Networking - You can't do it if you don't show up

Nov/10

Networking - You can’t do it if you don’t show up

by ReThinkHR.org | Leadership, Work, HR & Inspiration by @BenjaminMcCall under Career, Human Resources, Job Search

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I presented at an event yesterday, No Job Now What, that was sponsored by a local Job Search Focus Group and WCPO Channel 9. I discussed the topic of “Networking.” Now while this is something that many people have opinions on, I presented from my own perspective and what I have learned from tried and true methods.

A few people throughout the day had some perceptions about networking while also being in “transition.” Some had no idea how to create a network from scratch, while others did not know how to approach their current network and friends as a result of the comfort level of being unemployed. One comment was…

“So you think it is worth joining various groups like a job search group? I just don’t see the point with most of them being unemployed and talking mostly about how long they have been out of work..”

First of all shr said “most of them” which assumes that she is in a somewhat different class of being out of work rather then other people who are unemployed! Does that even make sense?

My response to her was … “How do you know that’s what they talk about… have you ever attended?”
Her response “well no I haven’t but…”
Me… “No… How do you know? You don’t, because how would you know what they talk about if you never attended. If you never tried…”

Too many people assume what goes on. They make assumptions about people and groups without being a part of them.

Here are some points we discussed in the session:

Mistakes people make
Do a self assessment: Why are you networking
Be remembered
Be Strategic
Be Human: You’re not on an elevator
Be Noticed
Be considered the expert
Have Focus for where you are unique in your field
Be Authentic
Be Honest
Update your core network: Let them know how you are doing and ask them how they are too!

I have included my slides and a video story from WCPO on my own search when I was looking for a job. Hope you enjoy.

Note on the video: I think it is funny how those reporting sound so amazed that companies are posting positions on social network sites. IT’S AMAZING>>>!! In my interview we talked about A LOT of stuff and the social media piece is all they ended up focusing on. (My search was not as simple as it sounds but it’s all good)!

Approaches to Networking

View more presentations from Benjamin McCall.

(Click to view WCPO story for Reader)

Comments

comments

job search, LinkedIn, Network, ReThinkHR, Social Media, twitter, WCPO

Anonymous

Thank you Jennifer. Although I never like the way I look on video or in pictures I think they did a good job with the story. It takes them a lot of work to do just 90 seconds!
Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Anonymous

Ditto! People initial perceptions should not get in the way of their continued actions.
Thanks for the comment Juile. Have a great Thanksgiving
Julie Johnson

So true, Ben. You can’t judge something before you actually give it a try!
http://www.cincyrecruiter.com/ Jennifer McClure

Awesome presentation Ben - and a really nice profile on Channel 9! Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned with others and helping them to find jobs. It’s great to see you continue to give back and getting some recognition for your efforts!