M5S6 Networking.pdf - M5S6 Networking M5S6 Networking is a...

M5S6 Networking
M5S6 Networking is a derivative of “ Networking ” from “ College Succe ss ” by Linda Bruce
provide by Lumen Learning and licensed under CC BY 4.0 . “M5S6 Networking is licensed
under CC BY 4.0 by
IRSC
.
Communication — the human connection — is the key to personal and career
success.
— Paul J. Meyer, motivational speaker
Strategies for Networking
In the context of career development, networking is the process by which people build
relationships with one another for the purpose of helping one another achieve
professional goals.
When you “network,” you exchange information.
•
You may share business cards, résumés, cover letters, job-seeking strategies,
leads about open jobs, information about companies and organizations, and
information about a specific field.
•
You might also share information about meet-up groups, conferences, special
events, technology tools, and social media.
•
You might also solicit job “headhunters,” career counselors, career centers, career
coaches, an alumni association, family members, friends, acquaintances, and
vendors.
Networking can occur anywhere and at any time. In fact, your network expands with
each new relationship you establish. And the networking strategies you can employ are
nearly limitless. With imagination and ingenuity, your networking can be highly
successful.
How to Get Started
We live in a social world. Almost everywhere you go and anything you do professionally
involves connecting with people. It stands to reason that finding a new job and
advancing your career entails building relationships with these people. Truly, the most
effective way to find a new job is to network, network, and network some more.
1

Once you acknowledge the value of networking, the challenge is figuring out how to do
it. What is your first step? Whom do you contact? What do you say? How long will it
take? Where do you concentrate efforts? How do you know if your investments will pay
off?
For every question you may ask, a range of strategies can be used. Begin exploring
your possibilities by viewing the following energizing video, Networking Tips for College
Students and Young People , by Hank Blank. He recommends the following modern and
no-nonsense strategies:
1. Hope is not a plan. You need a plan of action to achieve your networking goals.