Networking Tips
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Career Networking at Industry Conferences: As informed people in transition know, one of the key factors contributing to securing a new position is developing a strategic networking plan to uncover opportunities, gain access to key influencers, and acquire business information. One proven way to accelerate the process is for job seekers to attend conferences for industries that are of interest to them. The benefits of doing so include meeting key industry thought leaders, learning about new products and services, uncovering potential job openings, and understanding the key issues, challenges, and opportunities the industry is facing. Moreover, most conference organizers list attendees in advance of the event allowing adroit networkers to make private meeting arrangements with desirable contacts. Hence, people looking for their next position would be well served to make conference attendance a key pillar of their job search efforts. |
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A positive networking outcome occurs when someone you’ve met (Person A) agrees to introduce you to a high value target contact (Person B). To significantly raise the probability of the introduction actually being made, offer to send an email to Person A that introduces you and can be used to connect to Person B. Doing so allows you to be described exactly as you wish and it avoids undesirable delays. |
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Quite surprisingly, when executives in transition are introduced to additional key contacts by networking connections, they often forget to thank the connector and let them know how the call or meeting went and whether it was valuable. By providing feedback to the original source of the contact, not only does the executive in transition “close the loop,” but they often receive “bonus” connections by providing specific feedback and refining their “ask” of others. |
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When sharing your accomplishments, do it in a framework that is similar to storytelling. You want to draw people in first with the circumstance, then the role you play, and close it with the happy ending. Since you have to tell it quickly and concisely, write it down and rehearse it until it rolls off your tongue. |