The Etiquette of Networking

Transcription

1 The Etiquette of Networking (Raising Your Awareness Hopefully Before It s Too Late) Presented At The: NAPM Chapter Meeting - April 16, 2009 Renaissance Denver Hotel Presented By: Art Weeast art.weeast@lessonsapplied.com Principal, Lessons Applied LLC Leader, The Art of Professional Networking Group Valerie Ness summitcareers@comcast.net Career Consultant, Summit Careers Retained Recruiter For Technology Companies Leader, OFLC Job Seekers Group

2 Topics Agenda What s All This Networking Fuss About? Definition of Networking Digging Your Well Etiquette Of Drinking From The Well April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 1

3 What s All The Fuss About? Finding A Job: Do you understand the paradigm shifts within the last 3 years? Have you noticed there are hardly any job postings in the newspaper? Have you heard applying online is becoming less effective? Have you heard about job postings on LinkedIn.com, Jobbing.com or Craig s List? Do you know about job aggregators Indeed.com or SimplyHired.com? What s all this hoopla about Networking, Networking Groups, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook? I just want to get a job like I ve done before, and it shouldn t be that hard or take that long, right? April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 2

4 Definition of Networking Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty! Harvey MacKay Networking is about digging your well! Tapping into your network (or someone else s) is drinking from the well! This presentation is about making the distinctions between the two, How to be effective at digging your well, and How to protect your well and other s by using the proper etiquette when taking a drink. April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 3

5 Digging Your Well Digging Your Well Is About Giving, But Expecting Nothing In Return! Be an active participant in your association If you come each month to have a meal / warm a seat, you won t effectively expand your network. Volunteer and make your association a better resource for everyone Present, share your knowledge, reach out to peers struggling with something you have mastered Have you helped those who have helped you (give back) Along your career path Have shared knowledge with you Have mentored you Have you shared what you know with others (pay forward) Teach what you know to others who are willing to learn, are you learning from them in the process, who could you mentor Have you made yourself available (pay forward) Reach out to someone unemployed, someone in need, someone struggling with their career, someone asking for advice April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 4

6 It s Uncomfortable To Do, Very Easy To Mess It Up! Drinking From The Well The conventional methods of drinking from the well can be uncomfortable It feels like Sales I am not comfortable Cold Calling I am an Introvert and I don t like going to organized meetings I don t like to ask anyone for help The following recommendations should make it more acceptable to you, whether you are making the call or receiving the call It shouldn t feel like a Sales call to either of you It shouldn t be uncomfortable, and It s a meeting between professionals. And both of you can still be introverted! And just perhaps, you might realize it s about helping others first before you need that help! April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 5

7 The Three Don ts When Drinking From The Well! Drinking From The Well Let me borrow your reputation! Can you give me the name and contact information of that VP you know? Let me contact someone you know and say (without your knowledge or permission) Art referred me or Art said I should call you Audience: Do you have other examples? Let me put work on you! Can you pass my resume around your office to see if someone is interested? Can you tell me what jobs are open at your company? Audience: Do you have other examples? Let me confuse you! My Skills: In my past job I did this, and this, and this too! And before that I did this, and that. Can you think of something that I would be good at in your company? My Positions: I m not sure what I want to do. In the past I was this, and then that, but I really like doing something else My Companies / Industries: I have worked here, which then changed to here, and then there! But I would really like to get into Healthcare or a Non-Profit Huh? What is it you want to do and where do you want to do it? Duh! Audience: Do you have other examples? April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 6

8 Drinking From The Well 3 Examples Of Positive Etiquette When Drinking From The Well! Never start by offering your resume, or asking for a job! When calling someone in your direct network (you know them, they know you): I wanted to make you aware I am researching my next position and value your opinion. I am looking into the following companies / industries, do you have any suggestions for me? Any thoughts about other industries, companies or resources I should check out? Wait for the invitation send me your resume or let me contact someone for you. Don t assume you are going to get that invitation. Conclude with Is there anything I can help you with? When referred by someone or cold calling someone outside your direct network based on a posted job position (you want to ask for information): I m wondering if you could help me? I saw a job posting at your company and wanted to know if you could give me some insights before I submit online? Could you tell me something about the culture of the company? The position I am interested in is.. do you have any insights into that position you could share? Wait for the invitation send me your resume or let me contact someone for you. Don t assume you are going to get that invitation. Conclude with Is there anything I can help you with? April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 7

9 Drinking From The Well Some Examples Of Positive Etiquette When Drinking From The Well! Never start by offering your resume, or asking for a job! (continued) When referred by or cold calling someone outside your direct network and not aware of any specific job opening, do your research first, and only then make the inquiry (you want to ask for information): I am wondering if you can help me, I am looking to transfer my skills into a position in your industry and would be very appreciative if you could give me a few suggestions. Is this a good time for you?, or I am wondering if you can help me, I saw a recent news article about your company and thought at the right time your organization might need someone with my specific skills in. Does someone do that now? Wait for the invitation send me your resume or let me contact someone for you. Don t assume you are going to get that invitation. Conclude with Is there anything I can help you with? April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 8

10 Drinking From The Well Some Examples Of Positive Etiquette When Drinking From The Well! Be respectful of the strengths in the relationship When asking someone if they (can) are willing to introduce you, How well do you know the person you are asking? How well do they know the person you are asking them to connect you with? Perhaps the easier and just as effective path: call the company and ask for the person you want to speak with. Just depends, doesn t it? Don t poison your well or someone else s well The 3 Don ts mentioned earlier, if done by you, may make people unwilling to help or inaccessible to you If someone offers to help, follow-through and follow-up! Red Alert Don t forget to ask if they want you to let them know how the conversation went. And do so even if they say it s not necessary (at least once) April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 9

11 Wrap-Up Questions & Answers Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty! What s been your experience about digging your well? What s been your experience about drinking from the well? Any examples of poisoned wells? If you have any personal experiences (good or bad) that you would like to pass along, or recommendations to enhance this presentation please summitcareers@comcast.net April 16, 2009 (NAPM) The Etiquette of Networking Page 10