Networking 101

Does this sound familiar? - ‘Only when we need something, a ”businesses contact, a lead, where to submit a resume do we start to go thorough our ‘little black book’. Only when we need a contact, we ramp up our networking.

Networking is one of the most valuable (and inexpensive) forms of marketing.

The truth of the matter is that the best time to reach out to those connections and contacts is on a continuous basis. In other words, keep in touch on a regular basis, look at continuously expanding your circle of contacts, and be generous with your time and knowledge. If you haven’t been keeping up, now is the time to start.

As I am writing this, and reading it, I am realizing that I am guilty of what is in this article, not staying in touch on a regular basis is my biggest issue.

One of the main reasons I put things down is because, it is helping me. I do not believe that I am that different from many others in that sense. There are those that are natural networkers, you know who you are. There are those that are not, again, you know who you are. If you are the latter, learn from the former, if you are the former, we would love to learn from you. But, here, in place of all the hundreds of books and articles is something that I hope will help ....

Choose Your Connections for Reputation and Position

Make sure you have an introduction that can be passed along demonstrating how you resolve problems and take on new challenges. Ask your contact to forward along a request for an introduction. Make sure that you come across as a go to person, an asset (This relates back to personal branding). This is done so that whenever a source is asked who a go to person is, your name will come up, in a good way! Remember you don’t have to choose contacts that are likely to aide in your job search. It’s OK to select contacts that are well placed, and have a strong network.

Be Yourself

Many introverted professionals think they have to act like an extrovert in networking situations. While you do have to make an effort to be more gregarious than normal, you shouldn’t be artificial.

Not everyone is a born networker. Let's be honest, sometimes the ones that are seen as the 'schmoozer' can come across as fake and insincere. Being yourself, whether that person is awkward, shy, introverted clumsy etc is irrelevant. That can actually be beneficial, since it shows that you are who you are. Don’t try to be something you’re not.

Dialogue with direct decision/hiring makers at your target employers (yadda – yadda - yadda)

Remember, you and the people you are networking with all have contacts, can you refer them to one of your contacts? Can they in return, refer you to one of theirs? Perhaps another hiring manager? The most important thing here is the overlap of network contacts. From one Decision maker’s contacts you now have several new ones.’

Communicate your Interests and Desires – Don't be fake.

When we speak to people we all have a natural BS detector. If your responses seem canned or prepared vs natural, it raises concerns. Is this person for real? Are they simply using me? All these questions begin to arise. Once they do, it is difficult to stop that voice in the other persons head. Remember, in any conversation that you have there are never just two people speaking, there are also the individuals in each of your heads speaking to you about the others conversation. Learning when and who to listen to is also important. This will help the interaction.

Don't be invisible online.

One of the easier things to do, given the current Internet exposure is to create a web presence. This allows you to create a summary, bio, and even references ... all this data can easily get into the hands of Recruiters, Hiring Managers, Human resource Professionals etc, The Business and Personal web sites are endless: Linked IN, Zoom Info, My Space, FaceBook, alumni directories, MySpace., Twitter, etc. Using a niche site to post your profile will be much more beneficial since you are more likely to be noticed.

Get Over Your Fear of Rejection

In this world, there are those that will want to help you move forward and expand your horizons. There are also those that will want to help you under the approaching bus! You can't take it personally. Why? Well, you have your criteria, and they have theirs. Just because they meet yours, does not mean that you meet theirs! You can't take it personally. You don't accept everyone into your network, nor do your have to. Neither do they!

Sometimes, on a train, plane or in a waiting room, you can meet the most interesting people. You never know...

Be sure to Stay in touch

When you meet someone, ask for any contact information. Phone, email, business card etc. Be sure to send them something of interest. This is always tough as, you want to be seen as a person with answers and one that can be of benefit. Not as a pest that simply wants to send LOLcat spam!

One last thing

With all this technology that allows us to stay in touch easily, it is important to maintain a level of humanity. Sometimes the easiest way is a simple handwritten note. Nothing elaborate, just something that says, Thanks or Happy Birthday. Sometimes we forget that, and those notes tend to be remembered more than all the electronic correspondence.