Networking Continues When Your Job Doesn’t!

Though many professionals work hard on networking while in a role, it seems like the process stops in between jobs. Why? What better time to put yourself out there when you are unemployed? 

What product do you know inside and out and should be able to sell best? You! Yet it seems like many professionals only participate in networking when they are “validated” with a company title and business card.

 Fooey!

 Being unemployed, I’ve worked networking events at full force. It’s fun to get mixed reactions when someone asks, “Who are you with?” and I respond, “I’m with myself!”.  Some are very receptive to my proactive approach, while others remain confused or quickly lose interest. 

 Regardless, I think networking during unemployment always is a good way to distinguish from all the other fish in the pond. I’ve found that I’m the only job seeker networking for  at events filled with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of employers, decision makers and good connects. What odds are better than that!?

Because good networking involves an information exchange, I’ve had cheap business cards made to pass out to new contacts. And what’s better than being the only job seeker in a room full of employers? Being able to address them all at once! At a recent local chamber of commerce event I channeled the “force” and had my business card drawn in front of the whole assembly for a door prize. In going up to collect my prize, I also took the time to use the 30 seconds or so as a platform to address the crowd. I introduced myself, and then explained my qualifications and that I was looking for work. My announcement proved to be a great success– I was approached in swarms the rest of the night! (Unfortunately, it didn’t result in immediate employment). 

After attending an event, the work is not done.  I’ve learned how important it is to immediately follow up and keep communication open. What I generally do is gather business cards from all I’ve met, and then send personalized emails the next day. I try to find commonalities– and also offer my assistance and help– as many are more willing to help those that can help their cause.  

Here are some other tips to working the room as collected by some of my pro-networking contacts:

“Bring more than enough business cards. Always have a writing instrument handy. Never consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages. Do introduce yourself to as many people as time allows. Do politely excuse yourself and offer to follow up. Do follow up with a personal note either by snail mail, email or LinkedIn.com invite. Don’t try to close deals at networking events. Have fun, laugh and show genuine interest in others!”

-Michelle Stair (MyLink500.com), Executive Recruiter

“One of the rules is KEEP MOVING. Make connections, but do not capitalize people’s time.”

-Ray Miller ,Energy expert, educator, award winning sculptor 

“My strategy is watching and studying the room. Watching the top networkers network shamelessly and the reactions after they walk away. Listening carefully when I am approached and learning from each encounter. Some of my best professional relationships have started up that way. Approaching 2 to 3 individuals for new introductions and making sure that the next 2 to 3 times we meet I re-approach them again and continue to establish a professional business alliance. Those are my thoughts.”

-Louise M. Kidney,Strategic Business Consultant

“I think the most important aspect of ‘working a room’ is what happens later. Without systematic follow-up, these events can be a waste. Using a periodic follow-up strategy will keep your message and offering fresh, and will keep you present and available in the mind of the target customer when money is ready to be spent.” 

-Mark Meshulam,Poingo.com

“Never leave home without them…your Business Cards that is!” 

-Arthur Klein,Business and Marketing Consultant

“The strategy begins with the event itself. Who’s in the audience? You want to make sure that the event you’re attending will have people who are decision makers or are well-connected to decision makers, OR the audience contains people who will make good links for networking.”

-Doug Atherton [LION TopLinked.com MyLink500],Regional VP, Commercial Lending & Leasing

“I set an intention to meet 2 people that I want to go have coffee with and learn more about.”

-Maria Marsala, Motivational Speaker

“I never go to a network event trying to sell! I see the purpose of networking as connecting with others and helping them. This pay-it-forward approach always creates oppotunities in the future.” 

-Mark Lauterbach,Consultant & Speaker – Strategic Purchasing & Supply Chain Management