Do you have a networking database? Not quite sure what I mean by that?
A networking database is similar to a customer list that businesses succeed or fail by. And you, my dear job seeker, are also “in business”. The product is you.
And what a marvelous “product” you are! And it is your duty (yes DUTY) to stop hiding yourself under a bushel basket and start letting people know who you really are – what you can really do.
So here’s how to build your networking database:
1. Set up a system. Your system could be an Outlook Contacts program on your computer, something more sophisticated like ACT or as simple as a stack of index cards. But you need a SYSTEM to keep track of all those good folks who know you, hopefully love you and with whom you will be in touch on a regular basis!
2. Add people to your database. At first you may not feel like you know a lot of people, but keep thinking and names will come to you. There are people you used to work with at various organizations, folks you grew up with that you still stay in touch with, neighbors, people from church, former managers, your kid’s friends (yes, they too can be influential!), your kid’s friends parents, the lady/guy who cuts your hair, etc. Go back through old performance reviews to jog your memory
3. Categorize the folks in your system according to A, B, C. The A folks are highly influential. They know a lot of people, they’re out in the community, they serve on boards. The B folks also have a strong sphere of influence, but it’s a bit more narrow. The C folks are good people but don’t venture far outside their own four walls. Why are we categorizing people? Because you will want to spend your energy in the most efficient and effective way possible.
4. Create a plan, then work it! Next step is to decide how you’d like to network. For some, it’s coffee meetings and for others it’s hockey games. You can have fun and network too. In fact, for men, this is the most comfortable way to do it. That’s why golf courses are such popular spots! Perhaps you like to write, so you’ll whip out the note cards and drop a regular written “howdy” to people once a month. Maybe you run across a book or article you know one of your contacts would appreciate, so you send it to them. Maybe you’d rather send an email or pick up the phone. Whatever method works for you, it’s important to DO it.
Make a lifelong commitment. Building your network isn’t just for job search time. It’s a lifelong commitment of creating and maintaining relationships. How many of us know of people who were all over us when THEY were looking for work and once they got the job, you never heard from them again? These people are called “bridge burners”. Don’t be one of ‘em. Worthwhile relationships take time to build and require “maintenance”.
More Ways to Build Your Network
1. Teach classes. It’s amazing how much credibility you gain and contacts you make when you are “The Professor”! People look up to you, they hang on your every word…well, I may be going a bit too far there, but believe me when I say that teaching others is a great way to broaden your network and raise your name recognition.
2. Share books. I have a friend who loves books almost as much as I do. He makes it a habit to pick up extra copies of books he loves and occasionally will send one to folks he thinks would appreciate it. They don’t have to be brand new, either. Find yourself a good used bookstore and load up each time you’re in there.
3. Write articles. While you probably won’t get paid, there are a number of small community newspapers constantly looking for content. Get to know the editor or publisher and see if they have some leftover space that you can fill with a short column, article or “top tips” based on your area of expertise. Make sure you get a “byline” or a brief bio at the end so people can contact you.
4. Become a leader. Volunteer in a leadership capacity for your professional association, church or community group. Get on a sub-committee. Do something that takes you from “bench-warmer” to “active player”.
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