Networking is not to be covert. It is to be open, encouraging, exciting and empowering. Networking is a massive component to career management. However, you need to be acutely aware of some of the myths that pervade this important tool in your job search and career management toolbox.
Exit Strategies for Networking
While the dread of greeting new people is the top reason people avoid networking, ending conversations is also quite difficult. Do you dread networking because you find yourself trapped in conversations that last too long, or aren’t productive/relevant? It’s important to introduce yourself to multiple contacts at these events, but some discussions and some people […]
4 Tips for Networking with Executive Recruiters
When you are at a networking event, are you pleased to meet Recruiters and Search Professionals? As an Executive and eMBA Coach, I strongly encourage my clients to make good connections with these hiring influencers, even when comfortably employed. Why? Because these professionals value long-lasting productive connections and work hard to place them when they […]
Networking with a Website
Some of my clients make excellent use of personal websites for networking. The type of personal website perfectly suited to this use is one that acts as an online resume for you. This is a site where the domain name is your name, and it consists of a professional head shot, information about your education, experience, […]
Soliciting Referrals
Did you know that a job candidate who is referred is over 10 times more likely to be hired? You need to change your job search strategy away from just a great resume, you need referrals to get you past the gatekeepers. How do you solicit a referral? Reach out to your network, seeking someone […]
A New Network from Scratch
When you move to a new city, you often have to create a new network from scratch. Just as in homemade muffins, the results can be far superior to muffins from a mix or the networking you did in a city where you had instant connections through family and friends. Starting over can be intimidating, […]
New Job? Plan Ahead to Be Social!
You have just been hired into a great new position. You’re planning out how to be a success at your new job, so why would I tell you to plan ahead to be social? It’s important to your career! Many of us, when we first start in a new job, decline those invitations to coffee, […]
Spontaneous Networking
Networking isn’t always scheduled events. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from spontaneous networking. Stay open to the possibilities around you, and be prepared. You never know when the chance to make that great contact will appear! Several years ago, I was at a coffee shop to meet a client for coaching and to discuss his […]
Don’t Be Afraid to Expose Yourself
Opportunities don’t come to those who hide. Make your presence felt, get out there and network, use social media proactively, and be visible! There’s no crime (or violation of workplace rules or etiquette) in having a full, current LinkedIn profile with fresh content each week. It’s not a job search site. No one will fire […]
Elevator Pitch
First impressions are like dating. Each person we meet makes assumptions about us immediately: Visually, mentally, and verbally, we only have seconds to convince someone we are worth their time and energy. After the first few seconds, the rest of the time together is spent filling in the blanks around the very first opinion someone […]