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Networking your way into your Purposeful Career: Leveraging your Circle of Influence – Part two.
In our last edition of Communiqué x-Press we identified that networking was the most effective way of tapping into the hidden job market, and getting yourself in front of key decision makers for your ‘dream’ role.
We’ll pick up where we left off in our article, which was the statement “But I don’t know many people. Help!” a common concern among many people I speak with – perhaps you are thinking the same thing. If so, you’ll want to read on as by doing the following exercise, you’ll be surprised just how many people you could potentially start making contact with.
On a blank piece of paper, draw two lines from top to bottom, so that you have three equal columns. Write the heading “Professional” on column one; write “Social” on column two; and write “Other” on column three. Then have a think about all of the people who may fall beneath each of those categories and start jotting down their names keeping in mind that you don’t necessarily need to know them extremely well, but enough that there is a connection (i.e. parent of one of your children’s friends – your connection would be your children’s friendship; or perhaps another member of a professional association that you belong to – with your connection being the association.)
The Professional column could include association members, special interest group members, lecturers, co-students, recruitment consultants, former colleagues, etc.
The Social column could include neighbours, immediate family, distant family, church members, sporting group members, etc.
The
Other column could include your doctor, dentist, accountant, solicitor, children’s friends’ parents, suppliers, former suppliers, etc
So go ahead, start developing your list.
When thinking about networking it is also important to understand that keeping in contact with your network should not only be something you do when seeking job opportunities but rather a priority through your professional and personal life. Aim to keep in contact with people you know. Look at ways of expanding your network of contacts, perhaps by joining professional associations or sporting clubs, and ensure you maintain your communications/relationship with these people. Be interested in them and understand that networking works both ways. Therefore, when others need your advice, support and time, be willing to provide whatever information you can.
Next fortnight I’ll show you how you can begin to leverage your list of contacts. Till then, have a great fortnight.
If you'd like any additional support around this area, please do not hesitate to email me.
My direct email is:
annemarie@annemariecross.com
To your success!
Annemarie |
A personal note from Annemarie...
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