Say No to Networking — Sometimes

KAREN KODZIK

Career Counselor

Cultivating Careers

info@cultivatingcareers.com

cultivatingcareers.com

Topic: Open Column

First in terms of face-to-face networking, you should refrain from networking when you are unable to articulate what you want to do. One of the first questions you will be asked in a networking meeting is "what do you want to do?" If you are unable to clearly and succinctly articulate this, it is less likely others will be able to help you.

Secondly, you should refrain from networking when your objective for the meeting is unclear. If you are not sure about the objective, don't expect your network contact to figure it out for you. In general people want to help and are willing to network. Just don't waste their time. Without an objective to the meeting you will spend 30-45 minutes having a nice cup of coffee, but walk away with no helpful information. Plus, you will leave a bad impression with the other person.

Thirdly, when others ask to network with you, make sure the networking conversation is mutually beneficial. Sometimes my clients find that they are always giving in the networking conversation but walking away empty. Now it's nice to help others, and what goes around comes around. Still, time and money are limited commodities in job search. If you are giving more than you are receiving from networking conversations, start saying "No." Time is your greatest asset.

Consider two schools of thought in online networking. One is the more the merrier, the more people you can network with the better. The other school of thought is about quality networking, being mindful and strategic about who you network with.

I don't disagree with the adage that you never know who people know, but as your networking activities progress, you should be more focused on people within your industry, profession and targeted organizations. There has to be a combination of networking conversations with employed people as well as those in transition.

If invitations to LinkedIn are flooding your inbox, don't just click "accept." When people look at your connections and number of connections, they make judgments about you. Your connections should enhance your reputation, not hinder it. Determine your personal and professional criteria for connecting with someone online. Look for strategic introductions through your network.

Social networking is a valuable vehicle for controlling your personal message and the content that is circulating about you online. Use LinkedIn as an extension of or complement to your résumé. Emphasize your skills as opposed to your past job descriptions. Add your LinkedIn address to your business card. Join groups that fit your target position and industry.

Once you make a connection that is right for you, schedule a meeting. True relationships are fostered by sitting across the table from someone and getting to know them and having them get to know you.

Whether in person or online, making every connection and conversation count will lead you to that next ideal position.

2010-02-07 01:00:00 -0500

2010-11-15 01:00:00 -0500