Networking or Notworking - the choice is yours !

There is a tendency for many job seekers today to spend hours on end in front of a computer screen, searching online job postings, visiting career pages on websites, all in the hopes of finding a new job online.  While these are essential elements of a job search strategy, online job sources represent less than 20% of all opportunities. Is spending the majority of your time online good time management ?   Probably not.

Having numerous, quality conversations (aka networking) with people you know, can ultimately lead to introductions to key decision makers, offering the best ROI for your time, effort and energy expended.  Networking is something you manage directly, leading to increased traction and momentum in your job search.  Conversations should represent the major part of your work day and one that is sure to produce quality results.

Networking = an exchange of information between two people

Requests for/or offers of a referral---something we know is worth sharing or,  something we need help in locating, is basic networking. Face to face, on the phone, via email or your social network, we do it every day !  Some common examples:

• Here's a great new restaurant you should try
• Here's a new movie you just have to see
• Any idea where I can get a deal on snow tires?
• Can you recommend a good dentist? 

Most of us do it without even realizing it. Maybe it's simply sharing an article we read, a great website we just viewed, or a new game we just played.   Maybe we need a referral before  making an important decision or committing to a major purchase.  Networking is simple communication between two people.  But what to do? Where to start ?

Who forms part of your personal network?

If you think about it for a moment, your network comprises virtually everyone you know including:

• Family, Friends, Neighbours
• Colleagues, Ex-colleagues
• Customers, Suppliers
• Social acquaintances, people with whom you volunteer
• Parents of your kids' friends

For those with children, a terrific source of networking contacts can be found through your children's extracurricular activities.  Be it hockey (I'm Canadian, eh?), football, soccer, gymnastics, swimming or dance, you typically run into lots of parents (with like interests) at practices, or dropping off and picking up your kids. You instantly have a common bond---your children!

And if you're like me (a Dad with daughters who dance), I find myself frequently waiting with other parents at the dance studio, sometimes 4 - 6 nights a week. Networking opportunities abound !

It's not a person's position or station in life  that's important---it's who they know (AND who knows you).  As you build your network and begin to reach out to your contacts, start with people that are easy to talk to---family and friends. These people know you well and truly want to help you find that next opportunity!

Utilizing social networking tools---Linked In, Facebook and Twitter---can help both build your online social presence and, help you find and research contacts you know and those you'd like to meet.

Talk aloud about what it is you're looking for. Your networking contacts can't read your mind.  Time and again, when individuals tell their contacts what they're seeking,  contacts can often provide a name, a job lead or a resource to tap into that can help them move forward---closer to that new opportunity.

Preparation, preparation, preparation!

In real estate, the old adage is "location, location, location." In networking, it's "preparation, preparation, preparation."  Do your homework and learn something about the person you're meeting with.  Then prepare what you'd like to say. The more you know about yourself and your accomplishments, the better you'll be able to present demonstrated skills,  enabling you to help solve real problems in the market place. Specific, measurable accomplishments will differentiate and distinguish you from all other networkers! 

In sports, practice produces muscle memory and can  substantially improve your game.  The same applies to networking; the more you practice, the easier it gets and the more proficient and effective you become !

You're not asking someone for money, nor are you asking them for a job.  You're simply asking them for their advice and their opinion. And trust me, people love to share their advice and opinions !

What should you take to a networking meeting?

First, an enthusiastic "can do" attitude demonstrates commitment to getting a job done. Let's face it, everyone loves to hire individuals with a positive attitude.  Someone who  can get along with members of an existing team is crucial to the team's success!

Secondly, people who display self confidence and project it,  are far more likely to succeed in interviews.  Networking contacts  typically only refer people whom they believe in.  Would you be willing to risk your personal reputation referring someone who doesn't present themselves well?

So whether you're actively seeking new employment now, or contemplating a change in 2011, make a personal commitment to grow and exercise your networking activity DAILY !  You will open more doors and create more opportunities for yourself  than you ever thought possible !

Believe it !

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"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending" 
Maria Robinson

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