"So what is networking, anyway?"
Networking is simply trading information. A friend asks you about a restaurant in your neighborhood - "is the food good? expensive?"
You ask your friend where they purchased their Christmas tree - "are the trees there fresh? does that lot support the Boy Scouts?"
Networking is the way to find positions that are not advertised; it's the way to make a career change; it has a 75% success rate. It is also an active, you-in-control method to search for a job.
"I don't have a network."
Yes, you do! You have relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church friends, former classmates, and hopefully a dentist and a doctor. There are your children's friends' parents who are affiliated with their neighbors, relatives, etc. Still not convinced? Then join LinkedIn, Facebook or if you are near Nashville, Tennessee, attend the Monday Night Career Transition Group Meeting at Brentwood United Methodist Church.
"Okay, I have a network - so what?"
Well, what do you want to know? Are you in a job transition? Are you looking for a contact inside a particular company? Do you want to know about the trends and opportunities within your profession? What about salary information? What about feedback on your resume or your job search strategies? Ask, listen to your contacts' answers and GIVE BACK. (more on "Giving Back" on the next Blog installment)
In my work with people who have lost their jobs, I often hear, "I wish that I had kept up with my network." There are legitimate excuses - working long hours, too much trouble, don't want to be a bother...
What these folks are saying is that the small investment in time and energy through ongoing networking makes it easier to call on your network during career transition or during some other need. An energetic friend of mine, Beth, makes a point to attend and volunteer at a lot of social gatherings, church events, and community activities. When she suddenly found herself in need of folks who could look in on her nursing home-bound mother while she was out of town, Beth simply asked 1 person in her network for help. That 1 person spread the news and Beth's mother had daily visitors and special treats for each of the 7 days that Beth was out of town. Beth's giving nature and ongoing networking with people led to these acts of generosity.
What can you do today to build and nurture your network?
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