Networking is the most powerful way to land a job and create good working relationships throughout your career. While most people understand the need to acquire knowledge and skills through education, far less time typically is devoted to understanding how to network effectively.
One of the reasons people struggle with networking is that they wait until they “need” to network before they start. A great way to test how healthy your networking habits are is to name 10 people who could help you if you needed to start a job-search right now. If you struggle to name 10 people, your networking plan might need a makeover.
Most people avoid networking because they:
misunderstand how to effectively network, or
they don’t make it a priority.
Misunderstanding effective networking
People often dismiss the effectiveness of reaching out to people. For example, if you contact everyone you know, and received little response you may decide networking “works for some people, but not for me.
Drive-through networking is a term I use to describe how some people view the networking process. Much like going through a fast-food drive-through line, they see networking as nothing more than a brief exchange of information. It’s a way to receive job leads or information. Then, when they’ve received what they need, the networking activities stop … until the next time they need something. This often happens in networking groups where people disappear after landing a job will disappear.
Making networking a priority
The power behind networking is the exchange of information that continues throughout your career, not just on an as-needed basis. Making networking a priority means taking the time to maintain and care for those in your networking circle.
If you doubt the power of networking, chances are you have tried it a few times and did not get the results you were expecting. Giving up on the most effective way to grow your career and land a great job is a self-imposed barrier that can be overcome. The truth is, networking works for everyone, you just need to find the best approach for you.
How to jumpstart your networking plan
Start by meeting regularly with people you know even if it’s less than 10 people. Don’t assume you know your friends’ networking connections or their career histories.
Use social networking to broaden the contacts you have, and join groups where people share your interests. Join discussions or observe those who contribute, and reach out to them. You never know what response you’ll receive until you try.
Make the time to meet people for the sake of connecting with them, not because there is a strategy in mind.
Keep the principle of the weakest ties in mind. People often make the mistake of deciding who will be helpful and who won’t but the fact is, sometime job candidates land jobs through people they know the least.
If you find yourself constantly struggling with your networking activities, you might be letting bad habits prevent you from making progress with your career goals.
