Tap Your Network: Part 2

In our first post, Network Your Way To Work: Part 1, we discussed what networking is and how important networking is to your job search. In this installment of the 3 part networking series we will tell you how to network and why the “how” is just as important as the “where” or “when.”

How Do I Network?

What you may not realize is that you are actually networking anytime you interact with anyone who can potentially assist you or whom you can assist in some career related way. But what is important to realize is that how you network is just as important as where and when you network.

I read it best from a writer named Brandt Smith, who writes for Wealth and Wisdom, a blog focused on helping you achieve wealth and life balance through entrepreneurship.

A strong network doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, and patience. Here are seven tips for creating and maintaining a group of contacts:

Key #1: Build it before you need it

Building a network is a lifelong process, and relationships take time to develop. If you wait until you need help, it may be too late. The odds are you already have a network, but have not developed it to its full potential. Start with your family and friends. Move on to business contacts, members of your church, club members, etc.

This is your base network. If you have weaknesses, get to work. Call up the old friend from college. Email a buddy from your old job. Add business contacts to your Christmas card list. Attend industry events and talk to as many people as you can.

Key #2: You must make a deposit before you have the right to withdraw

Just because you have a name and number doesn’t mean a person is part of your network. You must first help them before you can ask a favor. View it like a bank account. Can you take out money if you never make deposits? I’ve known people who try to do this. After about two requests they are no longer welcome. Pretty soon they are on their own and have a reputation for being self-serving.

Something as simple as saying thank you can be a major deposit in your network bank account. If someone gives you a hand, make sure they get credit. See an article in the paper they would like? Cut it out and send it to them, or put them in touch with a resource that can help them with a problem.

Key #3: Give more than you receive

This goes hand-in-hand hand with number two. Strive to maintain a positive (and growing) balance. Compare this with personal finance. You must always make more than you spend.

Key #4: Be open and genuine

People will spot it if you are phony. Relax and be yourself. Just make sure you keep away from volatile topics like religion and politics! To make the most of a network, you must sincerely like people and enjoy helping others when you are able. Say “yes” when you can, but also know when you have to say “no”.

Key #5: Follow up and stay in touch

Even the best contact will get old and stale. I like to view a relationship as two people tied together by delicate strands. Each time you make contact adds another strand. If you stay with your initial meeting the connection is tenuous. It is only when you have hundreds of these strands woven together that you have an unbreakable cable.

Key #6: The devil is in the details

Even the experts have trouble remembering all the details. Write things down. If you get a business card, take notes on the back after you finish your conversation. Use that pad of paper at the meeting. What is their spouse’s name? Do they have kids? What ages and genders? What college did she attend? What is his birthday?

Key #7: Your network doesn’t end with your contact

Each of your contacts has their own network. Don’t be afraid to call and ask “do you know someone who can help?” If you are doing the steps above, they will be glad to make the introduction.

Keep these tips in mind and you too can build a strong personal and professional network. (these tips and Brandt Smith’s full article can be found here)

View Tap Your Network: Part 3 (Where Do I Network?).

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009, by admin and is filed under "Job Seekers ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.