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

Networking: Why Who You Know Doesn't Count, @Chandlee

Comments

[Eelynn]

I totally agree with you that we should make networking fun.

[Chandlee Bryan]

Hannah,

Love it. I especially like the "lather, rinse repeat" advice...Many of the job seekers I've worked with who have landed jobs in this market have done so because they built a network before they needed it. As the familiar refrain from Field of Dreams go, "If You Build It, They Will Come!" Thank you!

[Career Sherpa]

Miriam:
I love "netweaving"! I haven't read Jacqui's post yet, but look forward to it. As always, I look forward to reading your post too! Many thanks!

[Career Sherpa]

Ed: Thanks! I relayed your networking success story to a group of job seekers! There are so many amazing and sometimes unbelievable coincidences! Or are they? Thanks for the comment!

[Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers]

I absolutely agree that networking needs a new name. Sometimes, it's easier to think of "netweaving," as Jacqui/@valueintowords mentions in her post this month. It's a concept that is easy to understand, although seems difficult to implement. Thinking of it as a game - a choice to welcome new people and new ideas - is a great way to start on the path to making it a way of life.

I was nodding my head the whole time reading! Thanks for these great ideas!