Issue No.4, January 2008

Network Your Way to the Top

Article courtesy of Michael Page International

Networking - you will hear about this concept many times in your career. So what exactly does networking mean and how do you do it? Let’s start with the basics. When it comes to your career, networking refers to building your own book of business contacts. Most people find networking a very useful tool in addition to the traditional methods of job searching. It is an avenue to expand your job search, and a way to give yourself every opportunity of career progression. There are two broad categories of networking – informal and formal. We’ll discuss each in turn.

Informal Networking

This is perhaps the easiest and most natural way to network. Develop your contacts through friends, family, neighbours, college alumni or anyone who may help to generate job leads. One of the best pieces of advice on offer is this: make sure to attend as many parties or gatherings to which you are offered an invitation. Make mention of the fact that you are seeking employment. The old adage applies; you never know whom you might meet.

Formal Networking

Formal networking works as well, but is generally used less by jobseekers. Try attending a business social or a meeting for an organisation that specialises in structured networking. These organisations schedule meetings in which members can share information with the assistance of facilitators. Networking in this format allows shy individuals to feel more comfortable in seeking referrals and job leads. However, members are warned not to expect instant contacts to form. Most of the time, quality networking relationships are formed over periods of time. As people have time to get to know you better, they are more likely to want to help you out.

Building Your Own Business Contacts

Below are some steps to follow in order to start your own business network.

1. Clarify Goals
   Jot down onto paper where you desire to head for your career path. Be specific about your goals but also be willing to accept the fact that you may have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Add the names of a few companies for which you might like to work.

2. Brainstorm Contacts
   Make a list of all of your contacts, and don’t limit to people you think could specifically help you. Someone in a completely unrelated field might know of a person with whom they could connect you.

3. The ‘Elevator Pitch’
   A popular technique, the elevator pitch, is the 90-second answer to the question, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ The technique is so named because it is aimed at giving information in about the time it would take for an elevator ride. Here’s a good starting point for developing your pitch – focus on firstly talking about yourself, secondly tell what you can do to help someone else and lastly tell people exactly how they can help you. Developing your own pitch will assist you when making cold calls or even in casual conversation at a party.

4. Accept All Invitations
   Yes, we’ve already mentioned it, but this is an important one. You cannot network without adding new faces to the mix, so why not enjoy yourself while doing it? It is perfectly acceptable in a casual environment to mention you are in the market for a new position. Cocktail parties remain one of the top resources to meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds. Just make sure to keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum if you are networking at a particular event!

5. Follow Up and Maintain Contacts
   When you make a contact, always request a business card. If none is available, make sure to jot the person’s name and contact details down on a sheet of paper. After meeting the contact it is essential to write a thank you note, whether by email or post. Include specifics on your conversation and how he or she was helpful to you – everyone, even top executives, likes to feel appreciated! It is also important to keep up a steady stream of communication with your contact, in order to stay on their radar in case an opportunity arises.

Staying Organised

The final point to remember is to keep records of every conversation you have, and a mental Rolodex of every person you meet. Start a business card file for quick reference, or a database file on your computer. For each contact, ensure you have their name, address, phone numbers, company and job title, how you met them and details of conversations you’ve had with them.

Networking is an effective way to supplement your job search. Whether the opportunity is formal or informal, if you behave professionally you will have more chance of making a positive and lasting impression.