|
Networking is the new buzz word -
it's everywhere these days. It used to be known by catch
phrases like, "It's not what you know - but who you
know" or being part of "The Good Ol' Boys Club".
Business-focused networking today can really be a
powerful career management tool but it takes time and
effort to make it effective. Amazingly, it is estimated
that more than 70% of jobs are being found through word
of mouth - networking is vital! There are many forms of
networking some are very informal and others are
strategically developed for optimal outcomes. Described
below are three main strategies to launch your
networking plan. CONTACTING
ALL THOSE YOU KNOW - The probably most obvious form of
networking is done by going through your entire address
book and business card collection. Setting up an
organized routine of systematically working through your
list; communicating with friends, family, coworkers,
colleagues, and acquaintances keeps you on track. Make
sure to also include association members, church
friends, people you volunteer with, and your children's
friends' parents, coaches, and teachers on your contact
list. Stay aware for opportune moments to mention you
are looking for work, start with those in similar
industry or field so they can keep their ears open and
maybe make a few calls to others who can make a few
calls to others - and so on - and so on - and so on...
Be honest with those who you don't
usually socialize with and let them know you're
interested in talking with them about your search for
the perfect job. Invite them out for coffee or lunch,
email if it is more convenient for them and explain what
you are looking for and what you have to offer. This is
when an Online Resume comes in handy. You can give them
your card and write the address of your resume on the
back of the card so they can easily pass along the site
to other interested parties who can immediately see your
qualifications and have your contact information
waiting.
REFERRALS - My personal favorite
networking clients come from referrals. Working in a
service oriented profession; every referral to me, feels
like a compliment or award. It means someone liked my
work enough to tell others about it and positively pass
my name on when someone is looking for assistance
writing a resume or preparing for their job search.
Referrals like all networking, work in a pyramid
fashion, it just keeps expanding and reaching further to
more potential clients. The happier my clients are the
more they will pass my name to others looking for help
and I make sure to keep that in mind with every client
or potential client I speak with.
In terms of looking for a job,
referrals can be the strongest and fastest way to an
interview. The referring contacts can do the selling of
your qualifications for you and the employer will assume
you can provide a high quality of work because the
referral is coming from a reliable source. So, talk with
your contacts and let them know you would appreciate
them passing on your name to others. Keeping in touch
with contacts using a newsletter, emails, phone calls or
personal note keeps your name and service in their
thoughts.
ONLINE NETWORKING - The newest
form of networking is done by utilizing websites
specifically designed to promote networking such as
www.LinkedIn.com, www.Ryze.com or www.Xing.com. These
are a great way of getting in touch with professionals
you are interested in working with or for. There are
smaller networks for individual industries such as
www.nursegroups.com or www.teachersnetwork.org. With
sites like www.LinkedIn.com and www.CraigsList.com you
can even post your resume for employers to view. More
social networking sites are gaining professional use
such as www.MySpace.com and www.ClassMates.com. All
these sites are free, easy to use and worth your time to
cut and paste your resume or parts of it for viewers to
see.
Remember that networking is an
ongoing process, one that should be worked on daily. You
will need to build a rapport with your contacts you are
asking for help from and make sure you reciprocate
assistance when you can. Keep records or some type of
spreadsheet to monitor contact visits, effectiveness and
responsiveness, and any notes or tips gained from these
contacts. Navigating through these networking tips will
definitely expedite your job search.
Kris Plantrich is the owner of
ResumeWonders
Writing and Career Coaching Services. Certified in
Resume Writing and Interview Coaching. Experienced and
affordable writing all levels and most industries and is
nationally published. |
