Recently, a friend asked if I could help another friend with information on a particular job that he was looking at. I said "Sure, have him give me a call on my cell" and didn't think a whole lot more about it. I was surprised to find out when I spoke to this fellow, he hadn't looked me up in LinkedIn before the call to find out exactly what I do or what my organization does. And, when I asked questions about industry organizations he belonged to or local events that he attended, this person didn't seem to go to many.
Networking comes easily to me and I never stop doing it because I get its importance to me. Not only have I been on a few jobs searches in my time, but I've learned the hard way that business success is all about your network inside and outside of your current organization.
The Time to Start Networking is Now
Just like it's best to ask for a loan when you don't need one, it's best to network when you don't have to. The advice I got right out of college was to always stay on top of your field because sometimes you'll find something better than what you have. And, sometimes you'll find something that makes you feel better about what you have. It's true. You have to stay on top of the skills you need to be successful for what you do as well as knowing who's hiring and what they are looking for. If you can't get the skills you need with your day job, try getting them through organizations that you volunteer with or through courses. This gives you a head start over your competition who might be falling behind.
Read The Networking Survival Guide
A few years ago, I worked in the same office space as Diane Darling who wrote the book on Networking for Career Success. Diane also gives seminars on the topic of effective networking. If you're new to networking, you should read what she has to say. Basic tips like "make sure to introduce yourself to three new people when you are at a networking event" can be helpful to new networkers. And tips for expert networkers like "sharing articles or tips with people you meet at a networking event is a great way to add value and stay connected after the event" never hurt either.
You Are Who You Know
To advance your personal and professional goals, you have to tap into networks. Heck, to just meet new people with like interests, you have to tap into networks. Whether you are social networking online, offline, or both, always take the time to learn a little about your event and the people you'll meet before you attend. Take the time to follow up with people if appropriate to keep the conversation going. And, help someone out who can use your expertise because you never know when you'll need ask for someone's expertise from your network.
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