There’s an unfortunate perception out there that networking means schmoozing, brown-nosing, and sharing limp handshakes with people you don’t like, all in the interests of acquiring something—usually a job these days.
That kind of networking, which I’d argue isn’t really networking at all, won’t yield successful results. So what will? Connecting with people in a genuine and honest way, which means meeting someone because you want to, not because you have to. Which, I get it—we all have to meet people we don’t click with sometimes. But why not try networking with people in the following three ways, and see if it's both more enjoyable and if it opens new doors of opportunity.
• Meet people to figure out what you want to do in life. Many of us are still asking, What do I want to be when I grow up? Why not investigate some businesses to see what the people do there, and ask whether or not it’s something you’d like to try? They don’t have to be hiring for you to do this. You can call someone up and say, “Your job sounds interesting. Will you take twenty minutes out of your day so I can meet you and see what you do?” It’s called an informational interview. Meet them. Ask questions. Be interested. Buy them a cup of coffee for their time. They’ll be flattered. Leave your resume with them when you go. Stay in touch in a genuine way, and, when and if they are hiring, they might just have your resume at the top of the pile.
• Ask what you can give, not what you can get. Is there a job you’re dying to do? Why not try doing it for free for a while. Connect with people who need you and your services. Help them. Say, “If you hear about someone hiring for this kind of work, please tell them about me.” Find people and companies you want to work for, and offer to work as an intern or for free. They might not be hiring just now, but if you show them your work ethic and skills, they might just create a space for you. It might mean you have to supplement the bills for a while by working at Starbucks, but if it pans out, you’ll be working at a place you want to work at, doing a job that you like, if not love.
• Be ready when the right person comes along. Oh gosh, it’s him. It’s her. The person you’ve been dying to meet, who is starting a company, or ready to invest, or thinks you’re just the person to help them. It’s your networking dream come true, now how do you impress them? First, have your resume ready and done well. Need resume help? There are many professionals out there who can assist you. Have business cards with your updated contact information. If you’re working at a job now and don’t want your employer to know you’re looking elsewhere, get separate business cards printed up with your own personal information. Have a cover letter at the ready. Have 10 words at the back of your throat about why you’re the right person to do the job. Be articulate. Dress like you care. It sounds like the basics, but the basics can be what separates the wheat from the chaff in an overcrowded workplace.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Lara Zielin
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