Just 3 months ago a good friend was telling me: “I don’t really understand why you are wasting so much time doing stuff on the net, networking, blogging, building your presence, … I don’t need that”.
He was saying that from a solid permanent position at a global leading manufacturer of data communications equipment. “Well, networking, both on line and off line, and building a network of professional contacts is something that has no obvious direct return in the short term. But, along the road, maintaining cordial communications with old providers, clients, peers … may benefit you OR you may be able to help others, which is also another form of personal benefit.”
- Nah, not for me, he concluded.
Just a couple of weeks, he called me: His solid permanent position had been made redundant. “You are an expert – help me out: where should I start looking for a job? Should I be on linkedin? How do I connect with senior executives at my competitor?”.
This must have been my friend's face two weeks ago
Now it’s all rush. Networking has to be taken seriously and you need to professionally approach new contacts. You can maybe ask them how they are doing, go for a coffee and network off-line as well and talk a little about everything. Of course some business topics will be mixed in elegantly.
On the other hand, an invitation to network or connect out of the blue with an obvious rush or making people feel used is one of the most unprofessional approach that you will make and the first impression that you will make will be very poor (and remember you only make ONE first impression). On top of that, chances of being successful -find information, introduce yourself to be considered for future positions, …- are very little.
So, start NOW! build your network. Go for coffees, never eat alone (that is also the name of a book), gradually but constantly connect with new professionals in and out of your field. You never now when you’ll need a painter, a telecoms engineer or a connection to the Senior Hiring Manager at your competitor …
