Networking - The Machinery That Drives All Business

Networking is the machinery that drives all business, including the business of managing your own career as its CEO.

By now most professionals know that there are certain “ground rules” to be observed in business networking. For example, the focus needs to be on “what can I do for you?” rather than “what can you do for me?” You must learn to extend yourself first, tackle someone else’s problem, or use some special expertise to help them if help is requested.

Most of us have also heard of the individuals who can’t quite grasp the concept of reciprocity and plow into first-time connections with the force of a bulldozer. Their emphasis is clearly on “me, me” and they are not very subtle about it. Most would-be connections do an abrupt about-face to keep such “networking jerks” far off of their trail.

If you’re wondering what the connection is between proper networking and the job search, it’s this: Your job search will be as successful as the network of relationships you build to help you reach advocates. Networkers gain good, solid exposure by constantly putting themselves “out there” and offering help or guidance as it’s needed or requested. That exposure translates into visibility, one of the most valuable assets a job seeker can have. When you’re visible, when you’re a known and recognized entity within a network, when you’re comfortable about sharing your personal brand with others, you effectively put yourself in the crosshairs of recruiters and decision-makers. The more visible you are, the higher your chances for making the strategic connections that need to be made to get you “inside the company’s front door.”

I'll see you on the radio this and every Sunday morning at 8am (EST) on Your Career Is Calling on 107.7 FM and online on www.1077TheBronc.com. This week we discuss “Extreme Job Search” – Learn the Process.

Best wishes and own your career,

Rod Colón
Career Management Consultant, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author
Weekly Co-Host of Radio Show "YOUR CAREER IS CALLING".
732-367-5580