Career Connections – Building your Powerful Network - Toolkit 6

Here’s your Roadmap to building strong Career Connections

As always, the Mature have greater struggles, so strong Career Connections are even more vital. This Roadmap however is for all ages, young and old…

1. Career Connections and Networking boosts opportunities for career success…

Referrals, critical and timely advice, ‘inside’ information and social support increase your job opportunities and your salary.

2. Network with your competitors (‘industry colleagues’)…

They have inside info on the industry, hear of jobs you won’t hear about and may even one day offer you one. This should most certainly NOT be about colluding or price-fixing – don’t get involved in this type of behaviour.

3. The vast majority of jobs are not advertised…

You will only have access to this hidden job market through connections with your industry colleagues – there is no-one more important for you to get to know.

4. The basics of Career Connecting are…

• Giving people a reason to want you in their network. How can you help?them?
• Telling people what you’re good at. Networking is not just idle chat: make sure others know where you excel and where you are headed
• Loose connections are the most powerful in helping you with your career

5. Our 4 Main Tips for Connecting…

• People can do business with you only if they have met you personally, been referred to you, or gotten to know you over a period. Don’t waste money joining a group or an association unless you plan to become well-known there.
• Always stay fully focused on the person you’re talking to.
• Prepare two or three questions you can comfortably ask strangers. Keep it light!’
• Work’ the conference or seminar. The best connecting occurs before and after the function. So, get there early and/or plan to stay late. Don’t do what most people do – listen to the talk and then run off!

6. Building career networks is like building any relationship…

It takes time and effort. And success comes from focusing more on their needs and less on your own.

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