Networking is Conversating

How many conversations do you have every single day without thinking about it? But when I mention the word "networking", panic takes over, your stomach turns into knots and you try to flee the room like the building is on fire.

So give me a chance before you try to make a mad escape because we are going to be talking about Networking! Here is the truth, networking is just engaging in meaningful conversations and exchanging information. That’s it!

Here are just a few statistics to think about:

• 23% of job seekers?rely on networking to find a job.?Source: Chakir
• 35% of people?discover career opportunities through their friends.?Source: Jobvite
• Nearly 70% of event planners?find new clients in networking conferences.?Source: Event?Manager Blog

Instead of participating in an intentional conversations, job seekers tend to fall into the common trap of spending more time applying for jobs which results in a flurry of activity but not much traction.

Easier said than done, right? Networking nerves are real. Sharing about your job search can feel vulnerable and scary. Once you choose to do it, preparation is a great way to gain confidence in your conversations.?

Familiar faces are a great starting point to get your networking sea legs under you. From your kids’ soccer coach to college friends and past colleagues, your people can likely introduce you to someone who can be an asset in your job search.

According to a?2017 study , workplace ties, in particular, are 60% likely to hook you up to your next job.

Ok, so where do you begin? To help you out I am providing you with a sample list of networking questions you can use to make your job search even more successful!

Networking Questions to Ask Friends, Acquaintances and Past Colleagues

These are people you know and who know you well. A great launching pad for a conversation with people you know is a target company list. It’ll be the centerpiece of your conversation.

A target company list is a list of 30-40 employers (maybe more, maybe less) that you have an interest in working for. Ask questions about your target company list, like:

• What do you know (if anything) about these companies?
• What organizations do you see me thriving in?
• What employers do you think are missing based on what you know about my career goals?

Networking Questions to Ask Insiders

These networking meetings will lead you to people who work (or have worked) in those target organizations. Coined “insiders,” these employees work in a target company, the department or even your role of interest.?

Your primary aim in these conversations is to learn more about the organization to see if you want to work there. And better yet, to best market yourself for the next opening (or a job that doesn’t even yet exist!).

Questions to consider are:

• How did your career path take you to this job with this company?
• What do you love most about your work?
• What are the biggest rewards and challenges in your role?
• How do you recommend I prepare to assume a role like yours?
• What does a typical day look like?
• What skills do you use most day-to-day?

Your goal with insider conversations is to gain an internal champion at the company who will get you to a decision-maker.?

Once you’ve nabbed time with a decision-maker, be sure not only to demonstrate that you are a solid candidate but also that you have extensive interest in the organization. When there is an opening, you’ll be top of mind.

Networking Questions to Ask Decision-Makers

These people make hiring decisions within your target organizations. Consider:

• What future direction do you see the company taking?
• What are the gaps in your organization/department?
• What factors are most impacting your business today?

Don’t forget to ask the most magical networking question at the end of most conversations: "Who else should I talk to?"?

This one question will organically generate more people to chat with who understand your career goals and company interests. It will lead you faster to an internal champion or decision-maker to land a job you love.

This is just a starting point and if you are really serious about taking your networking game to the next level, I have officially launched the "Networking for Success" Group Coaching Program starting the week of February 6th!

This will be a 3 month program, with one recorded session every month and in this you will learn:

• Why Networking Is Important for Your Career Success?
• How to cultivate your LinkedIn feed and build new connections
• Developing your LinkedIn Activity - I am going to show you specific ways to connect with Recruiters and Professionals directly tied to your profession and walk you through the entire process
• What to say when you connect
• Ways for you to engage - You will receive multiple networking scripts you can customize and use for your own benefit
• Indirect networking
• How to maintain a strong network

If you are interested in joining this program, it is limited to only 10 people. Feel free to schedule a free discovery call and let's discuss if this program is for you!

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