Transcript Networking That Gets Results - Queens University of Charlotte

Networking Before You Need It
February 11, 2010
What is networking?
• Networking – A supportive system of sharing
information and services among individuals and groups
having a common interest. Networking is not asking
someone for a job.
• Effective Networking – Means having 2-5+
focused conversations per week via face to face or
phone where you tell people about yourself.
– Share as much information with them as you want in return
– Develop a board of directors to keep you accountable
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Strategies 2009
Who to Network With
Employed professionals that have the
ability to hire or recommend you
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Networking
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LinkedIn
Twitter
Zoom info
Facebook/MySpace
Networking groups
• Keep them all work
related with a little
personality, or all
personal with a little bit of
work
• Networking groups
– Positives
• Support network
• Help overcome
problems
• Get contact names
– Negatives
• They are not your
target market
• Some groups can
be negative
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Why network?
• Get people working for you
• Prevents your resume from entering the black hole
– 70+% of jobs filled by networking
– Increase chances of hiring manager reviewing your resume
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Learn about unpublished job opportunities
Get referred to an opportunity you did not know about
Keep current with trends and personalities in your field
Gain greater perspective about your target market
The more connections you establish the better chance
you have of connecting with interested decision makers
• To learn about an organization’s problems and needs in
order to position yourself as the solution
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Networking – Recruiting Firms
• Why use recruiting firms?
– Access to jobs not otherwise posted
– Insider knowledge and relationships
• Retained vs. Contingent
• How to work with them
– They work for the company, NOT YOU
– Follow up monthly
• Things to keep in mind
– Local vs. non-local
– Use three to five, depending on geography
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30-Second Elevator Speech
• What is it?
– Most important part of networking
– Your chance to describe who you are and what you
have to offer
– You should have this memorized and at the ready to
present where appropriate.
– What you say and the questions that you have preprepared to ask can vary based on who you are
speaking to, but the content should basically be the
same.
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Strategies 2009
30-Second Elevator Speech
• What makes up an effective elevator speech?
– Introduce yourself
– Describe your background
– Your competitive advantage/personal brand
– Questions to ask
– Let them talk if they are willing
– Practice, Practice, Practice
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Networking Calls
Types of calls
– "Reconnection": A call to someone you haven't talked to in a
while for the purpose of re-establishing the relationship and
getting an update on what the person is doing.
– "Follow-Through": A call to someone you've just met or been
referred to by someone you know.
– "Asking for Support": A call made to request information,
ideas, contacts or support of some kind. Be clear about what you
want and how you think this person can be of help.
– “How can I help?”: It is a call to offer support and to make
yourself available as a resource. It can also be described as the
when you hear about a challenge that someone else is facing
call.
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Strategies 2009
Networking Calls
Calling Hiring Managers/Key Influencers
• How to get a name/get past the operator
– LinkedIn
– Google
– Your Network/Networking Calls
– Ask
• Research the company
– Business Journal
– Internet (Google, LinkedIn, other sources)
– Your Network/Networking Calls
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The Power of Asking
How to Be Effective with Your Requests
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Be clear and concise about what you want
Ask for what you want
Make your request with no demands and no strings attached
Ask in such a way that people feel acknowledged and included
Follow up on a regular basis (typically monthly)
Why?
• Most people feel flattered when acknowledged and are glad to help
• The power of asking is that it builds relationships and allows people
to get involved in creating opportunities.
• There are so many contacts available to you from the people who
are all around you.
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Strategies 2009
Networking Tips
When attending a Networking Event ...
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Set Goals
Bring business cards and two pens
Do not act desperate
Stay focused
Help others
Mingle
Be prepared to follow up
Be an interesting person to talk with
Have some good leading questions to ask others
Listen attentively for opportunities
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Strategies 2009
Where to Network
Social Events
Current/Former
Coworkers
Family
Network
Everywhere
Job Search
Events /
Networking
Clubs
Professional
Contacts
Professional
Societies
Local Clubs:
Rotary
Lions Club
Churches
Toastmasters
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Strategies 2009
Questions & Answers
Contact Information
Steve Gray
Job Search Coach
980.428.6432
Office
704.877.5522
Mobile
[email protected]
www.CareerSearchStrategies.net
Copyright (c) Career Search
Strategies 2009