Networking is hard, what can I do?

It is simple but it isn't easy

How many times have you been told you have to Network to find a job? The reasons are clear, the statistics show 87% of all white collar jobs are landed by networking. So why is it so hard?

As a Job Search Coach for Executives and Technology Professionals I have heard all the reasons and myriad complaints and seen the devastation to careers when executives, especially “C” level executives don’t network successfully. Very few people claim ease with introducing themselves and making requests for help.

• I just can’t ask people for favors.
• I am the one who helps.
• I don’t want to be seen as needy.
• I find it hard to start the conversation when it is about me.
• I hate cold calling.
• I don't know who to contact

Poor networking technique is the single largest barrier to landing new employment. Learn how to overcome the obstacles and you get more control over your job search.

Field tested remedies: 

Use the phone. If you craft an enticing phone message and deliver it with energy and conviction, you will probably receive an encouraging response. By contrast, if you send email, nuance is impossible to detect and in fact, you are more likely to misinterpret busy or style for rejection. A telephone call gives you opportunity to detect the positive response and create a deeper bond.

Contact in Threes: You have culled names from your contact lists of people who have worked for you and also have a list of people to whom you have been referred. Contact two people you know first. Leverage that success and confidence and call the third less known individual. Be sure to have a compelling message written down before you call.

Call at Odd Times: You are more likely to find someone at their phone at eight in the morning than ten. Executives are more likely to answer their own phones after six.

Get Introductions, not Referrals: When you do connect with someone willing to open doors, as for introductions that mention you will be contacting the individual. Anyone can say, “Use my name,” but an introduction insures you will get a response.

Select the right venues:  Seattle is over run with possible networking events.  Chose business social such as the MIT Enterprise Forum or WTIA to begin your onslaught. People who attend the more visible functions tend to accept meeting new people is a benefit to them. They attend primarily because of the event topic so don't push your job needs; get to know them a bit and collect a business card.  Contact them another time.

Here are a few events for this week; opportunity to mingle and meet from the Northwest Entrepreneur Network. 

September Venture Breakfast this Friday, September 11 at 7am. Early- Bird Registration ends today! Come network and hear Ivan Braiker, CEO of HipCricket talk about building a business to seize a future market. Be sure to go to www.nwen.org to register ahead of time.
Early Bird networking 6:30am, 7am - 9am.
Bellevue Harbor Club
Cost: Regular Registration: $25 for members, $40 for non-members.
After September 7: $30 for members, $45 for non-members
Walk-in/At Door: $35 for members, $50 for non-members
Members, bring a bring a first time attendee guest at the member rate!

And even more fun:  Don't Miss NWEN's Pub Night next week, September 16 at Del Rey in Belltown. 6 - 8pm. Network, enjoy a ice cold beverage and hear from 5 of your peers at their pitch their business in 3 minutes in casual, relaxed atmosphere. Please be sure to register at www.nwen.org
$10 for members, $20 for members guests; includes 1 drink ticket and appetizer buffet.

Understand the code of networking; People want to help. Remember how good you feel when you can offer assistance to someone looking for a job? Why not allow someone else that same elation?

For more support with effective networking read, "Networking Debugged." Field tested techniques that work.  A step by step guide with scripts and solutions to the toughest of networking challenges.

Rita Ashley, Job Search Coach