Networking–Job Search Lessons Learned: 12 Key Take-Aways (04)

This comes up twice in this series. That is how important networking is. In this section, pre-job-searching, it is a different tactic then while you are in search mode. The days are gone of you sitting down, concentrating on your work, getting things done and done quickly, and due to that, you are safe at work. You are not necessarily safe. You have to get out of your cube/office and not only socialize with co-workers, but other people in your network at different companies.

At work, this means talking with colleagues not only about work but life in general (you don’t have to get too personal, but you can still open up a bit). This can be a quick fly by, going to lunch or a happy hour from time-to-time, or at the proverbial water cooler. You are building a relationship with your colleagues. In the future, I am sure you could use each other’s help, whether that is directly or indirectly through another connection.

Outside of your work environment, this can be so many different events. If you are a member of PMI, ITSMf or another similar organization for your industry, there are events in your area you can go to. You can become a part of Toastmasters, attend TEDx events, chamber of commerce, church activities, and so much more. I am not saying you have to do all of these things, but you should do something.

I would also suggest having your own business cards printed. I went through VistaPrint to have mine done and I was really satisfied with how they turned out.

I will talk about Social Media Usage and Networking during your search in later articles in the series, but you can virtually network that way as well. This can be directly engaging with a certain individual, joining a discussion in groups, or sharing content in general.

There are two major goals of networking during this phase.

The first one is, to stay at the forefront of individuals’ minds before an opportunity comes up. I want that person to say “Hey, Jeremiah would be perfect for this, let me see if he is available.” They are not even sure if you are available or interested, but you came up in their mind as the perfect fit. If you are ready, you just bypassed a ton of hurdles with little to no stress involved.

The second one is, when you are ready, those individuals you reach out to in your network have stayed in contact with you and it is not just an ‘out of the blue’ situation. It is less awkward and more genuine. Now, thanks to LinkedIn, this is both difficult and easy. If you are an individual with over 500+ connections, I would not expect you to talk to all of them on a regular basis. However, for the ones you do stay in contact with, I personally believe it is easier over LinkedIn messaging than email. I am not sure about you, but I get way too much email as it is.

Stay in contact with your colleagues. Remember that the old saying is true, “It’s not what you know, it is who you know.”

 

So here is a question to the community:

“What is your favorite in-person networking event or technique?”

 

Thank you for your time,