Apple gave me a nice gift this week. Yes, I updated my iPhone and iPad to iOS 12 which I think is really cool, but that is only half the gift. The upgrade helped me finalize the topic for my weekly blog post. Very nice of them I must say. To be honest, Apple gave me the “angle,” or focus on my topic. It’s still good. A good post needs to be a story with an interesting perspective. The iOS 12 upgrade provided that perspective.My last two posts spoke about innovative networking ideas so I needed a transition that would add value to that theme. I had just completed my monthly update for ITB Partners and thought about recapping the productivity apps I had uncovered during the past few months. An article summarizing five productivity applications might be very interesting, I thought. Seriously though, who needs to take that tact when the iOS 12 update provided so many productivity-enhancing features. It did cause me to think about networking strategies, however.
Why talk about networking and productivity, one might ask? Good question! At a fundamental level, our most precious resource is time. The way we allocate our time, our priorities, determines our ability to achieve our goals and improve our lives. Any tool or process which helps us become more productive is worth consideration.
Whether one is between jobs, actively looking for that next opportunity, or gainfully employed and building a career, nurturing relationships is important. Networking factors prominently in either situation, albeit, networking strategies may be different. It’s about time. If you are gainfully employed you may limit yourself to a few regular group meetings each month. They may be industry-specific, and/or occupation-specific, such as professional associations. You might also include a more personal interest group centered around hobbies, sports, or alumni chapters. In the course of regular day-to-day activities, you will meet people who can help you achieve your job goals and broader career interests. Even with these limited options, one must set priorities and budget their time.
If you’re out of work, looking for a job, networking is your job. You must meet people who can connect you to jobs, directly or indirectly. You may be interested in attending group meetings to develop and refine your job search skills. Professional development may take a backseat for a while even though industry organizations and professional associations can offer opportunities. The agenda for the meeting will be your guide to make those decisions.
Effective networking requires a strategy. That strategy is derived from an overall job search plan. A good job search plan begins with a list of suitable employers to actively solicit. It follows that an appropriate networking strategy would be to identify employees of those companies, who can connect you with hiring managers.
Internet-based tools should not be considered networking by themselves. LinkedIn and other social media is a great way to connect with people who may be helpful, but it is just a starting point. Your objective is to schedule face-to-face meetings where you can build a relationship by establishing your credibility. Credibility leads to trust which gives your network confidence to connect you with other helpful people.
I am not a big fan of participating in networking groups specifically oriented to the unemployed. Unless those groups are providing useful job search skills training, networking with other job-seekers can devolve into a pity party. This is not good for one’s psyche. On the other hand, one should seek out groups that include the gainfully employed, who know of job opportunities, and those looking to hire someone with your credentials.
Use your time wisely. Develop a networking strategy that supports your job search plan. For one-on-one networking, seek out people connected to companies of interest to you. Remember networking is a two-way street. A ‘pay it forward’ mentality is required. Finally, remember to thank your networking contact with a follow-up note. It is a big thing! If the contact is a coffee drinker, enclose a pre-paid gift card. It is a little thing that goes a long, long way!
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Jim Weber, Managing Partner
ITB PARTNERS
Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com