Mini-Course Day 2: Social Networking

“When all things are equal, friends buy from friends. When all things are unequal, friends still buy from friends.”

Today’s mini-course will explain the significance of that statement. To be successful in the business world, the academic world, or even in social circles, you need to know people and be likeable.

If you were the richest, most powerful, and smartest person in the world, you could probably get away without putting any effort into networking (mostly because everyone would be coming to you). You need others to become successful at whatever you do – especially job hunting and growing your career.

If you are like I used to be – quiet, somewhat shy, and introverted – you might find it difficult to network with people. If you are like some of my friends – loud, friendly, and extroverted – make sure that your personality is not giving the wrong impression to potential job recruiters. Here are a few pointers and tips on good networking techniques.

Tip #1: Communication Order

Keep in mind that there are various ways to communicate:

1) It is best to communicate directly in person. Recruiters and potential employers will remember your face.  You will also learn techniques to ensure that you are making the right impression with non-verbal communication during your face-to-face meeting.

2) If you can not meet in person, you should communicate over the telephone. If you can’t do face to face, you should at least give the person a voice and tone of voice to remember. If you sound cheerful, positive, and enthusiastic, people will assume you are.

3) Unless specified by the potential employer, use email as a last resort. Email is impersonal and easily deleted. It also shows lack of confidence and untrustworthy mystery.

Tip #2: Be a Story Teller

Think about the last presentation, lecture, or conversation you heard. Who do you find the most interesting? Probably someone who can convey their message in a story. Become an artist in telling your story. Know yourself, be comfortable talking about you and your experiences, and create a story. In my system, I will provide you with what should and should not be included in your story.

Tip #3: Learn to Listen

When you meet someone new, use the following techniques:

1) Listen intently to understand what the person is saying and wait until the speaker is finished before you speak. Do not interrupt if you don’t completely understand. Instead, ask clarifying questions and paraphrase what has been said to make sure everyone is on the same page. You can listen to an audio example of a good conservationist in my system.

2) Ask information seeking questions that will help you better understand the job or topic. Everyone has something that they could teach you. The only way to find that out, is to ask.

3) Let someone ask questions of you before you start talking about yourself. When meeting someone for the first time, be mindful of such fine lines between confidence and arrogance when putting your best foot forward. Once you have established trust, the person will ask questions about you at their own pace.

 

Tip #4: Always Have a Business Card

This is the number one marketing tool for people you meet in person. It’s better than any brochure or resume you can hand them, because it fits in a wallet or rolodex. Few job seekers have them, so make sure you have one! You can create a simple business card and print it up at Kinko’s. Make sure it is eye-catching without being overbearing. You can look at some sample templates in the system and there is more on how to print them there as well.

 

Tip #5: Have a Web Site!

This is one of the easiest and relatively inexpensive marketing tools you can make for yourself. Interviewers often research the Internet for any information on the potential candidate. Be sure to publish “positive impression making” accolades and achievements as opposed to private or personal information that could prove detrimental to you. 

 

I just spoke with a friend who was approached at an interview for an editing position. The first question that the interviewer asked her was “why did you go through a debutant ball when you were 16?” The interviewer “googled” her name before she came in to the interview. If she had a website, she could have had her articles, essays, and sample work up on her website. None of your work needs to be published; they just need to be representative and visible.