Networking is a game to PLAY, not to WIN… ??

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Networking doesn’t have to be SLEAZY… I hear often from my clients that networking feels like you’re a sleazy CAR SALESMEN kissing hands and shaking babies… ????

That’s because PEOPLE THINK that the intent of networking is to LAND A JOB… (??newsflash?? wrong!!)

While a job may be an outcome or “BONUS” of networking, that’s NOT THE PURPOSE of it… ?

…The purpose of networking is to BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. ??

… Building relationships with people in your industry.

… Building relationships with people in your dream occupation.

… Building relationships with people in your dream role.

… And more

Think of it LIKE DATING… On the first date, do you ask people for their hand in marriage? ????

HECK to the NO! (We’re not on Married at First Sight over here…) ??????

Instead, we ASK them questions, we ask them what they like and what they don’t like, we catch their vibe, etc.…

Networking is the SAME IDEA, just more professional ??

When networking online, SEARCH on LinkedIn for people with similar interests and backgrounds as you… ??

… Maybe they’re from your alma mater.

… Maybe they’re in the dream job or company or role that you want.

… Maybe they’re in the same church organization as you.

… Maybe they’re in the same city or state as you.

Then, just like Tinder or Hinge, check out their profile… See if you’d want to swipe left or right on them. ??

IF the answer is ?? SWIPE RIGHT ??, then approach them like you were asking someone out on a date… Shoot them a message and ask…

“...Hey, so and so, I was checking out your profile and was extremely interested in your background. I’d love to learn more about your professional experiences. Would you be open to chatting for 15 minutes or so sometime next week? Thanks so much!”

… Totally NON-CONFRONTATIONAL, non-aggressive way to strike a conversation with someone, right? ???

It’s not coming across as desperate like the “PLEASE HIRE ME“ sweater (you're welcome to all my Friends fans out there)…

Instead, you’re just taking time to LEARN more about them…

If a job comes out of it, awesome, but if not, that’s TOTALLYYYY OKAY… ????

… Because that WASN’T THE INTENT of networking with them in the first place…

Also, like dating…

… You may HIT IT OFF with some. ??

… You may find it BORRRING or HASHTAG YIKES with others. ????

… You may be GHOSTED by some after the first date. ??

… You may NOT EVEN GET the first date to begin with. ?

And you know what? That’s TOTALLYYYY OKAY…

… You’re not going to hit it out of the park every time.

Networking is a game to PLAY, not to WIN… ??

It’s just the EXPECTATION TO ACCEPT because (like dating) that a “NO” is going to LEAD YOU closer and closer to your “YES…” ????

… Your “YES” to learning something new about your desired industry or role. ??

… Your “YES” to introducing you to the person you need to get in front of. ??

… Your “YES” to putting your resume in front of the hiring manager or someone high up. ??

… Your “YES” to getting to that first-round interview. ??

… And more

So I INVITE YOU to start playing the networking game TODAY…

COMMENT BELOW by introducing yourself, and send a QUICK MESSAGE to those who also comment or like this post… ????

And if you feel more like SHY GUY (or shy girl) ?? when it comes to networking, then BOOK A CALL with me. We’ll work together to…

… Build CLARITY in discovering and OWNING your unique awesomeness ??

… Develop CONFIDENCE in sharing your story and MESSAGING people you don’t know ??

… Secure COMMITMENT in making a GAME PLAN to grow your network ??

That way, you can DITCH the OLD SCHOOL sales tactics (bye-bye Sam the Salesman from Honda)… ????

… And build and nurture professional relationships TAILORED to you that are AUTHENTIC and two-way WIN-WINS (bye-bye old school sales tactics). ???

Remember, it only takes ONE “YES” to land your DREAM JOB 1??????