Networking Your Way to the Next Great Job - But Can You Do It?

Real networking happens when you walk into a "live" event and have the ability to meet new people. The problem is that many of you can't master networking because you may get terrified about walking up to people you have never met and starting a relevant conversation. If you are looking for a job or trying to upgrade your current job, networking can be a game changer not only to help you find a job, but a great job with a company that you may have never even known existed.

This I know for sure; many good jobs are never advertised. Additionally, in this economy with so much competition for the jobs that you apply to, how can you separate yourself from the pack? Networking is the answer. You hear the work "networking" a lot, but many don't understand it.

In Central Florida, we have many groups and associations that have meetings on a fairly regular basis. To network and connect "live" to people at events try this:

1. When you meet people, ask them what they do for a living. Once you get someone talking about themselves first, it opens up a rapport. Never network by talking about yourself or your situation. Once you connect with someone, they will typically then ask you about yourself.

2. Collect a business card and ask permission to reach out to them at a future date. Future contact is NOT LinkedIn. The key to great networking is keeping your conversations OFFLINE! When you get home, identify the people you think can help you and invite them to coffee or lunch. You will be surprised how many take you up on your offer and the information you will gain.

3. If you are unemployed and attending network events, carry some personal business cards with your contact information on it as well as your specialty. When you hand this card to anyone (at the end of a conversation), let them know you are in career transition and this is your contact information.

4. If you are not comfortable walking up to someone you don't know you may need to get a "connector". This is a person who may have invited you to the event. Ask them to make the initial introduction. The introduction should not have any mention that you are looking for a job.

5. If you are industry specific (like an insurance underwriter), many of the networking opportunities should revolve around insurance events like association meetings, CPCU conferences, local human resource association meetings. If you are an accountant or sales manager, you really should be attending any significant event you can find that has a network element. In Orlando, we have the National Entrepreneur Center that has many events each week on all kinds of subjects. Many of the attendees to these educational seminars can be instrumental in getting your next job.

Many articles written about networking never take in to account that many of you have some hesitation in approaching people that you have never met. This takes practice and overtime it gets easier. If you truly want to excel your job search, networking is the best way to make this happen. Whatever you do, after any event you attend where you meet people, don't immediately take your offline conversation online. Keep the conversations with your real targets going by using the telephone and asking them to coffee or lunch. Use email to thank them for their insight and LinkedIn to let them have access to your background. Networking follow up can be hard to do with busy people and that is why it is never a good idea to slam a new contact with emails. That is why a great voice mail with great tonality as a follow up keeps the conversation going and separates you from the competition.