Networking can be a powerful tool if used properly. I suspect that networking accounts for at least fifty percent of all positions filled. Everyone uses primitive forms of networking of some type or another. Often times it's called "Hitting a person up for a job" or "I'll scratch your back, if you'll scratch mine." What we intend to do in this article is to take the misconceptions out and show you how to formalize the process.
Networking can be effective, but like everything else that involves your career it requires preparation, planning and persistence.
Preparation -- Establish a Network Notebook (NN).
If you have a computer available use a database software package to establish your NN. If not, purchase a small, inexpensive notebook from the five and dime. Start entering the names of family members, former classmates, teachers, colleagues or professional acquaintances. The NN should include the contact name, his or her title, company, address, and a few remarks about where you met them and common acquaintances and interests you share.
Planning -- Establish a NN maintenance program.
Keep your NN up to date and actively search for prospective additions. Plan ways in which you can propagate your NN. For each professional function that you attend, have a goal set to make contact with two new prospects. Remember, you are a salesperson and the product is you. Employ some of the same techniques used by people in sales. The golden rule is everyone you meet is a possible contact. How do you meet prospects:
Persistence -- Contact your prospects.
Rule number one: Stay current with your contacts. Plan lunch dates, extend invitations to social engagements. Be prepared to assist with professional problems that they may have. These actions will help build a respectful professional relationship that can prove to be beneficial to you at a later date. Many career management programs discuss networking in relationship with a person losing their job. We at Minority Career News would like to stress the networking concept as a permanent part of your career management program. Your goal should be to have a collection of professional contacts that evolve into mentors, friends and professional assistants. To ensure that you are not abusing your network we have listed a few Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
Don't
Well, you are on your way to a well developed network. Start your NN, with Minority Career News. Contact us at:
Phone: (713) 265-7964 Fax: (713) 265-8073 Email: MINCARNEWS @AOL.COM