Networking tips

Many of us only remember to start networking when we hate our current job or when we are between jobs.  Unfortunately that is the worst time to start networking.  You can come across

• Negative –  If you are hating your job.  It’s inevitably you will complain about it while networking. No one likes to be around complainers
• Desperate – if you are looking for a job, you may very well be in a “rush to network.”  That will come across needy.  You will be too focused on finding a job and getting someone to do something for you vs. just getting to know people and letting them get to know you.
• Pushy – You are likely more on a timeline..  You may start “stalking” people (eg., follow up too often) so you can “network” to get what you need (a connect, a job opportunity, etc..)

Even if you consciously try not to be any of the above, you may still come across that way if you are “networking” on a timeline.  The key to networking is “to be interesting and interested.”  You cannot just focus on what you need at the moment.  It’s also a time to really to get to know the other person and see how you can help them. ...  read more

When I wrote about How to Network without Using Small Talk , I received a lot of email responses and interest.  I am not surprised to hear that most found networking uncomfortable.  I am glad to hear these networking articles are making it a little less intimidating.   I wanted to continue on this journey with you and demystify how to network effectively.   ...  read more

Business networking is essential to your job success as well as during any of your job search.

• For job seekers, we all know that the best job openings are those that we can find through our network before it hits the open market.  So the stronger your network the more likely you will come across hidden gems in job opportunities.
• If you already have a job, then networking can help you find a good mentor, land the next customer, find a good vendor, establish a beneficial partnership, etc..

So whether you have a job or not, you should be constantly expanding and building your network so you can tap into it to support your career success.   While most of you probably know networking is important, few actually know how to network well.   In my blog, you can read about the 5 business networking tips anyone can follow to give you some specific tips.  In this article, I want to share 1 simple rule that can help you network well no matter what your situation is. ...  read more

Most people agree that networking is critical to business and career success.  You can find unadvertised job openings and business partners through your network.  Knowing networking is important is one thing, knowing how to do it is another.   This may be in part due to stereotypes about networking.  A recent conversation I had with a colleague highlights this stereotype. ...  read more