Networking - Does It Matter?

Networking - The Key to Your Next Job
That is not an understatement. Various sources indicate 70% or more of jobs are attributed to the power of networking. The number is hard to pin down but multiple sources agree with its importance. I've written about the value of events, volunteering, and LinkedIn. 

What IS Networking?
Networking is simply meeting and chatting with others. This can be done in person, at events, virtually, online - however you meet people. I'm at local recent events in the photos.
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PHOTO: Three smiling women sitting around a table reviewing resumes.

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WHY Network?
Many employers tend to hire someone they know personally, are at least familiar with, or someone in their organization is familiar with. It reduces the "get to know you" factor to identify a fit for a corporate culture. 

Many jobs aren't even officially posted on job boards but are shared among employees to share with contacts. Employers may even have an incentive or bonus program to encourage employee referrals! 

PHOTO: Group photo at a local restaurant.

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Who is in Your Network?
Basically everyone you know, including those you only vaguely know, like those you connect with online. Anyone and everyone can become part of your network - you just never know!

• Family
• Friends
• Co-workers
• Past employers and employees
• Connections on social media
• Fellow conference, webinar, "live," or audio room participants
• Networking associations
• Fellow volunteer and club members
• Those at your child's school or extracurriculars
• The person standing in line with you!

How Do You Network?
Simply begin chatting with folks - anyone and everyone! Have a ready smile and be prepared to make small talk. Play a game with yourself to find commonalities with who you're speaking with! Indeed offers a number of ideas.

Introverts: Baby steps. Start online or wherever you're comfortable. Start with comments on socials posts. Begin the conversation by writing something - nearly anything! - about a topic that's easy and comfortable for you: gardening, something you did over the weekend, a special hobby or talent of yours. Then respond to comments. Then try it again. Attend LinkedIn events - lives or audio rooms - and simply be seen, react, comment if that's an option. 

Have business cards at the ready to continue conversations on socials or by email when you meet someone in person. 

Follow-up after chatting with someone if you have a way to reach out! That's where a business card can help provide email addresses or social profiles. 

Offer a way to demonstrate your skills and personality! Consider volunteering to assist someone or create a small free gift that fits with your business. A gift can be

• a downloadable informative pdf
• a list of resources
• a quiz to educate and have fun 
• something tangible like a tea bag or small candle that relates to your business

Offer your Time if that's better suited to your goals. Volunteer at an event related to your field of interest or job.

Get Focused!
It makes a difference! Occupational Outlook Quarterly offers a resource that remains timely.

• Webinars, courses, certification programs - focus on your career or skill aspirations.
• Use the power of A.I! Prompt for lists of potential businesses that meet your desired job criteria. 
• Social searches - LinkedIn has a robust search filter option to identify jobs or skill sets to develop a focused list to connect with or follow. 
• Find opportunities to interact with those in your focused field or business. 

Getting Warmer?
I'm a far bigger fan of the power of "warm" leads over "cold." 

• "Warm" leads are folks you have some thread of a connection with - you're in the same social media group, you're seen commenting on posts, or you've met in person or virtually.
• "Cold" leads are those you have zero recognition or connection with - straight out of the blue. You may strike it lucky with these, but they're really a long shot. Those who recommend reaching out to "cold" leads admit it takes sending messages to hundreds before getting even one response. 

Do you network? Love it? Hate it? 

If you're looking for brand marketing or communication assistance, I offer a number of services for nonprofits, small businesses, fellow entrepreneurs, and authors - Let's Chat!