Networking Tips and Tricks
There are many ways to find a job but by far the most effective way is through networking. Over 80% of employers hire as a result of networking.
Now for some people this can be a horrifying event, for others only a little scary.
Understanding that, you need to know that you are not the only one feeling insecure or intimidated by the task. Try this technique the next time you are at an event:
Look for someone standing by themselves. Go to that person and introduce yourself and make that person feel welcome. Then take that person to another person that is standing along, introduce yourself and your new friend. Once there conversation is moving, bow out and go and find another person in the same situation. Everyone that you do this for will be thankful, remember who you are and probably refer someone to you at some point. I have been on both sides of this. It works! Keep in mind, strangers are friends that you just haven’t met yet.
We all know that success lies in knowing people. “It’s not who you know but who knows you” You need to get your name out there so when people think of your industry, they think of you.
Consider joining the Board of trade or your local Chamber of Commerce. Get your name out there as the place to go.
When you go to these events (2-4 per month) go with the intention not to sell or find a job but to bring value to others. Look for ways you can help people and that will in turn reward you. If you go to these events to try to sell, people will sniff you out and avoid you. We have all seen these people. If you have been to networking events and never noticed these types, it’s probably you and others are avoiding you.
Always remember the rules:
Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated and then take that to the next level (platinum rule).
Platinum Rule: Treat others as they would like to be treated.
It’s always nice to send a hand written letter to those who you have connected with.
Remember that not everyone can be of direct value to you but they probably know someone who can. Treat everyone with respect.
To be a great networker you need to be great at three things:
listening
b. asking great questions
telling your story
“So what do you do?” Is a question that we all inevitably get asked but most of us are unprepared to answer. If you are looking for a job, come up with something that will showcase your skill sets and the value you can bring to them.
Have a 20 second commercial prepared that sounds interesting gives a little insight to you personally and has an element of humour.
e.g.
“Hi. My name is Kiven Wenman and I am the VP of Sales with an international recruitment firm. My job is to travel throughout North America to locate and train new sales reps to sell our service of recruitment. I travel about 50% of the time which my wife doesn’t like but with three kids at home it’s the only time I get 8 hours sleep a night.” “What do you do?”
Write something out, practice it and make it yours. If you would like help, send us your 20 minutes commercial and we’ll see if there is anything that we can do to add value to it.
Go to an event, try it out and let us know how it goes.
Written by: Debbie Gilster
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