Every young candidate with whom I speak tells me they are “networking” in order to land an internship or entry-level job. But are you really? It seems to me there is a huge misconception about what constitutes networking.
The overall goal of networking is to create a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship. Just because you follow someone on Twitter, read their blog, friend them on Facebook, etc. does not mean you are reaching that end goal. Networking must go behind that initial meeting—whether online or offline—and satisfy both parties involved in order to truly be successful.
Many people follow me on Twitter, connect with me on LinkedIn and of course, read this column! While I realize it’s my role to serve as a guide and mentor to young professionals (and I wouldn’t change that for anything), I wonder how often they think they’re networking with me. I think about this because I often only hear from students and recent graduates once—when they need me to introduce them to one of my hiring manager contacts or solve their career-related dilemma.
Please don’t take this as being about me—it’s really not. I see it as an underlying issue about networking itself. Perhaps young professionals feel they don’t have anything to offer in return. Not true at all, by the way! Although everyone’s different, here is what I feel I gain in a two-way relationship with young professionals:
- Current needs of young internship and entry-level job seekers—what is missing from your search?
- Success stories—once I’ve helped you, will I ever hear the “moral of the story”?
- Knowledge of new products and services I might not have been aware of before or simply didn’t know how to use (an intern taught me how to send text messages this summer!)
- Good reads—I love to read but rarely have time, so I’m always open to books that come highly recommended
The list could go on and on, but hopefully you get the picture.
Perhaps you just don’t know how to properly manage your network. I know quite a few people, thanks in no small part to social media. Although I’m still playing around with it, I recommend checking out Gist, which allows you to keep all of your contacts from all of your networks in one place.
Whatever the reason might be that you have this construed idea about successful networking, I encourage you to make a plan for moving forward—start with a clean slate. Reintroduce yourself to people you’ve met, and ask what you can do for them. I think you’ll be surprised by the number of responses! One of the golden rules of networking: build relationships first and ask for favors second.
Comments
Heather, I am a careers and workplace examiner, writing about women's careers. I was working on an article on "networking" for women, when I saw your article on "Networking". How do you feel about my publishing an article on the same subject as yours?...Nancy
From a recent blog post of mine:
There is one surefire path to success in networking and to success in life. This “Golden Rule” should be memorized, understood and practiced each and every one of your 25,000 days on this earth:
GIVE VALUE.
Read more at blog[dot]theascendancegroup[dot]org.
This is a GREAT article. Networking is a slow process and you need to put in a lot of effort. I always advise my clients to dump their contacts into an Excel spreadsheet with a "Last Contacted" column. Be sure to reach out to your contacts every 3-4 weeks with something valuable... a newspaper or blog article that they would find interesting or would impact their clients. It's a subtle nudge, a great excuse to check in. From there you can provide an update on your search and they may have a lead or two for you. Remember, you have to do what other people don't do. Work harder, build rapport and stand out! For more networking tips check out my blog www.brianbatchelder.com.
Brian Batchelder
Career Coach & Networking Strategist
www.brianbatchelder.com
Great article Heather, and I don't think it matters what age you are or how you network (face-to-face, social media etc) - my take on networking is that you should come from a 'givers-gain' perspective. In other words, think about how can you help the other person, what can you do for them? When you work on building a relationship, rather than having a'what's in it for me?' attitude, you start to build rapport and trust with that person which in turn builds the framework for an effective networking relationship.
Thank You
Faye Hollands
Career Coach & Time Management Specialist
www.outshineconsulting.com
www.twitter.com/fayehollands
Great topic. There is quite a misconception about "networking" and what it is amongst the younger crowd. I am glad you chose to address it.
Heather, if you have a chance, please take a look at the work I have done on the physical act of networking... You may be interested.
As they say... "Google me."
Keep up the awesome work!
Sam Diener
One of the reasons I'm a diligent blogger and Tweeter of developments within the communications industry is so I have something of interest and value to those I reach out to. Plus, its fun!
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