Most articles and workshops focus on teaching networking principles and strategies for increasing their business. But there are times when we have other needs and networking can be a strategic strategy in your success.
In this article, I’d like to explore three other reasons to network:
1. Looking for a new job. When you submit an application for a job, you are competing among many, many, other applicants. To narrow down the number of applications, those who are reviewing them often scan through and look for reasons to decline as many as possible. A better solution is to network and make personal connections with one of the decision makers.
How? First, find out who is the decision maker. What is the person’s name? Title? Research the person online and through social media to find out more about him/her. What are the interests? Hobbies? What organizations does he/she belong to? I would also recommend following the person on Twitter. Who do you know who knows this person? Then ask if they would give a personal introduction and recommendation.
2. Finding New Employees. Using traditional methods of advertising for a new employee can be a frustrating experience. With so many people looking for work, people will desperately apply for jobs they don’t have the qualifications or experience for, just to feel that they are at least trying to get a job. Many employers have had success in finding the right employee(s) through networking.
How? First, know what skills and attributes you are looking for. What values do you want your potential employee to have? Next, think about your network of contacts. Who do you know that may know this person? Ask your contacts for names and contact info of people they are recommending. I would also ask, “Is this someone you would hire?” That tells you a lot right there! Research the person on social media to learn more about them. This may help you discover if it’s someone you are interested in interviewing!
You may also want to ask the members of any trade or industry-specific associations you belong to and network at. They may know someone who would be a great fit but they don’t have an opening within their company at this time.
3. Finding a Consultant. There are so many consultants available to choose from and each seems to have a specific niche or area of expertise. When I hired a consultant who came across as a “one size fits all”, I was deeply disappointed. Now I hire consultants for a specific result I am looking to achieve and they must be personally recommended by someone who has achieved the results I desire.
How? First, know what you are looking to achieve. For example, my goal was to develop a product based on the workshops I teach, “Social Media Marketing Success in 15 Minutes A Day.” I wanted to avoid the pain of trying to figure it out on my own, so I turned to my network of contacts.
I contacted the people who already had packaged courses available and asked lots of questions: What did they like most? What would they change? Who does their distribution? How many do they need to order at a time? What questions should I be asking that I don’t know enough to ask?
Through this method I found a great consultant who has numerous products of his own that he successfully markets, as well as working with others. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend him to others I meet who are considering developing their own products. I know that networking for the right consultant, rather than reading through ads and marketing materials, helped me make a decision that was effective and painless.
Networking is more than just “business” – it relates to everything we do in life. Reach out to your network and you’ll find that someone will know the right person for whatever you are looking for.
Sue Henry is owner of Sue Henry Talks, a speaking and training company. She has been teaching people effective business strategies that increase visibility, credibility, and profitability. Her most popular topics are networking, social media marketing in 15 minutes a day, and tools to overcome those negative thoughts that keep you from achieving the success you dream of and deserve. She's an Area Director with BNI MN/NoWI directly responsible for 800 members and a team of 15 ambassadors/directors. www.suehenrytalks.com
BNI
With over 5,500 active chapters, and over 100,000 members throughout every populated continent worldwide, BNI is the largest and most successful business referral organization in the world. BNI was founded in 1985 by Dr. Ivan Misner and the organization, which allows only one person from each profession to join a chapter, offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts, and most importantly, referrals. Last year alone, members of BNI passed 6.2 million referrals, generating 2.6 billion dollars’ worth of business.
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