8 Tips for effective Networking

How many people ever get jobs by just cold calling or answering advertisements? Depending on where you live, and the posts available, the answer is seldom more than 50%. Does that surprise you? Are you surprised that many people get work through people they know or through Networking? More than you expected? Well, don’t be surprised. At the core of it all, Networking is all about getting to know people who can help you develop your career prospects. Networking is one of the oldest methods in the world for getting work and finding that job. You do not have to be rich or famous or be some big shot or even the most outgoing person in the world to network effectively. You just have to follow some simple Networking advice. And here are 8 of the best Networking Tips I have. They are 100% real and effective, and have worked for me.

1.       First impressions count – whether you are meeting face-to-face or via phone or email, always stay sharp, look sharp, and come across as professional and intelligent. People will judge you as they find you. It’s harsh but true.

2.       Don’t ask directly for a job – ok, that sounds weird – but think about it. Networking is not a Job Fair. See it instead as a great opportunity to gather potentially useful information. It may well be the most important useful information you will ever get. It’s your livelihood we are talking about here.

3.       Give and take – See Networking as a two-way exchange. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Lots of people overlook this, and just don’t learn. So learn...

4.       Do the groundwork – Be methodical and research your contacts before meeting them. Make sure they are good solid leads, not Cul de sacs or dead ends. And follow up good leads.

5.       Think laterally – I know it can be hard to do but try to expand your network outwards. Go beyond your comfort zone or your usual sphere of operation. Some people find they cannot do this for whatever reason. Ask yourself what that reason is and then change it. Try seeing it as trying to date the person you most want to meet. You don’t get results one way, so you try something different. You think laterally. With Networking, it’s pretty much the same thing.

6.       Patience is a virtue – The Networking step is a big step for most people. Commit yourself. You are in it for the long haul. Do not expect to land that amazing dream job at your first meeting. You are building steps forward. They may seem small ones, but they are going forward, and so will you.

7. Build a database – Keep records of who you meet and the many conversations you have had or will have. There’s no point in having a network of contacts that you forget or mislay. That’s utterly unforgiveable.

8. Go online – You have done that already by reading this. So go further. See the internet as a vast and limitless tool that has made networking a viable option for everyone and there are many forums and business networking sites and they enable business people to share and discuss their views and knowledge. So capitalise on this. Use all the tools at your disposal. And you will succeed.

This author has used these tips in finding employment. The last two fulltime jobs I got were achieved through Networking. Career Networking is not so much an art as a habit. It's a good habit to have. File Job Networking with your list of those other job skills required to get that ideal job.

Finally, even if you look around and see it as a difficulty given the financial way the world is, look at it another way. Even in times like this, businesses still need good staff. And you are the person to fill that role. Use that opportunity. By Networking and by following the steps I have outlined in these Hubs, you can find that job, earn that good salary, and start building that future for yourself.

Also read - 10 Common mistakes in CV to Avoid