Everyone's favourite pastime, Networking!
Without a doubt, the most commonly despised exercise required during someone’s path to changing careers or finding employment, is networking.
People tend to not want to talk about themselves, not want to ask for assistance, not want to bother other people, not want to make forced conversations, not want to risk coming across as being desperate, or not want to invest the time in going to events or striking up conversations.
As I have stated before, networking is the most likely source where you will be finding your next position. It is not by going through a head hunter like myself.
Don't think of networking like that business hustle at your typical Chamber of Commerce event.
I am not a huge advocate of this use of time.
I think they have dedicated a chapter to chamber of commerce networking in every sales prospecting book published since the 1950’s, and I think they become less relevant every decade.
Just because you are one of 30 financial planners or real estate agents or executive recruiters to be a member, doesn’t mean that you are particularly good at what you do.
I understand the idea of going to these events to see a desired speaker, but I would much rather spend time with my family then go to a wine and cheese, dog and pony show. But I digress.....
Getting back on topic.
Your existing network is the key.
A former boss of mine said it best when he said the phrase should be changed from net-working to net-giving.
Do not sell yourself short on the value that you can bring to a networking meeting.
Just because you may be in transition or have a specific need, the person that you are meeting with also has needs or problems that they also want to solve. You can be of value to them.
If you do find yourself at an event outside of your immediate circle and are forced to move outside your comfort zone, here are my networking tips.
1.
Approach people who are on their own.
People are more reachable this way and they will often welcome the conversation.
Food and coffee lines are effective for this approach.
2.
Dress well, dress smartly and dress appropriately for the event.
3.
Be natural.
Leave the elevator pitches at home if they are not smooth coming out of your mouth.
Practice them beforehand so that they transition easily into a conversation.
4.
Focus on others, not yourself.
Nobody wants someone pitching them and you can learn a lot by listing to others. This can be beneficial to you with your business or beneficial on how or how not to present yourself.
5.
If you are in an environment with business cards like a trade show, it is best to use three pockets.
The first pocket is for your own business cards, the second pocket is for business cards that you receive that are of interest to you, and the third pocket is for business cards that are of little use to you.
Separating
the third pocket from the second pocket is key when all the names and conversations that you had at a 2-day conference or trade show start to overwhelm you.
Enjoy meeting some new people!
Farewell,
Mike