What do you do if you want to establish professional connections through informational interviews in FM?

Have a clear picture of what you are searching for and the merits that come with it. Having clear goals or expectations is one of the steps needed to get informational interviews.

Having clear goals for informational interviews in facilities management (FM) is crucial for maximizing their value. Whether it's exploring different FM roles, understanding current trends and challenges, uncovering required skills and qualifications, or discovering opportunities and contacts, having specific objectives guides the interview process. This clarity helps narrow down the list of interviewees and ensures that questions are relevant and targeted towards achieving desired insights and outcomes. By setting realistic goals, FM professionals can make the most out of informational interviews and gather valuable information to support their career development and decision-making.

Identifying and contacting individuals in the FM field for informational interviews requires a strategic approach. Leveraging existing networks, online platforms, professional associations, events, and publications can help identify potential interviewees. When reaching out, it's important to be polite, concise, and respectful in your communication. Clearly explain your interest in FM, your reasons for reaching out, and what you hope to learn from the interview. Request their willingness to spare some time for an informational interview and suggest a convenient time and mode of communication, such as phone, video call, or email.

After an informational interview in FM, I wouldn’t just send a thank-you note; I’d make it count. Mention a unique take from the conversation to show I was really listening. Staying in touch? I’d schedule it—maybe a quarterly check-in to share updates or relevant finds. It’s not about just saying thanks; it’s about keeping the dialogue alive and kicking. I’d look for ways to bring something to the table, like a piece of news or a contact that aligns with their interests. This approach keeps the connection active and reciprocal, avoiding the one-and-done pitfall. It’s practical, straightforward, and keeps the professional relationship evolving beyond the first handshake.

In FM, after snagging insights from informational interviews, the next move is strategic networking. Forget just chasing referrals. Dive into forums, hit up relevant webinars, and don't just lurk—engage. Post your takes, stir the pot with questions, maybe even share a few solutions. It's not just about showing up; it's about being seen and remembered. I'd hit these online spaces hard, showcasing knowledge and curiosity, essentially marking my territory. Then, at events or workshops, instead of the usual card swap, I'd aim for real talk—what's shaking up FM, or a recent challenge I tackled. This isn't just networking; it's planting seeds for future collaborations or landing a gig that's not even listed yet. Keep it direct, no fluff.