Networking

Almost 80% of people are hired through word of mouth. It’s not only what you know, but who you know. Networking is an integral part of the lifelong career development process. It helps you stay in business, get new business, move to a new town, move into a better position, and even get you a new job! Learn now how to do it effectively.

Tips for Networking

When you’re ready to network with peers and other professionals remember to:

  • Practice packaging your career experience and future desires into clear concise sentences.
  • Project a positive attitude when you communicate. Networking is not the time to complain about office politics etc.
  • Always close your conversations with two magic words (thank you).
  • Always ask for other names so that you can continue your web of contacts.
  • Connect to Your Passion - hobbies, sports, products, travel destinations

 

Five Easy Steps:

  1. Recognize and deal with the aspects of networking that bother you most. If you’re scared of meeting people, begin by practicing with trusted friends.
  2. Create a structured plan, then stick to it. Set goals and be disciplined about achieving them. While some career counselors recommend making 15 to 20 calls a day, lower this amount if it seems overwhelming.
  3. Make calls when your energy is highest. If you know that you’re more upbeat after lunch, save phone calls until then and use the morning for administrative task.
  4. Develop a script that includes your key points and use it to make sure you mention important items. 
  5. Take time out to replenish yourself. Plan your schedule so that you have periods of solitude that allow you to recharge.

 

Networking at a Party

  • Find out ahead of time who is going to be at the party. This may help you target specific people you want to meet.
  • No bitterness, anger, regret or accusations for your former employer. These expressions will do you more harm than good.
  • Be as interested in non-work subjects as you are in work subjects.
  • Unless someone is questioning you and truly engaged, keep the actual work inquiry short. Before leaving the person, get a business card and ask if you can call during business hours.
  • Don’t spend too much time with one person till you’ve gotten around the room.
  • Don’t hide the fact that you are actively looking for a job, but don't bring resumes!
  • Don’t forget it’s a party. Not everyone is there to do business. So relax, have fun, and play it casual. Desperate is not attractive.
  • The key to networking at social events is to understand that finding social connections is just as important as finding professional ones.

 

Networking Myth

Many job seekers incorrectly view the tactic as a frenzied quest to collect as many names as possible, then ask everyone on their list for jobs.

Networking isn’t really about getting a job. It’s about using shared interest to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. Then, if you lose your job, these contacts will be there to help. Done right, networking is a lifelong, evolutionary process that you should do frequently, if not daily.