Hannah Morgan

Five Little Secrets About Networking

 Networking isn't about looking for a job.  The truth is networking is a way of life. It is about making new friends and developing trust! Whether you a college graduate or seasoned executive, it is never too early or to late to start.  Here are five things to help you understand the real meaning of networking.

1. BE "OTHER CENTRIC"

Networking is not about spewing your 45 second commercial. It is about meeting people and developing a relationship.  Always show interest in others.  Ask them what they do and really listen to their answer.  Even ask sincere follow-up questions. 

2. GATHER INFORMATION

The time to start gathering information is while you are employed. Speak with co-workers and peers about what they are doing, what they find interesting and listen. Listening is a key ingredient to being a good networker. Ignore that voice in your head that wants to weed out information or discard it.  All information is good information!

3. TRACK MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Carve time into your schedule to meet industry movers and shakers.  Read their work, follow their activities.  See what makes them tick. 

4.  MAKE IT FUN

Every time you leave your house you have the opportunity to meet new people.  Consider it a personal challenge or game, because you just never know what may happen or who knows who.  The next time you go to fill up your car with gas, pay inside and chat with the cashier, just for a second.  Doing this is great practice at making small talk and again, you just never know.  Maybe it is the dry cleaner, supermarket check out or coffee shop barrista...all of these folks are great practice and worthy of becoming new acquaintance's.

5.  "LATHER RINSE REPEAT"

Just as the instructions say on a shampoo bottle (or used to) networking is an on-going process. Meeting someone once does not form a relationship.  You need to continuously make the effort to re-connect with them.  It can be as simple as sharing an article or sending them a quick note about an upcoming event they may be interested in or a message asking them about a project they said they were working on.  Listening is important.  It will be very difficult to do this follow-up if you haven't been listening to what they've talk about. 

FINAL NOTE:

Greater than 80% of jobs are secured through some form of networking contact.  If you feel this sounds like a game, ignore that voice in your head.  Approach networking as "information gathering" and an "opportunity to meet new people". There is no hidden agenda there. 

Be patient.  Networking takes time and so does establishing trust.  This is not a wonder drug that will promise immediate results.  This is an investment in your future.  Networking is about establishing relationships and it is a quality vs. quantity mentality that will best serve you. 

I am honored to be part of Career Collective, a community of extremely talented resume writers and career coaches. This post is one of many responses to NETWORKING. Expect to find other tips and advice on:

• Overcoming networking fears
• Tips for introverts AND extroverts
• Making networking fun

I encourage you to visit other members' responses linked below. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.

  I want to thank Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW, CPRW, CEIP (www.careertrend.net) and Miriam Salpeter (www.keppiecareers.com) for bringing this team of experts together.

Networking: Easy as 1, 2 , 3, @WorkWithIllness

How to Take the Intimidation Out of Networking, @heathermundell

Networking for the Shy and Introverted, @KatCareerGal

A tale of two networkers, @DawnBugni

Introvert or Extrovert: Tips for the Job Search No Matter Which 'Vert' You Are, @erinkennedycprw

Networking for Job Candidates Who Hate Networking, @heatherhuhman

Networking? Ugh! @resumeservice

Network, Network, Network, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes

3 ways to make networking fun for introverts and extroverts, @Keppie_Careers

Grow Your Career Networking Seeds Organically, @ValueIntoWords

Networking: It's a Way of Life, @WalterAkana

Social Media Networking & Your Career, @GayleHoward

Networking for the Networking-Phobic, @JobHuntOrg

Why Did You Leave Your Job?

This is a fairly common interview question and oh, by the way, it is also on every job application too.  Sometimes, the reason employers ask this question is to see how and what your response will be, not so much the words you use, but the emotions you connect with the experience. Sounds kind of "heady" I know, let's keep it simple.

Candidate A was part of a company wide downsizing.  When asked in the interview why they left, Candidate A goes on and on. They blame bad strategy and the history leading up to the company's decision to layoff employees.  But wait, Candidate A goes on further and talks about how no matter how hard they worked they could never please their immediate supervisor.  Wait, there is still more.  Candidate A confesses that some of their technical skills and industry knowledge might not have been so up to date. Yikes.  Too much information.

What the interviewer hears are all sorts of reasons NOT to bring Candidate A in for another interview.  There is emotional baggage not to mention a deficiency in skills.

Candidate B was part of a company wide downsizing too.  Their answer to the question went something like this.

"XYZ company had unfortunately lost some of their key accounts and as a result had to eliminate positions.  All but two people in my department were let go." 

Candidate B didn't shoot them-self in the foot by providing too much information.  They stated the facts.

Answering this question requires some rehearsing.  Your first attempt will most likely not be the best.  Try to craft your answer on paper.  Bullet point the key point(s) you want to make.  There is a fine line between sounding rote and sounding confident. 

Additionally, the answer you provide should sound null of emotion or perhaps empathetic.  Never, ever blame anyone during the interview.  Sure, companies make bad choices, but there is no value in pointing out flaws, errors, problems, or "issues".  Negative, emotionally-charged answers will always work against the candidate.

If you have emotional baggage connected to the "unfair or unjust" termination, then you might need to work on that first because it WILL come out during the interview. 

Doing vs. Really Doing

Nothing is harder or more exasperating than looking for a job. If you are like many job seekers, you've been attending workshops and reading about job search. You've tweaked your resume more than once (OK, maybe you've tweaked it 50 times).  You've attended all the networking groups.  You've arranged informational meetings and still, no job offer.  So what isn't working?

The answer isn't that simple.  It takes an audit.  Audits aren't fun.  They sort of force you to see the "reality".  Sometimes, the answer is, there isn't anything wrong, this just takes time.  If you are ready to conduct an audit of your job search, have someone you trust ask you these questions.  You may be thinking, "I'll just ask myself these questions", but don't do it.  Get an outsider to do it. 

• How many hours did you spend in job search related activities last month?
• How many interviews did you have last month (over the phone and in person)?
• What is the status of those interviews?
• How many target companies have you identified?
• How many target companies do you have inside contacts in?
• How many industry contacts (people who are within your industry) did you contact with last month?
• How many recruiters did you initiate contact with last month?
• How many jobs did you submit your resume to?
• What is the geographic range of your job search? Can or when will this be expanded?
• How much money have you spent on coffee? (Just kidding!)

Encourage the person asking you these questions to be tough.  Tell them you really want them to dig deep so that you can identify some things you might be able to do differently. 

One last thought: The tendency we all have is to get defensive or make excuses.  No emotions please.  Just the facts! This is a creative problem solving exercise.

Tom Peters says "The calendar never lies"!

When was the last time you reviewed your calendar from previous weeks?  Gosh, I can tell you, personally, maybe once or twice in the last year.  That's why I was so impressed by Tom's video.  Tom says "You are your calendar".  While many may disagree, either because they don't keep a calendar or don't write things on the calendar, it does show you where your time has been invested...it points to the priorities.

Frequently job seekers miss the structure of their jobs.  Using a calendar is an effective way to manage your time.  Duh, you know this already.  It is hard to do.

The other point Tom makes is that you should line up a "buddy" to review your calendar with you to really see where your priorities have been and if you are living up to what your commitments are!

Go ahead and watch this video (it is only 2.28 minutes).  I hope this motivates you!

Summary Sunday

Here are some of the posts retweeted this week.  I consider Twitter to be source of information for learning.  If nothing else, by following great people in your industry you come across some great information.  Hey, you might make a friend along the way too!

EMPLOYED AND LOOKING

Your Job Mis-Match will Kill Your Career by Scot Herrick

Don't Quit Your Job from Job-Hunt.org

THE SEARCH

4 Ways Not to Reek of Desperation from Six Pixels of Separation

7 Brilliant Ways to Use Your Contacts to Find a Job from The Undercover Recruiter

Don't Make These Online Job Hunting Mistakes from Keppie Careers

Searching for a Job in the Real-World by Jeffrey Lipschultz

CAREER CHANGE

Career Change- How Old is Too Old from Boomer's Next Step

PERSONAL BRANDING

Express Your Essence in a Sentence from Reach Personal Branding (this is a short video)

TRENDS

"How Outsourcing Sabotages Our Economic Future" from The Vancouver Sun

Reading Again...

Instead of selecting "beach novels", I've been busy reading "work" related books this summer. While on vacation, I got plenty of comments and a few dirty looks while reading a book that clearly wasn't deemed "summer reading".

Strategy, Leadership & the Soul goes beyond the traditional "leadership" books.  It takes a look at the future and how businesses are projected to behave and as a result of those changes discusses how leaders must adapt. 

Career Distinction is on the bedside table now.  I am enjoying every minute of this too.  Arruda and Dixson have explained the logic of why we must manage our own careers.  They have started to lay out the process for how we will do this.  

Once I am done with this, I will move on to Drive.  I have to admit, this has been in the bullpen for awhile. 

Somehow, I find it more fun to read books in groups of 3s.  I usually find a common link that runs through them all.

I hope that your summer reading list includes something that will help you professionally. 

Personal Brand...Do You Have One?

Having a personal brand is hot and hip right now.  All it really means is that you know how to package yourself.  We all have skills, talents, abilities and passion.  If you look at each of these by themselves, they aren't unique.  You and your brand become unique once you've combined them together. 

I was talking to a city planner turned into historic preservation fanatic the other day.  He's worried that his return to the city planning world may look fishy to employers.  Instead, I helped him see how his historic preservation credentials combined with his city planning experience can make him a really sweet candidate to the right city/town/area.  It was an "Aha" moment.  Instead of covering up his historic preservation interest, he's going to partner it as a unique brand!

In talking to another person about her recent relocation without a job, she understood how her blend of different work experiences add value to her where ever she goes. 

Before you embark on a job search or if you are already full swing into it, you need to understand and begin embracing this concept.  It will require introspection, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Here are some posts and blogs to read to more fully immerse you into the concept:

It all started with Tom Peters:  The Brand Called You!  from Fast Company

10 Ways Personal Branding Can Save You from Getting Fired from Mashable

Define Your Brand with Simple Questions from Harvard Business Review

Now here are some blogs dedicated to the topic of personal branding!

Personal Branding Blog

Reach Personal Branding Blog

Brand-Yourself.com

Personalbranding101.com

Job-Hunt.org Personal Branding Posts and info (featuring expert Meg Guiseppi)

The Buzz 101

Jorgen Sundberg

On Twitter:  Lists to follow:

Mohammad Al-tee's List of personal branding @MAltee/personal branding has the largest number of folks to follow.

Interviews but no offers?

Interviews can be stressful, unpleasant, or fun.  It all depends on how you view them.  I tell people all the time to change their mindset/programming before they enter an interview.  Instead of thinking:  "I need this job" or "I really want this job", think to yourself, "DO I want this job?".  Changing your thinking can greatly impact the emotions about the interview and can also change the dialog during the interview.  Consider it exploratory.  I know, easily said, yet hard to do. 

If you have had many first interviews, but not gotten a follow-up or second interview, it may be time to do an audit.

• How are you answering questions?
• What questions are you asking?
• How do you prepare for the interview?
• What is your body language saying?
• How are you presenting yourself?
• What are you wearing?

There is no "right" answer for everyone. It is a style and personality thing.  If you haven't seen yourself in action, video yourself answering questions.  It feels strange and awkward, but it so worth it!

It is important to recognize that every interview will not translate into a job offer.  There used to be a statistic that said it took about 5-7 interviews with different companies to land an offer...

The more interviews you have under your belt, the better! 

The Garden

Back in May my family planted a vegetable garden in a community plot across the street.  In the beginning, we checked on it regularly, weeded and watered and even added MiracleGro (sorry Amy).

As the summer started up and we got busy with summer activities and vacations, the garden, still in its infancy got ignored...until yesterday.

I should include a picture so you can laugh at the weeds which have grown as tall as the rows of corn we planted.  After carefully stepping in and finding the surviving vegetable plants, I harvested 4 string beans, one tiny zucchini and one sprig of basil. Yahoo!

There is an obvious metaphor here.  Your network needs to be maintained.  Your job search won't run itself. It requires regular attention, not just when you need it.

It is difficult to manage this into an already full schedule, however, the one thing that has the greatest return on investment are the relationships you've grown.

Summary Sunday

This week's summary is truly a mixed bag of great posts from this week! 

INTERVIEWING

Interview Regrets to Avoid from Tim's Strategy

3 Questions You Don't Know the Answer to After a Job Interview from Work Coach Cafe

EMAIL

8 Tips for Getting Your Email Read from Design Resumes

Create a Compelling, Helpful, and Memorable Email Signature from Career Success Partners

SOCIAL MEDIA

7 Tips for Sharing Articles on Twitter from Interview Angel

Top 60 LinkedIn Groups for Job Seekers and Recruiters from Jobmob

7 Ways to Ensure Social Media Isn't Ruining Your Job Hunt from ERE.net

CAREER MANAGEMENT

5 Simple Career Management Lessons from Mikelally.net

The New Work Rules from CBS Moneywatch

LEADERSHIP

Top 25 Online Influencers in Leadership from HRExaminer.com

Who Do You Need To Know?

Over the past two weeks I've had conversations with a lot of interesting people.  They were with an MBA intern, Branding Guru, Human Resources enthusiast, Leadership author and Social Media/website pro.  And that's only a partial list.

The backgrounds and talents of these people were all over the map. This is what made it so interesting and exciting.  I learned something from each of them.  Things that enlightened.

The point of this post is to help you understand that "networking" (I hate this word), isn't just something you do to find a job or secure new business.  It is something you do to develop yourself.

Several months ago I was asked to list 2-3 people I would like to get to know better- people I admired or respected.  Geography was not a restriction.  I was supposed to reach out to them and and cultivate a relationship.  This was really hard and it still is. But it is a challenge I put forth to you. Why? Because it is difficult and because if you do carry it out, you will be so much better off.

Before you reach out to these people, do some prep work:

• Ask and answer why you want to meet them
• Research them online
• Construct a list of questions you want to ask them

Now, pick up the phone and call them.  Tell them why you would like to meet with them.  You won't always get a yes, however, if your reason for meeting with them is well thought out and sincere, I am willing to bet you will get more "yes's" than "no's".

What if you were to do this every week for the rest of your life? It is like a "bucket list" of people you want to meet before you die, but on a smaller, more achievable scale.  Who knows, it might lead to your meeting someone really spectacular.  Imagine what you may learn.