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Networking 101

There is more to networking than running around a room collecting business cards. Effective networking is an art, not a science. Put your networking plan into place today, and you will soon reap the rewards by being well-connected in your community.

The Importance of Networking

A vast number of job openings never make it to the newspaper or job boards. These positions are often referred to as the “hidden job market.” Candidates find out about these positions through word of mouth. The higher up the ladder you go, the more likely a position will be filled this way.

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Building your network takes time, so you need to get started on the networking basics.

Practice Your Handshake

First impressions count. Can you recall a time when you shook someone’s hand and it felt like wet, wilted spinach? Yes, you remember that person, but not for the right reasons. Firm handshakes – grip, strength, eye contact, duration – create favorable first impressions.

If you’re communicating with potential contacts for the first time online, remember you make a first impression in an email too, so be clear, concise, honest and courteous. If you don’t know what to say exactly, start with what you feel you have in common with the other person. Some networking sites, such as Monster Networking, help you “break the ice” by providing a list of helpful suggestions you can use when writing that first introductory email.

Start with Your Inner Circle

If the thought of entering a room full of strangers makes you cringe, then relax and take an alternate route. The best way to network is through people you know. Start by listing friends, neighbors, coworkers – past and present – and relatives. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to include important people like your child’s teacher or soccer coach.

Organize Your Network

Before you start adding names to your network, you need to devise a method to keep things organized. PDAs (personal digital assistants) are a great way to maintain order, and they slip easily into your purse or back pocket. If you’re networking online, it’s even easier to stay on top of things.

It’s All About Relationships

Like healthy relationships, effective networking is about give and take. Before you make your first phone call or contact, consider what you can offer the other person. It may be as simple as passing on a sales lead or offering to take his child to Friday night basketball practice.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – of course, it’s preferable to avoid doing so on the first contact. Your initial introduction should be used to help you determine whether or not this could be a mutually beneficial connection. Most people enjoy helping others, but they need to know what your needs are before they can help you. Tell them exactly what it is you need, and by all means, don’t forget to thank them. If you haven’t done so already, offer to give back.

Get Involved

Becoming active in your community is a great way to build your network. Volunteer to work on a committee and become visible. When networking online, be an active participant in message boards and chat rooms. You will soon be known as the person to call when people are networking. One of those callers may have information about a high-level position that just opened up in his company. “Know anyone?” might be his first question.

Stay Connected

It’s easy to get lazy and put things in coast mode when your network is up and running. But like a garden, your network needs to be nurtured constantly if it is to continue to thrive. A simple email or phone call every now and again should keep things blooming for a long time to come.

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