A client called me the other day upset about a meeting he had a few weeks ago that he figured would land him that next great job. He is lucky to work at a company that promotes and suggests to its employees to meet and network and that is just what he did. However that job came and went and he never got interviewed. So we sat down and talked about Networking. How it can be done and why we want to.
Networking can be a great tool, but you have to keep with it and not expect much from 1 meeting. You also need to do it outside of your comfort zone so you can be more comfortable doing it when the time comes.
- Do it often. However, don’t spread yourself thin trying for every department or group out there. Don’t just call on them when you need something.
- Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
- Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.
- Give them something to remember you. A cheap card just with your name and what you like to do with your info is good
- Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
- Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
- Follow up. Follow up, follow up….. If they mention a lead track it down.
- Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
- Stay in touch with them. Send a thank you after the meeting and make a note on the calendar to check in with them monthly or every 2 months. My google calendar is filled with names and dates. I get a reminder each time to check in with people and I save details in the contact info so I can let them know I am remembering them. (Hey, haven’t heard much from you in the past few weeks. Just checking how your son’s birthday party went?) Some days I send out 10-15 emails just saying hey. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
- Practice makes perfect as always. Don’t let a bad one stop you from the next. Try it out with friends and see how it goes. Try to get good at asking people what they do with interest.
- Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
- Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.
- Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind.
- Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
In this day and age Networking is the key to getting just about anywhere and can be your biggest un-utilized resource, but you need to establish those connections before you need them and once you do, don’t let them get away. If they are going places, you might have a chance too, but not if they don’t really know you, what you want, or what you have to offer.
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