Who is in Your Network?

 
I have been asked by clients for access to my “network”.  I have been asked by clients if they can see who is in my “network”.  And I have been asked what is a “network”.  Networking remains to be the most successful method of tapping into the hidden market of jobs and landing jobs, however, networking still remains a mystery to many.  In the book, The Tipping Point, How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell, Gladwell states, “Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread like viruses do.”  He goes on to identify what he sees as three categories of people (agents of change) and what their responsibility is within a network, by nature of who they are.  The agent that is of particular interest to a job seeker is the “connector”.  A connector is somebody who regularly introduces people who might share similar interests or who will mutually benefit from the introduction.

All of us whether we are connectors or not have a circle of friends, family, associates and acquaintances from clubs, churches, and activities that we participate in.  This circle is your network and there is bound to be a few connectors.  When you are in the middle of job search, some people think it is best to keep it quiet.  I, however, would recommend talking it up.  Share the news that you are entertaining the idea of switching jobs, you have been laid off, you are graduating from college.  Share what you are about and share what you want to do in the future.  Be prepared with a 15 second pitch about yourself that leaves the listener wanting to learn more, but having enough information that they can help pass along your message- appropriately.

You should prepare a statement about yourself that briefly tells where you have been, what you are doing now and where you want to be.  This is your marketing pitch.  It should include your education, the type of work you do, your successes, and what you are looking for and should be communicated naturally.  The more people you tell, the better you will get at telling your story and the greater chance you have of being connected to a potential employment opportunity.

There is also the unwritten rule of networking and that is, you will be more successful when it is reciprocal and relationship building is part of your effort.  You should always show your appreciation, even if the connector’s efforts didn’t result in a job.  Send a note of thanks at the very least.  More importantly, think of ways that you can help others.  Being a contributing member of your network establishes your credibility, keeps you in the forefront of other people’s minds, and makes people want to help you. Read trade journals and digests, offer suggestions, share articles, and solicit opinions.

You will naturally broaden your network and meet new people the more you speak up and the more people you meet, the greater the chances of finding that ideal job!  So go and join some new professional organizations, but also participate in a new team sport, take an Adult Education course on a hobby of yours, keep doing fun things, but don’t forget to tell your story and offer to help others as well.  It’s like the old saying goes, “what goes around, comes around.”  Networking doesn’t begin and end with a job search.  Developing and maintaining relationships is a part of life and the better you get at it, the more success you will have.