Answer True or False for each of these statements:
1. If I make a good first impression, my contacts will stay in touch with me.
False. It takes 6-8 interactions for people to remember you and for you to “register” on their radar screen. Even if you make a great impression when you meet someone, it’s rare that they would stay in touch with you, without your follow up. It’s important to stay in touch and continue to get to know them and to teach them what you do and what types of leads/resources you are looking for. It’s equaly important to continue to get to know them, and to learn more about their strengths and networking needs.
2. I only need to focus on face to face networking.
False. You need to use social media in addition to face-to-face in order to build therelationships. With the average American having 250 business contacts, it’s virtually impossible to stay in touch and develop relationships with everyone. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitterare excellent ways to stay in touch and get better acqauinted.
3. If you appeal to a potential contact’s need to feel important by asking for advice and help, you’ll surely land an appointment.
True and False! People in general are good, and are willing to help, but more importantly: Don’t kid yourself that they are sitting around waiting for job searchers to call and ask for help on their marketing plans. It’s a two-way street. GIVE them a WIIFM for what you can do for them. People are networking more these days. There are only so many hours in a day. So, you can’t just say “Fred suggested that we meet.” Fred can give you an intro, but you have to give your contact a WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) for WHY should they take their time to meet with you/what you can do for them.
4. I’ve got job security, so I don’t need to network.
False. Information has never changed faster, so to stay up on the latest information, trends and best pratices and to succeed in your job, you need to leverage your face-to-face and social networks. Old School: Networking is a necessary evil for job seekers. New School: Networking is the way to get an edge and stay current on the latest information.
5. Talk about your personal life, when networking; don’t always keep conversations strictly business-related.
True. We’re all multi-faceted, people are drawn to those that have similar interests. So ask people what they like to do when they are not working. Share your latest hobbies and ambitions. It’s a way to show people what you are all about and you may even make a new friend or exercise partner.
How did you do? Did you get all 5 right?
If you did, jot me a note in the comment form on this blog, along with your name and I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a free book, Make Your Contacts Count.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Sue, I always find your information useful.
I got 4 questions right. The insight is very valuable and I am looking forward to increasing my networking knowledge. I think the book will be an important addition to my knowledge. Keep up the great work! Informing and educating others is a noble endeavor.
Thanks!
I got all four correct and would love to read this book. I have been networking every way possible and expanding my network through LinkedIn and Facebook and also with every person I talk to. You really do need to make your network work for you.
Well, I got them all correct. I guess its because I was into the “networking” thing long before it was fashionable. I was “downsized” (remember that term) the first time in 1991. My circle of friends, co-workers, business associates, community service partners, etc were my source of support and guidance to a new job. I didn’t call it networking, it was just life. What I learned was not only receive but GIVE BACK.. Since those days I have always been there to help those who have lost their job, needed a resume brush up, or just some one to chat with to get them back on their career path. I have been blessed with two great careers and now in my mid 50′s am starting a third. Networking, life or whatever we want to call is so vital that without it, I am not sure where my professional life would have went. So yes, pay it forward and let other benefit from the path you have already tread. Skip
Sue,
Thanks for being active in the August Group.
I have been a member of the August Group for almost 7 years, with two periods when I was job hunting(one long, one short). I continue to make myself available for networking meetings.
The biggest mistake I see people make is violating the WIIFM rule.
If you only network when you need something your reputation will reflect that. That reputation can be built when you only network when you are out of work. Remember: “Give to Get”
You must also do more than just go through the motions of networking. As it says above, it takes 6 – 8 interactions to register on someone’s radar screen. I often have networking meetings and never hear from the person again. You need to use a mix of face to face meetings and social media.
There is an delicate but important balance to be sought. You need the 6 – 8 interactions to be remembered, but you also have to take into account the contact’s average of 250 business contacts, plus their personal contacts. The best contacts are those that become both professional and personal. I have a developed a small group through TAG and elsewhere that are both.
Second best are business contacts that you have developed a relationship with. You want to be someone they think of when they hear of an opportunity.
Doug
In Sales, sophisticated networking is just as valuable as consultation expertise and product knowledge. I would love to read your book.
I got 4.5 correct. (I didn’t choose true and false for #3.) I appreciate the reminder of how important it is to consider the other person’s point-of-view and to make sure the networking effort is worthwhile for them, as well as for myself.