By: Nicole Hitch

Have you ever heard the saying, “It isn’t what you know, but who you know that counts.”?  Well, much of that saying holds a startling truth, especially in the case of the job search.  In this post I’ll cover the what, why, when, where, who and how basics of networking.

What is networking?

According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, Networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.”  So what does that mean for you?  Let’s move into the why next.

Why should I be networking?

Let me ask you: Are you 100% satisfied with where you are in your career?  Do you know all you need to know about what you do?  Do you feel 100% certain that you will never have to look for another job?  Are you completely done growing professionally? If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then there is no need for you to read this post. J  However if you answered, no to any of the above questions having a well cultivated network can help you with all of these things. For example, if you should find yourself surprisingly without a job and in search of a new opportunity, your network most likely will be of great help. (Again, if you have maintained it correctly.)  This brings us to the when and where to network.

When and where do I network?

Networking can happen at any time and in any place; at work, at a party, at a conference, on an airplane, in the elevator…. You get the idea.  Just as you can meet new people and make new friends anywhere…wait a minute, isn’t that networking?… Absolutely, that is networking and therefore, networking can take place anytime and anywhere.

Who should be in my network?

Anyone and everyone.  Some examples could include; current and former co-workers, people you have met from professional associations, friends, family, former classmates, teachers, professors, people from your religious or social organizations, your kid’s friend’s parents… the list is endless.  The more people you know and that know you, the larger your network is.  The key is the people you know AND who know you, which brings us to how you build and maintain your network.

How do I build and maintain my network?

First, how to build your network.  This is the part that I get the most questions about, especially from people who are shy or maybe not very comfortable approaching people they don’t know.  The easiest way to start is in a group of people who might share a common interest.  For example, if you are a .Net Developer, join a .Net user group in your area, by doing this you already know that there are going to be people there who have a similar interest and background knowledge as you, making conversation easier.  Once in the room, if you don’t know anyone there, see if you can find someone standing by themselves and introduce yourself knowing that they are going to sigh a huge sigh of relief that they aren’t alone any longer and that they didn’t have to start the conversation.  An easy way to start a conversation is to ask what they do and then listen and ask questions from there.  To be a good networker, you need to be genuinely interested in the person you are speaking with.  After all, you are trying to build a connection with them.  Events set up specifically for networking or have a social/networking period are great ways to start as well because you know that everyone in the room is there to meet new people.

Once you have made connections and are starting to build your network, you are not finished.  Just like all friendships, one must maintain the connections in their network.  No one likes someone who only contacts them when they need something, so how do you keep the connection strong with already such a busy life?  Stay in touch with your contacts.  I like to start this right after meeting someone new.  I typically ask for their business card and then follow up with an e-mail letting them know that it was nice meeting them and inviting them to connect with me on LinkedIn, or following up with something more specific if our conversation went a specific direction.  Other ways to stay connected could be as easy as an e-mail every so often to say hello, letting them know of opportunities that might be of interest to them, if something new happens in your life you can update them, invite them to social or professional events you are attending or know that they would enjoy, with Linked In and Facebook, often times people post their birthday, so pay attention and wish them a happy birthday… the point is stay in touch by being thoughtful, authentic and real.

Happy networking and as always if you would like to know more, have questions or want to discuss any of the information, please feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at nhitch@bluewaveprofessionals.com.

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