3 Essentials for Successful Networking

A systems project manager with 30 years experience at a Fortune 500 company is suddenly downsized. A college student is trying to find summer employment related to her major. The parent of a high school student is helping students set up job shadow experiences. These are perfect situations where a network can be useful.

Learning how to build and engage your network effectively is a vital Career Literacy™ skill. Often misunderstood, networking and its value are underestimated. Once learned, however, it becomes a way of life, improving access to information and resources that can make everyone's life easier - whether seeking a job, industry information, a reliable babysitter or a plumber in your neighborhood!

Productive networking is the process of continually meeting new people in order to establish mutually reciprocal, long-term relationships. Together, we help each other accomplish personal, professional or business goals. Through networking, we can extend our reach to get things done, share our knowledge and capabilities, and connect people to one another.

1. Pick organizations where you can become involved in meaningful activities.

Are you seeking an opportunity to contribute to your professional development, community issues, or business development? Access to other people in a network is a by-product of getting involved. You earn access to others by giving your time and talents to a group. Networking is a two-way street. Join a group or organization because you have a genuine interest in the purpose of that group. People learn to trust and remember an individual who builds a reputation for being helpful to others.

An important benefit of these relationships is being able to ask members of your network for specific information. Are you looking for information about a company or a hiring manager? Are you looking for ideas and information that will help you solve a problem you're experiencing in your current work? Are you looking for a job? Are you curious about a new technology or technique in your field, and want to learn more about it? Are you looking for people and companies that would be in a position to purchase products or services from you? Are you also looking to increase your professional visibility so others are aware of your expertise when they need assistance?

Parents and students can benefit from networking contacts who help them learn more about a career path or work environment, or provide an opportunity for an internship or summer job. Even mid-career adults looking to change careers or find volunteer work can use networking and informational interviews to test the water before taking the plunge.

2. Determine where to find the people who can help you accomplish your purpose.

Time is one of the most precious commodities we have. As you consider investing time in building your network, keep in mind the mission of the organization is generally not solely networking. Here are some ideas:

• Professional organizations allow you to meet other individuals in your industry or line of work. People involved in professional organizations typically enjoy what they do and are approachable. Students are often invited to attend meetings. These are prime places to connect with people for informational interviews or to arrange for a job shadowing day with someone. If you can't attend a meeting, the websites for these groups will have officers and committee chairs listed with their contact information, so a contact is only a call or email away.
  
  

• Alumni networks are great if you are looking to support your school, establish long-term social relationships and develop business leads. You have the opportunity to network with contacts in certain jobs, companies or living in different areas of the world. While these networks are usually established for college alumni, some large corporations maintain alumni networks of former employees, like Deloitte Touche, IBM, KPMG and Sun Microsystems.

• Online social and professional networks are a growing phenomenon. While students are flocking to myspace.com or facebook.com, professionals are joining LinkedIn.com. We recommend caution when using these online networking sites. Why? Because any personal information or opinions you share are recorded and may be seen by a future employer at any time.

• Leads groups are professional networks whose mission is to help your fellow members develop business leads and increase sales. Many Chambers of Commerce support this type of development while supporting the local community.

• Job Search groups are excellent for new ideas and support while you are looking for a new position. Check out our list of local job search groups. Each group is a little different from the next; so visit a number of them to see what they offer. Many have speakers, some share job leads, and all offer a community for support when the going is tough and for celebration when activities yield success.

Networking gets easier the more you do it. Be strategic. Seek out "hub people" - those individuals who are at the center of their large network. Hub people, like the center of a wheel with spokes, are connected to many diverse people and are seen as "go to" people if you're trying to find information or a personal contact. When you plug into a hub person, you plug into their network.

3. Once you meet a person, consider how you will grow the relationship and how you can be a resource to them.

Be the first to offer something of value, for example, a lead or an emailed article related to their industry. Find out how you can help the other person achieve their goals. Growing a relationship is similar to investing small deposits in a savings account, knowing that at some time in the future, you may need to make a withdrawal, calling on your relationship for something you may need from the other person.

Successful people have integrated their networking into their everyday activities. How frequently you keep in touch depends on the size of your network. Some people call or email a few people every week, while others may strive for several quick contacts per day. You may invite someone to a breakfast or lunch meeting to ask their advice. You won't have to do all the work though; people in your network will take the initiative to contact you as well.

We have all heard the expression, "It's not what you know, but who you know that's important." As you build and maintain relationships, you will find that when you need to find the best source for information or help, your network contacts will be the "who you know" who can point you to what you need to know - fast.

© Copyright 2006, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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