Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

IT ISN’T EASY, BUT IT IS SIMPLE

Reluctance to network and poor networking techniques are the most common barriers to landing new employment quickly. Statistics show over 75% of jobs are filled through networking: Not ads, not job boards.

While proper networking is simple, it is not easy. To make networking less of a challenge, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Accept that people want to help. Help them understand what you need. Know what you can do for them in return.

2. Craft an elevator pitch to tell the world what you do, how you do it and why you are successful. No more, not less. “I am a project manager who delivers quality products on time and on budget because I create intradepartmental dialogue.”

3. Examine who you already know and include:

• Friends
• Previous employers
• Your references
• Any service providers or vendors
• Synagogue or Church, cultural associations
• Hobby groups and golf buddies
• Volunteer associates
• Your doctor, dentist and real estate professionals
• Your significant other’s connections

4. Ask for specifics and offer justification for your request. “I develop quality C++ code and have delivered seven SaaS projects on time and on budget. Can you introduce me to three companies who are creating SaaS applications?”

Tailor your request to the audience. You may ask for introductions to people who know where those companies are or you might want to get connected to people who do what you do in hopes they can pass on leads to you.

Once you know what to say and how to say it, you can overcome your networking challenges. For a step by step guide to effective networking:  Networking Debugged can be purchased here:

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