Absolutely HATE to network? Does the very word make you break out in a cold sweat? Brace yourself. Networking can actually be fun. That doesn’t mean you don a cheesy outfit, grease your hair back and party hardy; networking is still a business meeting. And don’t do it to help yourself; network to help others. The residual benefit is that people, in turn, are motivated to help you. Networking is both selfless and sincere.
Research shows that in unfamiliar networking environments, most people respond well to others who take an interest in what they have to say or what they do. Keep this formula in mind, and networking becomes much easier.
However, to become a networking pro, you’ll need to do some due diligence: research the host association or networking group—even contact the leader of the group if you can (or someone you know who is already in it)—to get a sense of who might be at the event.
Research background information on attendees to help figure out your angle. Based on that information, you can research specific attendees. If you find some background business intelligence on the companies that might be represented at the meeting, you’ll go in armed with something to talk about, as casually as saying, "Oh, hi [Mike]. I see you are with [company name]. Wasn’t your company just recently featured in the Business Journal about [subject]? That was a great article. What do you see happening with this [subject]?"
The key: Get ’em talking. Ask open-ended questions. Subscribe to your local business journal as a resource—there’s so much information, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to recall in a networking conversation. (If you can’t afford the subscription, just find the journal at your local library.)
The end result: You look well informed and extremely resourceful.
Also, go to the networking event early. Usually, the name badges are laid out on the registration area. Hover there and check out who is in attendance or might show up. If there is anyone you have identified and really want to meet, peg them by the registration area and work your way around the room towards them, so that when it comes time to sit down for the meeting, you sit down conveniently at that person’s table. You could be sitting right next to the CEO of the company you’ve been desperately trying to get into…what a coup!
Meanwhile, have your 30-second elevator pitch tuned and ready to go, and be ready to tell people what your background is and what you offer to a specific field. Mention that you are looking for opportunities, and see if they know of anything. It’s even more helpful if you have a specific company in mind. You can say, "I am particularly interested in company ABC. Do you happen to know anyone there?"
People who receive specifics can quickly provide information or make connections. People don’t respond as well when they receive vague, generalized requests.
Dressing the part is also critical. If you find yourself wanting to dress down because it sounds like a casual event, resist the urge and aim for one level higher than the attire calls for—just in case you meet the right person. Remember the old cliche: you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Finally, before you ever go to a networking event, get business cards. You need something to hand out, and resumés aren’t nearly portable enough. Strategize about what you put on the card: your name, the job title you pursue, your phone number and e-mail. And make sure your e-mail address is professional. Don’t use a social one that includes clues as to your age, social interests, birth or graduation year. That means use your name. If you have a common name, then add random numbers after your name to make it a unique address.
Take these networking tips and apply them to your job search efforts to yield a lot of new contacts and experiences…that could lead to your next job. One+
