Wow Tom hit this subject spot on and what great timing! I am all about the networking and honestly if I look back at who I have met and how I have met them I laugh. Let’s take for example how I ended up producing fashion shows….I met a model in a Charlotte, NC airport and we began to talk. She wanted me to help her with a charity fashion show….fast foward 9 months later and here I am producing shows and because of meeting her, I have met and established relationships with literally 100′s of people. Simply amazing. The bottom line is, always be willing to listen to someone’s story, always be willing to tell yours, and when someone says call me tomorrow at 11am and I will do xyz for you…do it. At least then you know you did your part and if they follow through with what they say then off starts a new relationship with new potential opportunities!! Thanks to Tom for another great contribution!

 Viva La Difference, Part V

Networking: one of the buzzwords for this decade.  If one had asked for a definition in the 90’s, there would have been some guesses and a lot of shrugs.  We all know what it means now:  the new social and contact currency of the 21^st century.  It is no longer who you know that matters, but rather who you know that knows who you need to know that really counts. 

There are a lot of paths to take in your networking efforts, but before we discuss some of the possible roads, let’s first touch upon some basic rules with networking. 

1)      Don’t be shy.  A day on the computer searching the job boards will be no different than the activities of most of your competition.  Remember, your ability to secure your next position is based upon differentiation.  Networking is one of the great methods to differentiate from the masses. Push yourself to be seen and heard.  Job hunting is not for the meek.  If you are inclined to be more reserved than others, this is a great time to try break out of some of the shackles which may be holding you back from something better for you. I know, easy to say, hard to do, but the results from your efforts will help you to grow through the process.

2)      Some get it, others don’t.  Unfortunately, you will be greeted with mixed responses when you contact someone to network with them.  In this day and age, many of people have been out of work at one time or another.  You can usually tell immediately in their tone if they understand what you are doing and the important role it plays in you finding your next position.  You will on occasion run into someone who looks at networking through tainted glasses and feels like you are trying to use them or take up some of their valuable time without anything in it for them.  Very short sighted, but very real.  Don’t spend time on the second group of people.  For whatever the reason may be, they have no interest in helping.

3)      Don’t prejudge your contacts.  I am amazed by the varied responses I have received from my networking attempts.  I have known some people from a previous work place who I always felt were friends not return multiple phone calls or emails.  On the other hand, I have had other people who I barely knew (if at all) go out of their way to try and be helpful.  That has been one of the biggest surprises when I have left companies.  No worries.  Work with those who want to help and hopefully the others come around at some point in the future.

4)      Two way street. Approach your networking with the attitude that you can also help your contacts. You have assets to offer others. Think about how you may be of assistance to them prior to reaching out to them.  Regardless of if you think of something or not, ask them how you can be of assistance in any way.  It may be that there is nothing you can do now, but they may need your help in the future without knowing in the present.

5)      Face to face. If you are in the same city as your contact, and especially if there information is very valuable for you in your search, see if you can arrange for a cup of coffee to meet in person.  Some people are very busy and will decline, which is fine.  You are not trying to add to their workload.  If they say yes, then this contact becomes much more valuable.  They are able to meet you and see some of your talents in person with their own eyes.

6)      Follow-up. For the contacts that meet you in person, if they are very helpful, then send them a thank you card in the mail.  I always enclose a Starbucks gift card as well.  Sure you are out of work, and money is tight.  However, the $10-$15 card creates a great impression and once again adds to the depth of the contact.  They will be even more willing to help knowing that show grace and manors as well as a willingness to express your appreciation in additional ways besides words.

7)     Don’t drown your network. This is one of the most difficult aspects of networking—knowing how much contact becomes too much contact.  It is difficult because it varies by individual and their desire to help.  However, even those with a great desire to help you have other responsibilities in their lives, so how much is too much?  Wish I could give you a good rule of thumb answer, but I have found it to be more of a gut feeling.  A couple of signs can be in the tone of their communications and the time it takes in which for them to respond.  Error to the side of leniency when possible.  You want your contacts to be long term.

     Your attitude. Be most sincere and appreciative to those who assist you.  True gratitude can go a long ways and make the other person feel good about helping you. Be gracious and understanding to those who do not assist you.  No need to burn any bridges.  Besides, you never know when you have read the situation incorrectly and they were just too busy at the time to be able to help. 

9)      Introduction. Ask your networking partner to make an introduction for you to their contact. However, if they give you a lengthy list of contacts to make (over three), then that is a lot to ask of them.  Unless they extend the offer to make the contact, then you should be the one who initiates it.  In this case, it is always best to email first, introduce yourself, tell the person who referred you and also copy on the email this person.  This validates your relationship and can also help if your networking partner should choose to follow up with a quick note to the contact.

10)  Initial contact. Never call first before sending an email. I have done this and gotten totally tongue tied trying to explain how I got their name and why I was contacting them.  The email takes care of all of that so that when you do call, you can have some small talk (it usually begins with how you know the mutual acquaintance) prior to discussing what it is you are seeking from this person. They are more relaxed, know you are legitimate, and this creates a better atmosphere for success.

11)   Talk time.  Be sensitive to the contact’s time.  You want to get to know them, as one never knows when a new friendship or business relationship can develop from such an encounter.  However, you need to be sensitive to their time, so let them control the call outside of the information you seek.  If they want to chit chat, then great.  If not, then that is fine too.  The main thing is that they are trying to help.

12)   Maintaining your network.  This is another tricky one, as you want to keep in touch with your         network without overdoing it. Probably no more than twice per year is adequate for most of your contacts.  It can be an email, a hand written card, or a phone call.  It depends upon the nature of your contact, how well you know the person, etc.  the last thing you want to happen, and something I am incessantly guilty of, is having too much time go between communications.  Your network can die if you do not attend to it.  This creates more work when you need to rebuild it. 

 -Tom Cassidy