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 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,
effectives 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 and is certified in resume writing
and interview coaching. She offers wide-range of career
management tools and services at
http://www.resumewonders.com .
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