Networking is building alliances or relationships.  Skilled networking develops good information not a lot of information.  Quality vs. Quantity. Many people believe networking is a short term project…getting your name in front of people and collecting business cards.  Good networking is a long term, life long tool that not only helps you to get a job, but can help you climb the corporate ladder and continually take your career to the next level.  Talking to people because they might know something, doesn’t work.  Ask for a contact to get more information on the industry.  There are four types of help your networking contacts can give you: Information, contacts, connections and referrals.

Where can I network?

Any places there are people and time! 

Here are some suggestions…

• Restaurants
• Stores
• Banks
• Community Sporting Events
• Church
• Chamber Networking
• Health Clubs
• Car Wash
• Home Owner's Association
• PTA
• Non Profit Organization
• Little League 
• CPA’s, Attorney’s, Realtors' Conventions and Trade Shows

Three people used different methods

What did it take?  Networking and Creativity!  Saturday’s show was all about Networking!

The following are client stories that were successful in getting new positions last week!

David was an unemployed engineer, Joe was a Sr. Partner in a law firm.  Both were getting their cars washed on a Friday. Both men had kids graduating from high school that night.  The conversation started with "what do you do?" and since there was no connection with their fields, they started talking about the kids.  The connection was made.  David’s son was going to Joe’s Alma Mater. Joe also was very active in his college alumni association. He told Dave he had a large data base.  Joe offered to send out a brief summary on Dave’s background and see what he could do.  Within 2 weeks, David had over 12 requests for interviews and is happily employed again.  It happened at a car wash!

Barbara was a Director of Marketing and downsized two months ago.  She also was very organized and had a specific action plan.  She contacted the Chamber of Commerce in her area and went on the web site and saw where the members were listed.  She chose 5-7 individuals she was interested in meeting and went to the monthly breakfast with a friend.  After the breakfast, she had an opportunity to walk around and connected with 4 of the people.  A representative of the chamber suggested she come to the "after hours" event on Thursday.  Barbara told the Chamber Rep that she was hoping to meet Mr. Thompson of ABC Company and the rep laughed.  She asked for Barbara’s card and said he was on their Board and she would see what she could do.  Three days later, Mr. Thompson called her, they connected and Barbara is employed.

Great question to ask in your next interview...

“What can I bring to the company to round out your team?"

The question is very visual and through visualization the interviewer will see that the team is missing someone or a key resource.  It also makes the interviewer realize you may have the skill set he needs.

Hope you had a great week and will join us tomorrow for Career Advice Plus!