Your #1 Networking Priority: Connect

I haven't posted here in a while. It's time.

If I've given this advice once this month, I've given it a dozen times. More, probably. Please don't walk into your next informational interview with your resume in hand, trying to get a deal done. If you've not yet built rapport or trust with your new connection, the foundation for an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship, the likelihood of walking out of the meeting with a shiny new job in hand -- or even a great follow up introduction -- is near nil.

You wouldn't say yes to a marriage proposal on a first date, would you? I didn't think so. You don't know enough about each other yet. Why would someone willingly attach you to their professional brand, introducing you to their trusted network, if you haven't demonstrated that you care about and respect them?

Pace yourself. Don't try to get it all done in one. The goal of a first meeting (or email exchange or LinkedIn introduction) is a second that builds on the first. It can also lead to an appropriate warm introduction to someone else who is closer to your target and helps you learn a little more. And that insider perspective would make tailoring an attention getting, role specific resume a lot easier, wouldn't it? Isn't that the one you want circulating?

Show any new connection that you are well informed and curious by asking smart questions that demonstrate your existing knowledge of their industry and company as well as your interest in them, personally and professionally! There are so many things to research: financial results and outlooks, brands, competition, market dynamics, economic impacts, etc. Please don't forget to check out their company web site and social media pages, including news and company posts on LinkedIn. Your pre-meeting prep has got to be more than looking at a posted open position with an expectation that they will fill in all the blanks for you.

You'll know if you've had a successful first meeting if your new connection willingly agrees to a specified follow up or to keeping in touch, generally. Finally, don't forget to send a thoughtful thank you, letting them know specifically and generously what you found useful about their time with you and share any follow up items or introductions that they might appreciate! I want them to smile the next time they see your name pop up in their inbox.

If you want some specific hints to practice to build meaningful professional relationships, check out this great post by my colleague and friend, Dawn Graham: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/11-simple-ways-build-relationship-just-rolodex-when-graham-phd-lp/?trackingId=QXyRi%2F3rv7kaV5ATQRPjNg%3D%3D

Above all, have fun! Enthusiasm is contagious and a great ingredient to add to any job search. I'm cheering you on!