In today’s fast-paced job market, traditional forms of applying to online job postings have become obsolete and networking techniques have been utilized in order to find ideal candidates and new opportunities.
But why is "Networking" made to sound like a task that is difficult to perform or achieve? Most job seekers fear networking and approaching people at networking sessions. But the same people have the most interesting conversations around subjects that interest them with their peers or strangers.
A recent and suggests following these principles that will assure you an interview and an opportunity to build your personal brand.
When it comes to accidental networking, knowing exactly what kind of job you want is the first step in the right direction — even if you don’t have the experience in a particular line of work.
Sure, technology has come a long way. You can connect and reconnect with people through all manner of social media. (For example, no job seeker today should be without a tricked-out profile on LinkedIn.) But if you don’t physically leave your home or office, you could be missing out on the chance of encountering new opportunities.
People just need to realize that their network is all around them. Sometimes the most overlooked networks are our friends and our friends’ spouses. Your next neighborhood party might provide you the opportunity to meet someone who can help you expand your business, find a new role or connect you with someone who can help. While it’s not every day that a chance encounter with someone can lead to your next great job opportunity, it can happen, so you want to be prepared.
Capitalize on your Personal Network
‘The world is your oyster which you with sword will open’! Take some time off to put together a list of all your friends, relatives, peers and social acquaintances. The vast personal network is the best practice ground to initiate casual networking. You never know who you might meet and you definitely should not discount the power or influence of that connection. It’s critical to stay alert and maneuver these conversations towards the final objective – your career aspirations!
“You really don’t know where and when someone that you have met, or worked with, or been introduced to, may present an opportunity that may not only be career-changing but can be life-changing,” Deborah Gillis – CEO, Catalyst
Men and Women have the same objectives through networking encounters. However, their style is different and this fact is supported by the book “Business Networking and Sex (Not What You Think)” by Ivan Misner. The book captures the results of a survey of 12,000 businesses, with 50% of the respondents being male and the other half females, on their networking habits and perspectives. The results show that women spend less time networking but are more successful when they do it.
“According to a Harvard Business Review research report published in early 2011, 77 per cent of women surveyed believed that hard work and long hours, not connections, would secure their advancement.” – Globe and Mail
“You really don’t know where and when someone that you have met, or worked with, or been introduced to, may present an opportunity that may not only be career-changing but can be life-changing,” Deborah Gillis – CEO, Catalyst
Men and Women have the same objectives through networking encounters. However, their style is different and this fact is supported by the book “Business Networking and Sex (Not What You Think)” by Ivan Misner. The book captures the results of a survey of 12,000 businesses, with 50% of the respondents being male and the other half females, on their networking habits and perspectives. The results show that women spend less time networking but are more successful when they do it.
“According to a Harvard Business Review research report published in early 2011, 77 per cent of women surveyed believed that hard work and long hours, not connections, would secure their advancement.” – Globe and Mail
Being an Effective Networker
talks about a term he coined – The VCP process in his book which is key to networking. This method emphasizes the process of Visibility, Credibility, and Profitability.
V: "The greater your visibility, the more widely known you'll become."
C: The importance of credibility can be illustrated in "actions speak louder than words."
P: Profitability is reached if the networking relationship becomes advantageous for both parties. This is a basic understanding of why we should network and why the process can definitely not be one-sided if the relationship is to continue.
Accidental networking can also result in an individual achieving his entrepreneurial dream by interacting with people who might not particularly be from the same industry. A diverse and hybrid network can fuel ideas and initiate discussions which might lead to successful business ventures.
- Harvard Business Press Chapters
Having clarity around what an individual really wants to achieve through these occasional interactions is important. Serendipitous networking allows jobs seekers to make connections that might not be a direct lead to a dream job but they might be an information source, sounding board and perhaps provide support in gaining clarity on an individual’s objectives and thoughts. What is critical though is the process of following-up after such encounters. Referencing a part of the conversation might help to revive the networks memory. Diligently following up to promote another opportunity to interact, will ultimately lead to positive results.
