August 21st, 2008
By Joe Wilcox
Networking is hugely important in the development of a new career, it’s not what you know - its who! Networking entails creating and maintaining a network of contacts, friends and acquaintances with who you can exchange both information and resources. Building these relationships with other people could get your next career break!
Looking at it from a employers perspective, employing someone who comes recommended is a lot less risk than someone who turns up in response to an advert. This is part of the reason many companies give bonuses for staff introducing someone to the company. That person is also more likely to have experience and skills in all the right areas!
Networking will also help you in the actual job you are doing as well as finding a new one. Networking is now an asked for skill from major employers.
So how do you go about expanding this network?
Most important is to talk to everyone you can about any possible career move you want to make, it’ll not only give you great advice on where to head and what to do, but will also put you at the front of your contacts mind when they see an opportunity.
Attend every function and networking opportunity that you can, many companies and professional organisations organise events for this very purpose. The more people you speak to the better.
Don’t expect instant pay-offs from this approach, leads may be few and far between - but they are much more likely to be suited to you when they arrive!
More at http://www.OneStepAheadCV.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 20th, 2008
By Chi Chi Okezie
One of the keys to having a successful networking experience at events and meetings is to arrive on time. Although, it would be ideal to arrive early, arriving on time gives networkers a chance to take advantage of unique networking opportunities and meet people before the big crowd rush. But as a business professional, do you find yourself always running late to networking events and meetings? Do you always enter the room after the speaker or presentation is done? Do you find yourself standing up at the back of the room and never meeting the right people? Do you feel like events are not as beneficial as they could be?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then time is a factor and critical issue that is affecting your networking endeavors. Learning to have better time management skills and being properly organized for networking events can improve your networking results greatly. Listed below are helpful tips that professionals, entrepreneurs and students can use to get the most of their networking experiences.
State of Mind
Before you attend another networking event, take some time to develop your ideas and mental capacity for the future event. Whether it is meditating, brainstorming or visualizing a successful event, take some quality to focus on the event. Decide what you want to accomplish from attending the event. Focus on the type of people you would like to meet and how that will impact your business, business relations or social status. Develop positive thoughts towards networking and achievable goals in your networking pursuits.
Networking Buddy
It could be possible that you may need some accountability or extra help in your networking endeavors. Professionals that battle with networking obstacles should consider a having a networking buddy or networking mentor. This is someone whom they can attend events with who are associated with their company, industry, profession or social sphere of influence. It is a motivating piece that can get you on track and improve your networking progress. Keeping connected with a networking buddy can also improve your networking outcomes and allow you to set higher goals and objectives for your networking endeavors.
Proper Preparation
In order to stay focused and prepared for networking events, this may involve professionals taking time to properly prepare. We encourage individuals to be conscious of the time, location and date of their networking events. Call or email ahead of time to confirm practical and useful information about networking events and ask to be updated on last minute changes. Also be aware of construction, traffic delays, increment weather and other issues that may cause you to be late for events and meetings.
Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities … The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 19th, 2008
By Norine Dagliano
Once I recovered from a ten-year marriage that ended - much like being fired when the employer decides you are no longer an asset to the company - I decided I had gone long enough without a steady relationship and I joined a dating service. During the course of a year I had 42 blind dates - and just like a job seeker who racks up plenty of interviews (but few offers), I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed.
Networking is a great way to meet more people and uncover more interview opportunities. Let those in your immediate network know you are in the market for a new relationship and ask them to tell others in their network what you have to offer. Never turn down an opportunity for an interview. Through every interviewing experience you learn more about the market and yourself while you make contacts that lead you to more opportunities.
We are more attracted to people who show an interest in who we are, what we do, and what we need. Instead of talking incessantly about yourself and what you want and need in a relationship, show more interest in the person on the other side of the table and discuss ways you can fulfill his/her needs.
Holding on to anger from previously failed relationships is not an attractive quality. If you were fired/RIFed/replaced, accept it, and move on. Desperation also is not an attractive quality. Sure you want a new relationship, but if you let the other person know that you are willing to do anything and take anything, you appeared damaged and undesirable.
How you dress for the interview reveals a lot about your personality and how you feel about yourself. If you dress "old" and look "old" you will be seen as someone who is too set in their ways. Likewise, if you show up at a five-star restaurant in a t-shirt and jeans you will come across as uncaring or just plain ignorant!
Don’t try to hide what you perceive as potential barriers to securing a long-term relationship. If you are over 40, have kids, or different life goals you hope to attain, don’t try to hide it - once you are in the relationship, these things will reveal themselves. Decide what will be the next step after the initial meeting. If you are not interested in the second interview, say so. Don’t say you will call unless you are going to call.
Pay attention to those subtle clues that this relationship may not be good for you and walk away. Listen to your "gut" and don’t second guess your instincts. Don’t repeat previous mistakes in the hopes of righting previous wrongs.
Know what you are looking for and you will find it more quickly. If you can visualize - in minute detail - what that ideal relationship looks like, you will confidently discard those that do not measure up and recognize the right fit when it comes along.
Unfortunately, it took me longer than it should have to learn these things, but I had only been in one long-term relationship and my dating experiences were pretty limited. I was getting a lot of poor advice from others who also had limited dating experience and there were no "dating coaches" I could turn to for guidance. As a result, it took me 42 blind dates to finally assemble the correct tools and techniques and execute a targeted search that led me to my ideal relationship.
I am happy to report that I just celebrated my 16th anniversary in this relationship, and although life offers no guarantees, I can assure you that we are both committed to making this one last!
ekm Inspirations provides new grads and experienced professionals with career tools, coaching and resources to help in their job search and career management. Visit the website at http://www.ekminspirations.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
August 18th, 2008
It’s the new year, and changing jobs or careers may be one of your resolutions. To paraphrase the old saying, who you know can be just as important as what you know. You may be skilled at some trade and be able to do it well, but jobs may be hard to come by.
In fact, it’s well documented that the want ads in your local newspaper only represent about 15% of available jobs. If you go to an employment agency, that number isn’t much different. Around 80% of positions that become available are never advertised, because they are filled before they need to be. So how do you find those jobs? You find them by building a network.
Networking involves meeting people who work in the career that you want to get into. These are the people who know about the unadvertised positions available with a company. By getting to know them (as they get to know you) and then asking every so often if work is available, your chances of finding a job increase dramatically, for a few reasons.
For one, if you are the only person who knows about a job, and the potential employer knows you are qualified and persistent in asking about it, they may not even bother to advertise it, so you won’t have to compete for the job with other applicants. Also, your chances of getting a response from the company are better since they know you. When jobs are advertised in the paper, many times the employer asks applicants not to call. However, if a boss knows you and is expecting your call, they are more willing to talk to you and discuss employment.
If you are interested in a particular field of work, start meeting people in that field. For example, if you want to get into a job writing for the local newspaper, call or go by their headquarters and
introduce yourself. Ask to take someone who works there out to lunch and get to know them. Find out the best way to get involved in that career and stay in touch with that person. Ask if you may contact them periodically to learn if there is a position open with that company. The better you get to know someone, and the more persistent (not nagging) you are, the more likely they will let you know when something becomes available.
Don’t just pick one business or organization and network with them. Shop around and make contacts with several companies. One place may not have an opening, but the competitor down the street may be looking for someone.
Once you land the job, you know what to do next. Work hard, make a budget and save money, save money and save more money. Good luck!
This content is provided by Dave Ramsey’s MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com. Dave Ramsey is changing the face of America by helping people beat debt and build wealth with his best-selling book, The Total Money Makeover, and nationally syndicated radio show, The Dave Ramsey Show. Check out what Dave says about debt.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 16th, 2008
If you go out over the weekend, see what’s going on in your town!
This weekend in my town we’re having a Dog Days celebration – a dog parade, dog look alike contest, and all kinds of fun things for kids and adults.
There will be booths – in every one of those booths will be a decision maker. Owner, manager, or someone that knows the person to talk to at every company. Not all of them will be dog-oriented companies, either.
Use summer to meet more business owners. They’re just sitting behind that booth wishing someone would talk to them – be that person!
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 15th, 2008
Are you on LinkedIn?
Go through your list of people and find one you can ask for a recommendation. Even if you already have a recommendation, ask someone else for one. Write the note to them, don’t just send out a generic one. Let the person you’re asking them for a reason.
Also, remember it’s okay to let them know what to focus on.
- “Would you give me a recommendation, please?” is okay.
- “Would you please write a short recommendation that focuses on my integrity? I really appreciate it, and I’m asking you because we worked well together and you know my integrity better than anyone!” Is awesome.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 15th, 2008
I have another friend. He starts businesses every few years. He plans them meticulously.
Then he hopes people call.
It would be far better to get out there and have conversations with people and find out what they need than it is to have a business plan for potential customers that might not exist.
Let networking help you define your goals and your voice.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 15th, 2008
I have a friend that wants to start blogging. She is torn if she should start going to networking events with me now, or wait until she knows what she wants to do and then after she has:
She will then make business cards and a business plan and go networking.
What do you think? Should she start networking now….or should she wait until she has a plan?
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
August 12th, 2008
There was this movie on last night on IFC (Independent Film Channel) about people that collect Olympic pins.
These people have MILLIONS of pins. I kid you not. They have rooms and rooms dedicated to displaying pins. It’s mind-boggling. Two of the guys were divorced over the pins (and then remarried women that appreciated/tolerated the love of the pin.)
While one of the pin collectors was in the Olympic village making frantic pin-trades and selling pins, he looks at the documentary film camera and said (I’m totally paraphrasing):
It’s all about the networking. Networking meaning the people you know and who you connect with. If I have pins Bob needs I call him and he usually has pins I need. Networking also got me meeting some people that got me into my relationship with Coca-Cola … and now we’re sponsored to come to the games and answer pin questions.
If the pin collector that spends 90% of his waking time arranging little pieces of metal less than an inch square can network his way into a sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola, you can use it to get some clients. Seriously, you have better social skills, I promise.
If you want to see what has the collectors’ hearts all a-flutter, check out the pins on the pindemonium website.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 12th, 2008
I was reading this post on Freelance Switch and the part we’re going to go over here is the section titled, “Love me, love me, love me!”
All about client communication.
Because it’s true that while people may want what you have to offer, what they need is for you to hold their hand while you’re giving them what you have to offer. It’s taking the lead and not only keeping deadlines, but telling them how you’re doing it.
When I read
As any person who has ever taken a “the work will be enough” approach can tell you, it’s never really enough.
It felt like a weight taken off. Because this is why I have issues with clients and use all my networking prowess to find and make friends with people that know corporations.
Because my schedule is packed and I don’t have time for a barter arrangement that requires me to talk to the client on the phone two or even three times a day. I cannot provide the communication, so I shouldn’t be providing the work.
I won’t be forgetting that lesson anytime soon.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
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