There are so many great ways, but since I had LinkedIn’s Answers on the brain, I replied:

Using LinkedIn’s Answers is one way to expand  potential connections. Often, when I ask a question, people who answer it will request to connect, or if I answer a question, people who asked it may request that we “link in.” If you are asking and answering questions related to your field, you may “meet” people who could be great networking contacts you wouldn’t otherwise know.

A lot of our colleagues offered great ideas to help you find people via LinkedIn on Hannah’s blog. Be sure to visit CareerSherpa.com for all the suggestions!

photo by 99zeros

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Don’t miss the opportunity to talk to people who may have information (and those you don’t think have any information for you at all)!

For a limited time, I’m offering a copy of my ebook, Drive Your Own Career Bus -  Networking for Success, for FREE to subscribers to my blog at Keppie Careers. Subscribers receive an email once a week with my Keppie Careers blog posts. All you need to do is follow THIS LINK and enter your email address. Then, you’ll receive a confirmation notice. Once you confirm, you’ll be subscribed and will receive the link to my free ebook. It is full of advice, tips and tricks to get you through in good networking shape.

What a deal!

Don’t delay, this offer is limited. My marketing team thinks I should sell this report, so take advantage now before I change my mind!

Don’t forget that Keppie Careers offers many services to help you get your job hunt on track. Stop wasting your time! Learn more about me and how I can HELP YOU get your job search on track!

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Practical Tips to Help Optimize Your Online Network 

The possibilities to connect are endless:  Blogs, networking sites such as linkedin.com and large and small social networks provide opportunities to “meet” professionals from every industry.  How should you take advantage of the possibilities?

Blogs
Identify the key bloggers in your industry.  Who has their finger on the pulse of your working world?  Read their blogs and, whenever possible, make intelligent comments and suggestions.  Simply agreeing or saying “nice post” doesn’t count!  Take some time to try to add to the conversation.  When you become a regular contributor, you will begin to form a community of people who recognize you and value your opinions.

Consider authoring your own blog!  The Wall Street Journal article, How Blogs are Changing the Recruiting Landscape, reports that one recruitment manager spends one to two hours a week searching blogs for potential hires.  In three years, blogs helped him fill 125 corporate jobs. Only take this on if you are willing to work at putting together something professional.  If your blog is sloppily done, it could hurt you.  Blogging about your industry can be a great way to gain a positive reputation.

Organize a Social Network 
If you have the time, consider organizing a social networking site online.  It could be an offshoot of another site or in response to your in-person networking.  If you see a need or a niche, taking the time and effort to fill it may get you noticed!

Linkedin
This site is a goldmine of information, networking resources and potential job opportunities.

Industry Specific Groups
Consider joining several industry specific networking groups.   This association  directory can help get you thinking about organizations in your arena.

Etiquette 
As you join social networks, chat rooms and groups, be sure to observe (lurk) before you chime in with your 2 cents worth.  You will come across more professionally if you understand the etiquette of a site before you inject your opinions.

Don’t forget that networking isn’t only about what you can get from others.  What goes around comes around – be sure that you make the effort to extend yourself in your networks.  Help someone else!  Provide a suggestion, a resource or an answer to a question.  If nothing else, it is good karma! 

Your Reputation
As you put your name out there, be sure to keep track of how you are being indexed in search engines.  Google your name.  If anything negative comes up,  Lindsey Pollak’s  blog suggests checking out  reputationdefender.com.  This company promises to get rid of unflattering online content.  Since many employers are supplementing reference checks with online searches, this may be a valuable tool. 

Another great idea from Lindsey’s blog is to sign up for Google Alerts on your name. Google will e-mail you every time you are  indexed, and you can keep track of your virtual reputation.

Consider the following tips that apply both to on- and off-line networking: 

• Don’t wait until you are looking for a job to begin networking.
• All leads are worth pursuing.
• Set networking goals.  Prioritize and focus. 
• Stay organized. Keep track of contacts, what you have learned and who referred you where.  (This can be especially important in the online world, where networks will intertwine.) 
• Research and be prepared.
• Always send a thank you note to everyone who helps you.  Cyberspace contacts appreciate knowing they had a positive impact, even if their comments or suggestions were not targeted to you.  If someone’s blog or suggestion helps you, let them know!
• Write professionally.  Spell check and use proper grammar.
• Be genuine, enthusiastic and confident in all networking communications.
• Keep adding to your contact list and continue networking, even when you have a job.

Stay tuned for how to optimize your in-person career networking! 

keppiecareers.com…We advise, encourage, enlighten!

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Obstacles to Networking 

I don’t like to ask for help…

Many ask me, “Isn’t this about “using” people?”
Networking is not about using people; it’s about plugging into the job market.  When you network, you are looking for information and advice from those who know it best. Most people can and will provide helpful answers to your questions and guidance, and are only too glad to do so if asked the right way.

I’m just not an outgoing person…
That’s okay! You don’t have to change your personality type to be successful at networking. The goal is to project a confident, articulate and professional demeanor. If you prepare yourself to be confident about your goals and skills, you should be able to better project confidence and professionalism in your own way.

Some Suggestions:
Role play – Practice “working a room” and chit-chatting
Prepare things to talk about in advance in social situations
Have a list of questions or topics to discuss
RESEARCH – What you need to know and who knows it?

What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Maybe you’ll encounter someone who won’t want to help you. That’s okay.  Ideally, you’ll ask them if they can suggest someone else who may be able to answer some questions for you.  Most of the time, you will at least be able to get a referral from someone who isn’t interested in helping! Don’t let fear or shyness get in the way of your job search.

Shy or Introverted Networkers
There are some terrific points for shy or introverted networkers on Lindsey Pollak’s blog.  Lindsey is the author of Getting from College to Career.  Her ideas apply to all potential networkers.  The advice (above) about networking encourages shy people to act outgoing.  Lindsey’s article, Why Shy People Make Great Networkers reminds these networkers of their great innate traits.

In summary, shy and introverted people ask for personal referrals, tend to be polite, are good listeners, bring a friend to networking events and leverage their on-line contacts – all great indicators of a successful networker! (Thanks, Lindsey for those timely points!)

Cultural Factors
In the U.S, contacting people you may not know for information is acceptable and expected. However, in other cultures, even the most polite networking may be considered rude and disrespectful. If your cultural assumptions prohibit networking, and you are looking for a job in the U.S., you may want to work with a trusted friend or adviser to strategize about how you can take advantage of networking. For those networking with people of various cultures, remember how cultural differences influence communication.

Stay tuned for specific, practical networking strategies in the next installment in the Networking series.

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Many new job seekers or people who haven’t looked for a job in a long time may not know about the “Hidden Job Market.”  Sounds sinister, but all it really means is that most (70 – 80% or more!) of jobs aren’t actually filled with people applying to a job posting or announcement; they are filled via personal connections.

Since 70-80% is a huge number of jobs, it’s a good idea to get on this networking bandwagon! Networking is a huge topic, and I have tons to say on the subject, but since we are coming up on a holiday, let’s leave it at this:

You will probably be out and about this week celebrating the New Year and potentially meeting new people  Take the opportunity to think about how you can work your career plans and goals into the festive conversations you’ll have.

How can you introduce yourself with an eye toward seeing if there is a potential career link with your new acquaintance.  Ask someone about their New Year’s Resolution, and then tell them yours:

You hope to use your skills and experiences in _____________ to move into a position doing ______________.

If they are interested in your field or know something about it, they may ask you for more details. Consider pre-planning a 30-second infomercial for yourself!  What do you have to offer?

You never know where you’ll meet the professional connection that will link you to a new opportunity.

Stay tuned for more on the crucial topic of networking! Happy New Year!

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