Has it ever crossed your mind, folks, why some people achieve success while others languish and get left behind? Why did the “teacher’s pet” fail to make the grade later in life? By contrast, why did the dunce at the back of the class–who fell asleep after he was done drooling over the pretty girls–get to drive the BMW, own a private jet and a Hollywood Bungalow? My Dear Watson, the key to success or failure has to do with networking.
The best sort of networking is when you use it to gather information in order to help you make a decision about your career. The conversations you have, and the contacts you make, should lead to potential opportunities. Networking brings you into contact with people in the companies or industries you are targeting.
These people will be able to give advice about–and help you shape–your career plans and other related ideas. This will make it much easier to evaluate them. Furthermore, many of these contacts will know other people, who will be able to give you advice. Many of the people you meet will work for prospective employers too.
Through systematic exposure to these people, you can get closer to possible employment. As your network of contacts widens, more and more people will keep you in mind when possible opportunities arise. Most networking is initiated with existing contacts. Generally, this is the most effective way to network as you are likely to get more committed help.
However, sometimes you don’t know anyone with connections to industries or companies you are exploring. In that case, you may need to network speculatively. Rather than initiating the process by contacting somebody you know, you first need to identify potential network contacts who you don’t know. You can do this through research.
Networking works because it is collegiate. The person you are talking to knows that when they need to, they can also get in touch with you: to get advice, information or contacts who will be able to help them with their career. Networking also works because it is empowering and a bit subversive. Companies may be in competition with each other, but you are talking to people at a human level.
Networking gives both parties an opportunity to break out of the formal constraints of being a company employee, and to talk openly and honestly.Your network comprises not just business contacts, but also friends, family and anyone else you know. A good career consultant will also connect you to their client network. A good way of building your contact list is to draw up category headings and list the people you know in each.
Five Easy Steps to Successful Networking
So, what are the networking steps:
Initiate Contact
E-mail can be both direct and immediate, provided it is read. Don’t expect to always receive a reply, though. If you haven’t heard in a week, follow up with a phone call. Telephone risks getting blocked by a gatekeeper–for example, a PA, receptionist or secretary. The best way around this is to have an introduction, so the person is already expecting the call. Make your call or email brief; outline your situation and what you want in about 20 minutes of their time.
Don’t send a CV
Even if it might help them to understand the situation, it may cause them to assume you want a job and could make them feel uncomfortable. Or they may simply tell you that the expertise you have picked up in your earlier career is not something they can help you build on.
Plan
Before you go to the networking meeting, it is essential to plan thoroughly. Remember, you may not get a second chance with this contact. After all, this contact may turn out to be the most important person you have met in your working life. So, don’t waste the opportunity.
Identify the Objective
What do you want to achieve from the meeting? Information about the industry, work and further contacts are all positive outcomes. Moreover, think about the possible contacts your contact will have. Maybe they have colleagues or clients who work in the sector you are exploring? Prepare for the meeting. Do your research about the organization. Think in detail about the questions you want to ask. How are you going to present your situation? What messages are you going to project?
At the Meeting
Remember, this is your meeting. After all, you initiated it and the agenda is yours too. So, feel free to take the lead. Start with a very brief presentation of yourself.
Outline your strengths and try to establish how well your contact feels these fit the needs of the industry. Try to find out what other skills are important and what training or formal education you might need. Ask for names of other people who would be worth meeting. You may have particular companies in mind but no names. Do they know anyone in these companies you can contact? Leave your own contact details in case they have any other ideas. Do not leave a CV unless they ask for it. Above all, be persistent in your efforts.
About the Author: Archan Mehta is a professional writer and hobbyist. Feel free to contact Archan at archanm@hotmail.com at your own convenience.
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Photo Credit: NomadicLass
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Another way to initiate contact is to join a group or club with the interests that you are looking for. It is often easier to meet people if you are in more of an easy going atmosphere, than a down-to-business meeting.
Hey there, Penny:
Thanks for leaving a comment on my post. I appreciate your contribution.
That works for some people, but not for others. Some people actually prefer a formal environment; others prefer a casual approach.
Human beings are complex creatures, aren’t we? That’s why you find suits in the corporate world, whereas others prefer a start-up in Silicon Valley. However, your point is well-taken.
Clubs, associations, potlucks, parties are all great ways to meet people and network. What’s important, me thinks, is to make the most of each and every opportunity. Carpe Diem: Seize the Day. And cheers to you!
Always be 100% genuine. People can smell when you’re lying and they also love someone who is ridiculously honest. It speaks to their soul.
Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com´s last blog ..Receiving Guidance From Your Role Models
Thanks for leaving a comment, Richard, I appreciate your input.
Yes, be authentic. Come across as genuine. Also, be tactful and diplomatic.
People are sometimes touchy-feeling around sensitive issues. You never know, so stay positive. Talk about what’s essential and move forward.
And smile whenever you meet somebody. Put people at ease. Buy them a drink. Shake hands. Ask them about their personal lives without sounding intrusive. People like to share personal stories; they appreciate a good listener. Take interest in the lives of those you meet. Cheers!
Years ago, a wise ‘ol man told me : “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. I used to think this was bs, I could get the job, interview, contract, etc…based on my expertise and merit alone. It took a few years, but I eventually realized he was correct – networking and getting your name out there is so important in all aspects of business, from landing the job to landing a major contract.
In the recent past I have joined some online networking groups, which had monthly fact-to-face meetings. Very beneficial.
Kathleen:
Yes, personal connections count.
I know of at least one individual who writes a column for a newspaper based on a friendship with a senior journalist, who works for that media company.
There are variations on this theme elsewhere too.
People get jobs because they happened to play golf with a CEO at a club; or because they shared something in common with their girlfriend’s dad; or because they were part of a social group, etc.
There are, of course, variations on this theme, but you get the picture?
Thanks for your lovely comment. I appreciate your contribution. Cheers!
Hey!!that was a nice post
“Have you used BlogolB? Its an attempt to develop a searchable and categorized directory of the thousands of Wordpress Blogs out there.”..
Thanks for the tip, Ankit, I appreciate your support. Best wishes. Cheers!
Above all I think that follow up is absolutely important as well (do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it).
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..One Blog Post A Day Challenge
Hey Ricardo:
Thanks for reading my post. Your comment is right on the money.
I appreciate your input.
Yes, follow-up is essential to achieve closure on the deal, so to say.
And “walking your talk” adds to your credibility.
Conversely, saying one thing and doing another, over time, can lead to a loss of credibility. People want to trust you if you give them a reason to.