Networking is the smart thing to do in a shaky economy
By Joan Lloyd
If thinking about networking makes you reach for an antacid
you are not alone. Even for social butterflies it can seem
overwhelming. But painful or not, networking is the smart thing to
do in a shaky economy.
Here are some networking tips to help
you:
Start attending industry and business events. If you hate the
thought of walking into a room of strangers, call the organizer and
ask for a list of attendees. Usually they are happy to forward the
RSVP list. Another approach is to simply arrive early and scan the
name tags that are on the table. Invariably, you will see a few
names of people you know.
Another advantage of arriving early is that you have an
automatic icebreaker with the other early birds, “Looks like
we’re the first ones here…” It also forces you
into a small group that others will join as they arrive (rather
than you having to break into their group).
If you arrive early, you can also strike up a conversation
with the person behind the registration desk, who is often a good
source of information about the organization, who’s who, and
who might be a good person for you to meet.
If group events make you feel like an awkward seventh grader
at his first dance, bring someone with you. Ideally, choose someone
who is outgoing (bonus points if he or she is well-connected).
Another advantage of having a colleague along is that you get to
sing the praises of each other to the people you
meet—it’s easier than talking about yourself.
Then there is the good, old-fashioned lunch and breakfast. But
don’t wait to reach out to someone only when you need
something. The best networkers know that you build your network
before you need them. Get yourself in the habit of
connecting with someone a few times a month. When you can help them
out with some information, or make an introduction to someone who
might be able to help them, they will value you as a member of
their network and will be glad to reciprocate.
Join a social networking service such as LinkedIn or Facebook.
You can stay in touch with people you’ve met in a
non-scheduled, casual way. You can search the site for people you
know or ask friends to introduce you to others in their
network.
When you network with someone, take notes about what they are
interested in, what information they are looking for and actions
they have taken for you (such as making an introduction). Whether
you track your contact activity in a database management system
such as ACT, or just keep a notebook, the important thing is to be
organized and have a system for follow up. When I was changing jobs
years ago, I kept a spiral notebook with this information, so I
could easily track who led me to whom. This way I could circle back
and thank them and give them updates on my networking progress.
People who have taken the time to connect with you want to hear
progress reports…as long as you are respectful of their
time.
When you are networking don’t make it all about you. Ask
the other person questions that get them talking about themselves.
People always enjoy being with someone who is a good listener. Ask
questions such as “How did you get into your field?”
“What interesting projects are you working on right
now?” “What organizations do you belong to?”
“What do you do for fun?” You can often learn important
things about your colleagues that will create a more trusting bond
between you.
If someone does do something for you be sure to follow up with
a thank you. A simple voice or email message of appreciation will
assure them that you understand the unspoken rules of networking.
What goes around does indeed come around. Not only can networking
be good for hearing about job opportunities, it can be a rich
source of long-lasting friendships.
