Thanks, Gayle! I agree – sincerity in the “hook” is important. The important thing, I think, is to start thinking about the connection rather than the endpoint (what you WANT). If everyone did that, networking would be a lot easier! I appreciate you stopping by.

Your suggestion to be a good listener and hear the “hook” is very sound indeed but of course must be done naturally and sincerely with true interest. Don’t you hate it when some people continually use your name in such a way that it sounds like they fear that if they don’t use it every third word they’ll forget it?

Or when people get the “hook” about you but use it so insincerely it shows their utter lack of interest in you personally? For instance, a networker finds out you have a child who is really into soccer. Every time the networker calls you, he refers to your kid who loves soccer, except for the fact that you told him five years ago that your kid now plays tennis. So it’s an insincere hook; he’s written it down or committed it to memory but hasn’t cared enough to note that things have changed and says it to you every single time so you can have the same conversation every single time! That does not come under the banner of making a personal connection and doesn’t move the relationship much!

Love your posts as always Miriam!

What great ideas! I love the Google alert for new contacts. Everyone should have one set up for themselves, but never thought about it for people you want to “follow” outside social networking sites. Brilliant info!
.-= Dawn Bugni´s last blog ..Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays? =-.

Your point about sending a hand-written card during the holidays is a good one. The holidays give you a great opportunity to make everything a little bit more personal. Someone who sends a hand-written note to a colleague or networking contact is sure to be remembered.

Thank you for not only the reminder of the importance of follow-up, but guidance on the ‘hows’ and the etiquette of impactful and courteous follow-up.

Another great post – here’s ‘cheers’ to many more joint-collaborations, Miriam!

Happy Holiday!

Jacqui

Thanks again for all your work with the Career Collective,
Laurie

Hi. Excellent tips. I especially liked “Set a Google alert for the name of the person you met and/or the name of their company.”

I would have never thought of that. How innovative and techie. Additionally, all the tips sound so strategic yet will help exude genuine care.

Thanks for co-founding the Careercollective.net – what a wonderful group of thought-leading career experts!

Happy Holidays!
.-= Rosa Elizabeth Vargas´s last blog ..Holiday Resume Sparkle: Outshine the New Year Job-Search Mob =-.

Great points! I particularly appreciate your point about listening and creating opportunities to keep the conversation with your network alive. It’s the follow up and follow through that will help us build a strong network so crucial to career success!

Happy Holidays!

Megan Fitzgerald