner etiquette such as following the lead of the person who is paying, not ordering alcohol if the counterpart doesn’t and to not begin eating until the other person does.

Rubin emphasized throughout the event to be genuine and confident not only on your resume, but also on your interactions with people and in your mannerisms.

“People don’t land their dream jobs by being humble,” she said.