For the past month, I have been pushing to network as much as possible to build a professional network. I haven't been getting good results. What is the most effective way of connecting with professionals?
Answers
Hello John,
I have a bit of a dilemma with your question... and please take this in the appropriate fashion... what does "for the sake of being a network for referrals" actually mean?
What/Who is this for? And why are you doing it?
My point may be a bit overly simplistic but if I'm not sure what you're requesting (and why) - and I have more than twenty years of sales and marketing personnel management experience - that same issue may be skewing your success in this endeavor.
One thing I can guarantee in business, if people aren't sure what you mean, they are much more likely to move-on or simply ignore you than they are to stop and ask questions (simply for your benefit).
Simply put, there's always time for clear and concise communication that sets the proper expectations and almost never time for anything else.
I hope this helps and thank you for your service.
Regards,
Don Hammond
John, I suggest keep at it. A month or less is a mere drop in the bucket. It's like picking up the guitar and after one month feeling it's not working because you can't play 'Stairway To Heaven' yet. Relationships take time to develop, especially trusted ones. It's a fine line between being persistent and being a pest. Good people-skills help tell you when you're getting too close to the dark side. I work at networking on a continuous basis and often reflect if I'm being too forceful or too hesitant. I don't hit 1.000 every time at bat by a long shot, but when I connect big time I hoop and holler out loud after getting off the phone with someone! I wish you all the best. –Peter
LinkedIn is a good tool. Try the advanced search for a company you are interested in learning about. If it is a large company there may be other veterans who you can set up informational interviews with. Be sure to update your profile with all relevant info.
What are you trying to accomplish? How are you creating value for those in your network? Why should someone network with you? What is the terminal or long term objective? I'm happy to discuss further by phone. Without knowing more about you and what your trying to accomplish I cannot make any recommendations. How does your calendar look next week?
Thank You
Kit
312-344-0999
Hello John, thank you for your military service.
First a simply way, make a list of all the people you know and are related to. Prepare what you are going to say and call them asking for their help (people still like to help people). Tell them you are seeking a position as whatever. Do they know of anyone who might need someone with you skill and leadership learned in the military. Write everything down and follow up on each and every lead. You never know who may have the lead: it could be your mailman. Networking is complex. Not only do you have to find names and people, but more importantly you have to find ones with the heart to help you. People also have a soft spot for military so mention that. I hope this helps.
Then there is linkedin.com. When you link with people ask to meet them at a coffee shop to make that personal connection. The next best thing to inperson is the phone. Put up a profile with photo on linked in. And good luck.
Beth O'Neill
John
Networking really is all about developing personal relationships that once established, can provide you with an entry to introduce your business to the person in your network. You can’t just throw out a linked in or Facebook page and hope for great results. Its a winnowing process of putting many people in a funnel and at the bottom of it comes a small group of people who may be interested in what you do. Is your business compelling enough to get people on line to take a look?
For example, here is a website with a business idea that provides a national service that can be done in multiple states from your home, that provides a strong rationale to develop a personal network.
if it makes sense and you want to talk about networking, contact me.
Dr. Dan
I second many of the other answers in the thread.
1) Read "How to Win Friends..." They key message as much as making good conversation is that you give to get. Take a genuine interest in people, they'll repay you in spades.
2) Don't add Linkedin contacts at random or network just to network. Do it with a purpose. You may or may not know what is the right career for you yet, but investigate a theory and find contacts to help you. If you think software sales may be a good fit, find someone on Linkedin who seems like they may be open to telling you about it. Maybe someone from your hometown or state, or certainly someone from your branch of the military - someone with common ground, or just someone who seems like they want to help people.
3) Use existing contacts when you have a very specific way they can help you. Remember they have social capital with every one of their relationships and put them in position to spend it wisely with you and not regret it. And of course make sure you leave a good impression with the person they introduce you to.
A few thoughts...
Be sure to check state and federal govt hiring websites. My state Indiana has a job bank of openings, and you can apply online. If you're interested in correctional officer jobs there are usually openings in this job in about every state and county. Federal correctional officer jobs usually pay quite a bit more than state. The job is an adventure, that's for sure. TSA may be hiring security positions. Its important to make followup calls to the places you've applied. If you can get through to the Human Resources Officer wherever you've applied do it. Let them know you really want the job they posted. It is true, the squeeky wheel,....you know. Good luck and thanks for your service to the nation.
John,
I'm putting together an article/blog post on Veterans and Networking so I thought it was timely and appropriate to drop it here. Let me know what you think.
Why Veterans Screw-up Networking
We veterans look at networking all wrong, probably due to how we were trained in the military. We mistakenly think that in the military our assignments and career success is fixed and determined by the personnel department, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you really think about it, remember some of the best of our comrades in arms were actually great networkers within the military. You remember the guy that always knew everyone and everyone loved him. He was a networker. I can site countless times that networking has landed me a job or opportunity. But early on, I was like everyone else and did not like it or believe that it worked. The thing about networking is it's like chow, it's continuous. Or PT, you can't work-out really hard once a month, you have to do it on a regular basis like showering. The most important thing about networking is it will pay off when you least expect it and in a way you never imagined. You can't go to a specific meeting to meet a specific person and hope that individual is going to offer you a job. It is much more of an art form and definitely a long game. Networking is one of those things that you may not fully appreciate and understand until you see it pay off. It's like faith, you have to believe in it without proof that it works.
I think most of us military types have the wrong idea about networking. If you go into a networking event with the expectation that you are going to get something out of it then you are approaching the situation all wrong. Start with the attitude that you are there to actually meet people, instead of talking about yourself, ask others about themselves, be curious. The greatest conversation technique from "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is to get other people talking about themselves and they will remember you as a great conversationalist. Hard to believe, but it works.
This is how networking plays out: You meet Mark at a social event, turns out Mark is kinda weird and annoying but you end up having a long conversation with him and he asks you for your business card. (You do have a business card, right?) Two months later, a friend introduces you to Dave. You end up liking Dave quite a bit because Dave wants to go into the same line of work that you do. Dave's best friend is Jeff. Jeff has been trying to do business with a company but can't get past the gate keepers. He mentions the owner is kinda weird and annoying and as it turns out, yep, he's talking about Mark that you met 2 months ago. You call Mark since you also have his business card and get Jeff in the door and ultimately Jeff ends up doing big business with Mark and his company. A year later you are getting out of the military and looking for a job. You talk to Jeff and he offers you a job on the spot. Boom! Sounds crazy but that is how networking works.
- 78% of jobs are made through referrals
- You have a 1 in a 100 chance of getting a job from a resume
- Transition is a family affair
- Humility is more important than competence
Now go get some!
http://www.veteranonthemove.com
Joe Crane
I have found success on LinkedIn using my existing network and continuing to develop.
I have found success on LinkedIn using my existing network and continuing to develop.
...Everyone is different....but don't be annoying....
referral on places lick linked in......hiring managers don't really count those....its nice when others say how good you are , but hiring managers are leary of them
John: Perhaps if you identify companies/industries that specifically are of interest to you - you may join their group on LinkedIn and network with veterans on this site. Our organization has a group - Anthem, Inc. Military Veterans on LinkedIn - great way to find someone doing the work you aspire - network with ideas of how to grow your own career! Of course everyone is busy and we "own" our respective job searches. However veteran members will be happy to share their story and provide insights!
Hi John,
Rapport for referrals is on going. For myself, first impressions matters, no matter what your personal gain is. The same can be said for networking. The likelihood for you to get recommendation depends on your impression towards them. Have you try social media that tailors to career development like LindedIn?
I would first try in your inner circle first. The people around you everyday and your fellow service members. I always talk about and ask about open opportunities. You will never know who can offer what or knows who can. In addition, I would try to remember my resume and know your strength and weaknesses. There are online sites that provide self assessment and career assessments.
I hope this helped.
Thien
John, by referrals do mean people who will recommend you for a position or people who can recommend a position to you?
What is you goal? Who will your network serve? If you have time for a call today or in the next week or so I have a lot of questions. The purpose of those questions is to see if I can help you or refer you to someone who can.
Thank You
Kit
312-344-0999
Great questions. I have some recommendations.
1. But the book called Re-Inventing You by Dorie Clark. It specifically addresses how to network across multiple platforms. It has been incredibly helpful and enlightening.
2. When you reach to someone that you don't know directly, ask for their help by asking about their experiences. People are more apt to tell you their story, because to put it simply, people like talking about themselves. So ask questions like, "I saw on your LinedIn profile that you are a veteran and hold a great position at your company. I'd love to hear how you succeeded and what you think helped you the most."
3. Make sure you have a clear objective in mind. Are you targeting a specific career path? Are you targeting a specific position? Make sure your deliberate in the impression you leave. If you want an inside sales job, then highlight during conversations why you are a good fit for that. Put it in the title of your LinkedIn profile and summary. Don't make people guess at your intentions.
Good luck with everything.
Simple...
1. Tell your Facebook friends you are looking and ask for help introductions. NOT FOR A JOB!!! Ask to have a coffee or phone call because you are interested in that type of business and want to speak with an expert in the field. People love to be asked.
2. Local groups...go to Rotary, Chamber of Commerce anywhere business people are. It really hard but you will get immediate result if you are sincere and your approach is not "hire me" but I am interested in what you do.
3. LinkedIn - get your profile up...keep it short and sincere. DON'T TRY TO LINK WITH EVERYONE THAT MAKES YOU LOOK DESPERATE. Think of LinkedIn as your online work personality...a quick look to confirm this person is "real" and has done something of value.
I agree with those above recommending "in person" networking. That's the best way to grow your network in a meaningful way. Join a Chamber of Commerce, attend a business networking event, brush up on your skills at a free or low cost training opportunity, connect to your local college group, find a volunteer or mentoring opportunity, and check out the active veterans groups in your area -- TeamRWB, Mission Continues, etc.
Adding Linkedin on top of that can strengthen and lengthen your network. After you meet someone in person, they may have connections personally or through Linkedin that could assist you. Don't hesitate to speak up and ask for what you are looking for -- in person or online. When you "network" go into it with a plan -- a few bullets of who you are and what you are looking for. You'll be surprised how many people will be happy to connect you with someone they know.
Like many responses to your question there are different approaches to networking. I transitioned out of the Navy in Ovtober. I knew how important networking was so I started telling everyone my story in terms what I was looking for and what my future plans were. I volunteered at the local veterans service organizations and helped with a few special projects within city government. I attended job fairs, went to the local no bank and introduced myself to recruiters. My goal was to have face to face interaction or at least a phone call. after I met someone face to face, I sent the a connect request on LinkedIn and followed up with a personalized email thanking them for their time.
During my transition, I applied for jobs through traditional methods and had several interviews, but no solid job offers. The offer I did receive was because of my networking - the hiring manager's boss had met me while I was involved in a special project.
Good luck.
/R
Jim
I recommend you put your profile on Linkedin. It is a good place to network with other professionals.
I am a broker and networking is important. Kind of hard starting from scratch, but LinkedIn can help with that. After you register, you can see others or even companies that match your profile. Pretty useful tool to have.
Hi John - you can start with these websites:
1. LinkedIn.com
2. Indeed.com
3. SimplyHired.com
4. Monster.com
5. Glassdoor.com
6. Idealist.com
7. Internships.com
8. USAJobs.com
9. The Wall Street Journal Careers site
10. Dice.com
For LinkedIn, I personally only connect with people that I know or that I have worked with in the past. But, I heard of sales and marketing folks connecting with whoever.
With ALL that you do online, I would keep it professional. Just remember, everything you do online cane be saved. For example, not sure if you ever heard of the Wayback Machine: http://archive.org/web/
- Rino
If you are looking for sheer volume then you sound like you are on the right path. However, more important that just getting numbers of people is getting the right people who will be able to support you. You will be more effective in promoting yourself if the supporters that you meet professionally are able to fully support your professional endeavor. You actually may be able to increase contacts more effectively and get more effective contacts.
John, Lots of good advice here. It takes time. The best way to build rapport with people is to be a "giver." That is, reach out to help others in your network. Join as many LinkedIn groups as you can and participate. When you meet another person face to face or online, try to think of ways to help them. Much of the time it would be a matter of trying to connect them with someone else in your network. People remember those things and often feel an obligation to help you in return. Even if they don't, it's good karma!
People recognize "takers" immediately and are less likely to help them.
My gut tells me that in-person networking is more valuable than online networking. The exception would be if you already have an established business relationship with each other and you continue your contacts online. I would start by building business relationships in person with attendance at events, meetings and volunteering with others. Then you can connect with the person online and continue the relationship online. You should be very subtle and genuinely interested in the other person and what they do. People have approached me in non-subtle ways that made it clear they were only interested in what I could do for them. That does not send a positive message for you.
Jon,
I don't think you need a network of referrals as much as you need to build a circle of support which you could do through informational interviews.
If you find a company or more importantly, a job position you are interested in, even if there is no opening, call and ask for 30 minutes to learn about the role.
Most are gracious to help, start with HR and even ask if they could point you in the right direction. If you are at a place now and want to know about other positions there, that would be easier to reach out to the director of that particular group.
Good luck,
Debbie
Don hit it square on the head. Being a resource will never get you what you want if you don't tell them but also be very specific. You are looking for a career as a Financial Advisor (per your profile), are you networking where you can meet other advisors. Funny is as an advisor, I don't know where that is because I don't network with other advisors. I network with attorneys.
John - join your local Chamber of Commerce and you will be exposed to a lot of different companies, you will get to know people and I believe it is a great way to expand your networking other than just social media. I think social media is good, but face to face is always better in my mind. I belong to our Chamber and we have luncheons, guest speakers and I have learned so much and met so many great strategic partners in business. Good luck to you Sir.
_Barb
John:
I would recommend you pursue people in careers you are interested in and ask if they might answer a few questions on the phone or preferably in person. When you ask people if you can interview them it takes the pressure off both of you. It's not a formal job interview and they will have a hard time saying "no" to someone who has some general questions about their career field. The conversation might go like, "I'm considering a career in ______________ and researching the kinds of skills necessary for this field. It would really be helpful if I could ask a few questions. Would you be open to a phone conversation or meeting in the next week or two?" I think your questions should involve things like ; "What does your average day consist of?" "What do you like about your job?" "What don't you like?" "What kind of skills are necessary?" "If you were in my shoes, what would you recommend I do?" "Who else would you recommend I talk to? Could you provide and introduction?"
Hi John, Lots of great advice. From my experience, develop a plan around how you want to use your professional skills, which industries/businesses interest you and then narrow your networking search. Networking does mean asking for advice, not a job. Strengthen your LinkedIn profile and examine all the contacts that you have into categories that fit your plan. It does take time, so be patient and persistent. When you do make contact, ask for permission to follow up. This will aide in setting up the expectation that you will stay fresh in your network's line sight.
Hi John,
I'd say "yes, and ..."
In-person networking is typically going to get you better results than online (when you shake someone's hand, and look them in the eye, they get a real feel for you that online cannot offer).
Having said that, you absolutely MUST have a strong LinkedIn profile, these days, as others have said, above. The very FIRST place that most hiring managers, recruiters, and HR Managers go to look someone up is on LinkedIn ... because it is a way to Verify you. If you have hundreds of connections, dozens of whom have Endorsed or Recommended you, then you are "real". Conversely, if you are a "ghost" online ... or your profile is poor/ incomplete, people will pass you by for someone they can instantly verify.
Feel free to PM me if you are having trouble with your profile (there is almost too much info out there to sift through it effectively). Or check out my series on job hunting, here: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/heathergillbanks
Hi John,
When I separated from the Army (1970 - not a good time for soldiers to be looking for work) I used in-person contact/networking to ultimately (after six months of pavement pounding) find a job through a college acquaintance. Later in my career, I continued one-on-one contact and added online contact to the mix. I never made a good connect with online tools, came close with an agency - always found a job by meeting people in person. I would start today by contacting friends, joining local professional organizations, join AMVETs and VFW, and starting a conversation.
John the place to do your networking is through LinkedIn. Most people really don't know the power of Linkedin. Here is a link that I share with my clients that will give you some on the real Ninja tricks in using this powerful referral network.
1) Using LinkedIn more effectively -click on this link:
2) http://portal.sliderocket.com/AHKHS/My-Presentation-1102214 the pass code is : Financial Partners (case sensitive) be sure to put a space between Financial and Partners
Warmly,
Bob
Jon, continue to use social media to connect. Identify 2-3 industries or companies that are VET friendly and target connection. Contact your local unemployment office VET rep to provide employer contact as well. Finally, get your life insurance license while your waiting for the job connection. I get help. I live in NJ
Jon I did not locate you in a quick search on LinkedIn? Social media is very powerful and if you wish to gain an edge you will need to hook up with a powerful market yourself profile. Join groups, maybe ask questions. Be sincere and honest about gathering information, which you should be. Look at some informational interviews, get to know your career field's language and then learn about it from the folks inside. If you are honestly seeking knowledge about a career and the transition, people like to help people learn. Sooner than later you will run into some one who knows some one that will have you send a resume. If that is the intent out of the gate, you and another 5 million people are looking for new jobs every day. Seek information.
John,
I know many hiring managers in my company, and I appreciate their trust. Therefore, I would not refer just anyone to one of their job openings. My reputation is on the line when I refer someone. Therefore, in order for me to feel comfortable refering someone for a job opening, at a minimum, I would need to meet with the person and get a sense of their background and fit.
After your informational interview with someone, I suggest emailing your resume along with a simple note (e.g., "Thank you for meeting with me...I am of course pursuing the standard approach for applying for Job XYZ in your company, but if you feel comfortable passing my resume along to the hiring manager, I would very much appreciate it."). It's best to do the research on your own about job openings and then be specific in your request about the job you are seeking.
You won't necessarily know if the person forwarded your resume to the hiring manager (and you should not ask). That said, if the person is respected in the company and forwards your resume to the hiring manager with a few positive sentences, it can significantly increase your chances of a call-back.
As a hiring manager, I often rely on my recruiting department to review the hundreds of resumes submitted and present me with the top 10-20. However, if I get a strong referral from someone in my company, I always review the resume and often try to contact the person out of courtesy.
Hi John,
I think a lot of networking comes down to 1- What do you want to do? 2- Who do you want to work for? 3- What information are you looking from that person?
Building trust with people is vital to somebody referring somebody for employment. I'd love you to answer those first 3 questions I listed and maybe I can put you on a clearer path.
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