Five Easy Steps to Successful Networking

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.

Want to be our next guest author? Click here for details…

Photo Credit: NomadicLass