Networking for Success

Social media has given us many outlets to network with others, but it's become such a convenience to network online, that many are neglecting the face-to-face networking that is so vital in career management or in operating a business. Liz Lynch has written a great book on Networking called Smart Networking: Attract a Following in Person and Online. Keith Ferrazzi has written two books on networking: Never Eat Alone and Who's Got Your Back. So, who comprises a network? Everyone you know, so in essence, you are networking everyday. But, what about networking events? Find out what events and meetings that your current network attends to find networking events that might be helpful in your career transition. Ideally, you want to find out where your target audience hangs out. Have a clear cut strategy for these events and remember networking's golden rule: GIVE. I'll share a few tips for networking:

1. Do have a business card to hand out. Make sure it includes your contact information, your job title, URL (could be your LinkedIn profile, VisualCV, web portfolio, blog, etc.). Create a short tagline that shows your unique promise of value / personal brand.
2. Create your elevator pitch. A great resource can be found at http://www.15secondpitch.com/new/. The feature I appreciate is that they only give you 500 characters total to write your pitch. The Pitch Wizard asks you a series of questions to help you formulate your statement. Memorize this as a way to introduce yourself quickly, so you can focus on how you can give.
3. Find out how you can help others at these events. It could be as simple as sending them an article link to a resource you know about that would help them solve a challenge.
4. Do let people know you are in a career transition and are interested in networking opportunities with companies. Ask if they know anyone in your targeted companies.
5. Collect their business cards. Before you leave, make notes on the back of their business card of who they know, how you might could help them, etc. Email or write a follow-up note after the networking event to let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and be sure to include a line or two where you comment on something you discussed.

Again, your network includes everyone you know, so make sure to remember them on important dates, such as their birthday. When you read something that they might enjoy or benefit, send them the article or blog link. Keep them top of mind, so you will stay top of mind with them. 

photo credit: all2gethernow

Cross posted by Kristen Jacoway at Career Design Coach

Bio: Kristen Jacoway provides next generation personal branding, social media, and internet strategies to consult with professionals and entrepreneurs in a career transition. She is the author of the upcoming book, "I'm in a Job Search--Now What???"

Comments

[Greg Paskill]

You're on to something when observing that social media gives us more ways to connect to the point that we can easily neglect the face-to-face networking.

To some extent, that's disturbing. I've heard of studies where some people do not know the social graces of approaching somebody, extending handshakes, waiting for the right moment to speak, etc.

Staying online can make you seem like you're connecting when you're not. Like another study pointed out, you may have 5,000 friends on Facebook yet how many of those can you call to help you change a flat tire?

The little dirty secret of online social media? You can avoid dealing with the Rejection Factor! That's the one thing that stops many from forming face-to-face connections. Getting rejected in person takes far more courage than being denied an online "be my friend" request.

Add to that the escalating forms of rudeness throughout society, where surly clerks don't even want to know your name, where people are too busy at the gym or street listening to your iPod, and no wonder you'll lean more towards online acceptance.

Well, I now must go the real world and face more rejection. Like one book says, "Reject Me! I Love It!"

[Paul Copcutt - Square Peg]

One more book to add to the recommended reading list - and can get you networking in just a few hours - Jeffrey Gitomer - Little Black Book of Connections - bite size wisdom on authentic networking.
Just my toonies worth.