Networking

I read this recently in a trade journal and it was written by one of the professors from my graduate committee.  He has some good words about networking and considering the number of people who are getting laid off, I thought I would share some of what he had to say.

Networking is consistently cited as the number one way to get a new job.  It has been suggested that 80% of the jobs available never get advertised.  This is how you find them and get them.  The folks who do the hiring would much rather talk to someone who has been recommended by someone they already employ.  It is easier for them because they have your first reference, and it saves them considerable effort in advertising the position and sorting through all the resumes and phone calls.

What is networking?  Networking is the art of building alliances, of getting to know people and hving people get to know you.  It is not contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any job openings.  Networking starts long before a job search, and you probably don't even realize you are doing it.  Ulitmately, your accomplishments and personality will define you, but there are things that you can consciously do to affect your "brand" or other people's perception of you.

As you begin to network, it is important to understand who you are and other people's perception of you and to recognize that you can influence this perception.

1. Identify the primary "product" (service, resource, special ability, etc) you have to offer others.

2. Identify your core values.  What really matters to you?

3. Identify your passions.  What things or ideas do you love?

4. Identify your talents.  What have you always been recognized for (particulary as a kid)?  What do you do better than most other people?  What skills do people seem to notice in you?

5. From your hopefully long list of talents and qualities, choose the top five, the ones you do best and enjoy  doing the most.

6. Weave the items on all your lists into a statement of your specialty.  What are you particularly gifted at delivering?

7. Write a paragraph emphasizing your specialty and your five key talents, weaving in your most important values, passions, and skills.

8. Now add a tag line to your brand.

(Make a Name for Yourself by Robin Fisher Roffer)

If anyone is interested, there is more that I can share tomorrow.

Keep on go!