Networking Know-How
by Jane Ashen Turkewitz
There was a story in the media a few years ago about a relationship game that revolved around the
actor Kevin Bacon. Two guys discovered it when they obviously had too much time on their hands. It
was a six-degrees of separation kind of thing. Basically, if you mentioned any actors' or actresses'
name, you could link that person through a series of intertwining relationships to Kevin Bacon.
The point being that you never know who your friends, family, business contacts, or mere
acquaintances might connect you to. They may know of a friend of a friend who is looking to hire
someone with your exact qualifications. Or, maybe they will meet someone at a party in a week or so
who is looking to hire someone just like you. This is called networking.
Networking is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal to help you get interviews
and-ultimately-a job. Networking is more of a mindset then a skill. None of us are born with the
innate ability to network. It is practiced and practiced until it becomes part of our daily diet.
The first obstacle you need to get past is how you think of networking. Many of us cringe when we
hear the word. We feel uncomfortable with the idea of calling people and asking them for something.
Networking is not about asking for favors. Networking is about forging long-term relationships in
which there is a mutual understanding that you can-and will-share resources and help one-another over
time.
One of the first things you need to have at your disposal to effectively network is a business card.
If you are out of work, you're probably wondering how you could have a business card. It's easy.
Just make one up on your own. If you are an editor specializing in beauty, create a business card
with your name and "beauty editor" on it. Include all of your pertinent contact information. Design
it on your computer or hire a designer to do it. Have it professionally printed. You can print 500
black and white business cards fairly cheaply. Once you start networking, you will be handing your
business cards out to practically everyone you meet.
Friends and Family
The best place to start networking is with your friends and family. It's a great way for you to
practice and polish up your networking skills. Let's face it; your friends and family are the ones
who are going to be eager to lend a helping hand. Call them up and send them e-mails. Let them know
that you are out of work and looking for opportunities in 'x." Ask them to keep you in mind and give
you a call if they hear of anything. Send them a copy of your résumé once it has been updated. This
will act as a reminder and it will clarify what you have accomplished in your career. Some of our
closest friends are clueless as to what we really do in our jobs. Your résumé will spell it out for
them.
Prior Jobs
Contact everyone you've kept in touch with from your old jobs-past employers, bosses, co-workers, and
direct reports. Let them know that you are in the job market. If you worked with outside vendors,
let them know your status as well. You never know what other clients they might have who might be
staffing up.
Religious Institutions
Are you a member of a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institution? If so, let your
fellow congregation members and congregation leaders know that you are in the job market. Perhaps
there is a community bulletin board in which you can post a flier promoting your capabilities. Make
sure that the flyer has your phone number repeated on the bottom for interested parties to rip off
and take home.
Volunteer Organizations
Do you currently volunteer? Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community. It's
also a terrific thing to have on your résumé, especially when you are out of work. Recruiters and
hiring managers want to see that you can multi-task and that you are motivated beyond your efforts to
find a job. In addition, volunteering can also be a great networking source. Let the other
volunteers know that you are looking for work. They may have access to some terrific resources.
Education
Are you currently taking any continuing education courses or studying to get your MBA? If so, spread
the word at school. Tell your classmates and your teachers what your situation is. Visit the
school's career center to find out what resources they have to offer in regards to your job search.
Organizations
If you know what industry or industries you are targeting, find out what trade organizations you can
join to get more involved. Do a search online and read through trade magazines to get the names of
different organizations. If you can't afford to join, call them and volunteer your services. Usually
these organizations are looking for any kind of help they can get. Go to local events that the
organization holds and try to meet as many people as possible. I'm not suggesting walking up to
strangers and saying, "Hi, I'm out of work, can you help me?" Use an appropriate greeting to get a
conversation started. Remember, most people who are members of organizations are joining because of
the networking opportunities available. What follows are some possible approaches that you could use
at a meeting or event:
- The speaker was really interesting, don't you think?
- Wow, I had no idea so many people came to these events.
- Do you know when the next meeting is?
- How did you get involved with this organization?
Once you have eased your way into a conversation through an effective approach tactic, then you can
strike up a conversation. Eventually, the question will arise, "What do you do for a living?" Before
you walk away, give each person your card and ask for his or her card as well. After each encounter,
inconspicuously write down physical characteristics and conversation key notes on the back of his card
so you can remember that person in the future. If someone tells you he has three kids, make sure to
write it down so that the next time you meet, you can ask how his children are. Simple things like
this make a difference. People will perceive you as someone who listens and cares and they will be
more apt to do the same while interacting with you.
Become a committee member if possible. This will give you inside access into an organization and the
people who are intimately involved with it. People will see you as someone who really cares about the
organization and the business. They will get an idea of your work ethic and your thought processes
and will be more apt to recommend you to someone as they hear about job opportunities.
Make sure to read the trade magazines that relate to the organization's business. Also read the
newspaper everyday. When you meet people and want to generate conversation, being knowledgeable
about the business in general is a good idea. By being aware of current events and political
situations, you will come off as being smart and interesting-someone people want to talk to.
Getting Started
Now that we've explored some of the different avenues of networking, let's get started with the
process. To begin, create an Excel document or take out a large piece of paper. Across the top,
list all of the groups outlined above (friends, family, organizations, religious institutions, etc.).
Underneath, fill in the names of the people you know. Every week, make an effort to contact 5-10
people on your chart. If you don't have anyone under your organization header, explore what
organizations are out there in your particular industry and get involved. Make your flyers and
H.O.P. to it-post them up in your local hang-out-places.
If you read something in the paper that might be of interest to a past employer or someone you used
to work with, cut the clipping out and send it to them. Or, if you read about someone you know who
was promoted, send him the clipping with a note of congratulations. If it's the holiday season, send
cards to everyone you know. Make sure that you stay top-of-mind to your network of friends, family
and acquaintances.
Referrals
If someone gives you a referral, don't waste a single moment in acting on that valuable tip. Pick up
the phone and call the referral or send her an e-mail immediately. The first thing you should do is
identify yourself and state that so-and-so recommended you contact one-another. Even if you only have
a phone conversation and nothing comes out of it, send a thank you note. You can send an e-mail
thank you as long as it is immediate. But you should follow-up with a standard mailed thank you as
well. Regardless of what comes out of the interaction, call your friend who referred you, update
him, and thank him for his help.
About the Author:
Jane Ashen Turkewitz
Why Shouldn't We Hire You?
Effective Personal Marketing