| Absolutely HATE to network? Does the very word | | | | The other trick that I heard about from another person |
| make you break out in a cold sweat and curl up under | | | | (and is absolutely brilliant) is this: |
| a blanket? | | | | Go to the networking event early. Usually, they have all |
| Never fear- networking can actually be fun. It doesn't | | | | the name badges laid out on the registration area. |
| mean that you don a cheesy outfit and grease your | | | | Hover there, checking out who is in attendance or |
| hair back... think of networking as a business meeting. | | | | should be showing up. If there is any one person who |
| Sure, you may be looking for work, but you don't have | | | | that you've identified and really want to meet with, then |
| to let desperation be the driving force behind your | | | | peg them by the registration area, work your way |
| networking efforts. People can smell fear and anxiety | | | | around the room towards them so when it comes |
| a mile away, so you need to stay away from those | | | | time to sit down for the meeting, you are drifting in and |
| emotions as best as you can. | | | | sitting down conveniently at the same time at that |
| Networking, simply put, is connecting the dots. Don't | | | | person's table. You could be sitting right next to the |
| think about it as much as helping yourself out; | | | | CEO of the company that you've been desperately |
| networking really means helping others, with a residual | | | | trying to get into... what a coup!!! |
| benefit being people, in turn, are motivated to help you | | | | Another tip to networking like a pro: Have your 30 |
| in return. Networking is all about being selfless, and | | | | second commercial /elevator pitch tuned and ready to |
| being sincere. You can have a larger plan at work, but | | | | go- be ready to tell people that you end up chatting |
| the real secret to networking is simply being yourself! | | | | with what your background is and what you offer to a |
| Research has shown that most of us respond well in | | | | specific field. You can mention that you are looking for |
| unfamiliar networking environments to people who | | | | opportunities in that field, and see if they know of |
| take an interest in what we have to say or what we | | | | anything. |
| do, and are sincere / authentic. If you can keep this | | | | It's even more helpful if you have a specific target |
| formula in mind, networking becomes much, much | | | | company in mind, you can actually say, "But I am |
| easier. | | | | particularly interested in ABC company - do you |
| However, to become a networking pro, you'll need to | | | | happen to know anyone over there?" People who are |
| do some due diligence: research the association | | | | given specifics can quickly provide information or make |
| networking group, even contacting the leader of the | | | | connections, versus when they receive a vague, |
| group if you can (or someone you know who is | | | | generalized request... usually, they don't respond well |
| already in it) to get a sense of who might be at the | | | | because they don't know quite where to start either - |
| event. Having some background on the attendees can | | | | you need to be focused. |
| help you figure out your angle. Based on that | | | | Dressing the part is critical: If you find yourself wanting |
| information, you can then try to do some research on | | | | to dress down because it sounds like a casual event, |
| specific attendees - if you can find some background | | | | you might want to resist the urge and aim for one level |
| business intelligence on the companies that might be | | | | higher than the attire calls for - just in case you meet |
| represented at the meeting, you'll go in armed with | | | | the right person. You know the old adage: you never |
| something to talk about, as casually as saying, "Oh hi | | | | get a second chance at a first impression! |
| (Mike), I see you are with (company name). Wasn't | | | | Finally, before you EVER go to a networking event, go |
| your company just recently featured in the Business | | | | get some business cards made up. You need |
| Journal about (subject)? That was a great article- | | | | something to hand out - résumés aren't very |
| what do you see happening with this (project/issue)? | | | | portable in a networking event. Take the time to |
| The key: Get them talking. Ask open-ended questions | | | | strategize about what you put on that card- your |
| that have some basis on a fact that you were able to | | | | name, the specific job title area that you are pursuing |
| incorporate. Even subscribing to your local business | | | | (people identify you with your career area), your phone |
| journal newspaper is an incredible resource... there's so | | | | number and email. And make sure your email address |
| much information in there that are nuggets that you'll | | | | is professional- don't use a social one that might include |
| be pleasantly surprised at how easily it is to recall in a | | | | any tip-offs on your age, social interests, birth or |
| networking conversation. | | | | graduation year, etc. Professional means using your |
| The end result: | | | | name. If you have a common name, then add a few |
| You look well informed and extremely resourceful! | | | | random numbers to the email address after your |
| As a side-note, if you don't have the resources to | | | | name to make it a unique address. |
| purchase the subscription to the local business journal, | | | | Taking these networking tips and applying them |
| then you might try visiting your local library- they | | | | towards your job search efforts will yield a lot of new |
| always have that publication there where you can | | | | contacts and experiences... and could lead to your next |
| read it for free. | | | | job! |