THREE NETWORKING TIPS For $100,000+ JOBS: Make Networking Work For you
NETWORKING TIPS YOU MAY NOT HAVE USED
You have already accepted Networking as a way of life and you engage in some form of outreach weekly. For those of you after $100,000+ jobs, the rules are different. You need more than a name and email address of contacts. There is a fine line between excellent, classy networking and spamming. Here’s how to make networking work for you.
1. Sign up for news feeds that feature the names of key people (and companies) on your networking priority list. Stay informed on topics of interest to your contacts and occasionally, send an article or link based on what you learn. Demonstrate you are interested in and knowledgeable about their arena by sharing only those things germane to their niche.
2. Don’t spam. When you send something to a contact, be sure it is on point. I receive emails from “networking” contacts that have nothing to do with my business, my niche or my interests. These people lose any credibility with me; in fact, I have blocked a few people based on their poor choices regarding what I want to know about.
If you want to send something and are not certain it will resonate, say so. “I saw this and while I am not sure it is on point for you, wanted to hear your thoughts,” goes a long way towards mitigating the, “I am randomly sending things to you to remind you I am out here,” perception.
Be sure to send links rather than attachments. Most people ignore attachments from people they do not know well and a link allows them the choice of when to take a look. Make your subject and email message compelling, and you will have done enough.
3. Enlarge the topic. When you attend a networking function learn your contacts’ other interests. Come prepared with “conversations starters” that have nothing to do with the topic at hand, but which will be of general interest. I read an article in Forbes on “Gray is the new Green” on alternative energy. Everyone has an opinion on the topic so mention of this particular point of view enlivened the conversation and forged a deeper bond with all participants.
One contact in my network is a high end motorcycle enthusiast. I found a test ride/article on a $120,000 bike which I forwarded. My contact appreciated the outreach and responded with a much warmer email than any business news article has garnered.
For people engaged in a search for a $100,000+ job, amped up networking techniques are a requirement to stand out from the crowd. There is a lot of competition for the same jobs and there is nothing like the personal touch to make your name rise to the top of consideration for your next big job.
Themocracy