The facts of networking and the value of connections
When you receive invites, do you respond? You do not necessarily need to accept every invite, but evaluate the invites to see how they may build and expand your network. You need to respond to grow your network.
Have you created a unique identity that will allow you to build your brand. If you search Google for your name and find 25 people on LinkedIn; you need to differentiate yourself.
If you search networks and cannot find your name; you have the ability to create and establish your identity however you want. You also need to look at the result and think about: where is your viral presence? If you want a viral presence you need to work at it.
Do you comment on questions or post your own questions in groups and on blogs? If you are trying to establish yourself and you have expertise you must let people know. You must create yourself as the expert.
Many sites allow you to have recommendations: what do they say? Often times they simply identify you as a good person; but there are no specifics as to why; you need strong recommendations! Start by giving strong recommendations and then asking the person how they liked it and if they would like you to change or add anything. Once done ask them to reciprocate and you can now coach them because they coached you.
Are you on LinkedIn and FaceBook? Do you use Twitter? These are important elements to your viral presence because of their high visibilty on the Internet with Google, Bing, and other search engines.
Do you have a website or blog? This is another place to establish your name and create a presence as an expert.
These are some of the techniques you can use to make your network work for you.
Tell me what you are doing?
Showing posts with label 1-2-3s of networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1-2-3s of networking. Show all posts
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Job Search - What Are You Attracting
In August I posted "You Are What You Attract". That concept, the Law of Attraction, was brought home to me recently when I presented a workshop on LinkedIn. One of the attendees talked about some of the inquiries he was receiving regarding employment and how none of those inquiries related to what he wants to do or has done in the past.
He is not the first person to encounter this; I have had many of these emails myself. When you receive them you just sit there in wonderment. You are trying to figure out what this individual is thinking and why they would send this information to you. I still have not figured it out completely, but I believe I am getting closer.
Many times it is just a random process or an automated emailing system that searches resumes. If it is one of those emails; there is not much you can do. If you are really searching for work you have few other choices than to put up with it and use the delete key when they arrive in your in-box.
Review Your On-line Presence
If you are being approached for things that are not of interest and do not apply; you need to step back. It is time to review your resume, your Web 2.0 application profiles, your website, your blog postings, your comments, your posted resumes, and any other "branding" that may exist to find out why you are getting these solicitations.
There is nothing worse than receiving a job posting for something completely unrelated and of no interest. Not just because it is a waste of time, but it is also disconcerting and makes you wonder why someone would even think of you for this type of position. These emails can also cause self doubts which are counter productive and take you off task. Put them aside and keep moving forward.
Granted there will always be some random opportunities presented because those people do not care about what you want and, more than likely, have not read your information. All they know is that you are out there and you are potentially or specifically looking for employment. To them that is an open opportunity to approach you: whether you are interested or not.
If the solicitations or opportunities are more specific or it looks like they have actually done some research; then it is time for the review. You need to look carefully at your information and try to determine what is giving people the incorrect impression. When you locate the confusing information you must clean it up.
Clarify Your Profiles and On-Line Presence
It is important that you create a consistent On-Line presence that clearly presents you and your skills. Each profile tells part of your story or reinforces parts of your story; you want to ensure that the story is consistent and clear.
Part of having a consistent On-Line presence is to distinguish yourself from anyone else that may have the same or a similar name. Having a consistent or at least readily identifiable picture with each posting is one way to accomplish this. Using a middle initial or middle name is another part of creating your brand.
Some of the confusion that could occur with potential employers could be the result of confusion between people of the same or similar name. You must differentiate!
Keep Your Information Relevant
Do not muddy the water with information that is confusing. Read the post "Does Your Resume Pass the So What Test on Wordpress?" This information is as valid for your on-line profiles as it is for your resume. Ensure that you are only posting information that helps to tell your story and clarify who you are.
Follow me on this blog so you are notified of all my new posts; just click the button to follow. Also follow me at Resumes with Impact where I post information specific to creating effective resumes.
You can sign up for my free newsletter, "7 Days to a More Effective Job Search" and download job and resume tips at Smart Resume Writing System.
He is not the first person to encounter this; I have had many of these emails myself. When you receive them you just sit there in wonderment. You are trying to figure out what this individual is thinking and why they would send this information to you. I still have not figured it out completely, but I believe I am getting closer.
Many times it is just a random process or an automated emailing system that searches resumes. If it is one of those emails; there is not much you can do. If you are really searching for work you have few other choices than to put up with it and use the delete key when they arrive in your in-box.
Review Your On-line Presence
If you are being approached for things that are not of interest and do not apply; you need to step back. It is time to review your resume, your Web 2.0 application profiles, your website, your blog postings, your comments, your posted resumes, and any other "branding" that may exist to find out why you are getting these solicitations.
There is nothing worse than receiving a job posting for something completely unrelated and of no interest. Not just because it is a waste of time, but it is also disconcerting and makes you wonder why someone would even think of you for this type of position. These emails can also cause self doubts which are counter productive and take you off task. Put them aside and keep moving forward.
Granted there will always be some random opportunities presented because those people do not care about what you want and, more than likely, have not read your information. All they know is that you are out there and you are potentially or specifically looking for employment. To them that is an open opportunity to approach you: whether you are interested or not.
If the solicitations or opportunities are more specific or it looks like they have actually done some research; then it is time for the review. You need to look carefully at your information and try to determine what is giving people the incorrect impression. When you locate the confusing information you must clean it up.
Clarify Your Profiles and On-Line Presence
It is important that you create a consistent On-Line presence that clearly presents you and your skills. Each profile tells part of your story or reinforces parts of your story; you want to ensure that the story is consistent and clear.
Part of having a consistent On-Line presence is to distinguish yourself from anyone else that may have the same or a similar name. Having a consistent or at least readily identifiable picture with each posting is one way to accomplish this. Using a middle initial or middle name is another part of creating your brand.
Some of the confusion that could occur with potential employers could be the result of confusion between people of the same or similar name. You must differentiate!
Keep Your Information Relevant
Do not muddy the water with information that is confusing. Read the post "Does Your Resume Pass the So What Test on Wordpress?" This information is as valid for your on-line profiles as it is for your resume. Ensure that you are only posting information that helps to tell your story and clarify who you are.
Follow me on this blog so you are notified of all my new posts; just click the button to follow. Also follow me at Resumes with Impact where I post information specific to creating effective resumes.
You can sign up for my free newsletter, "7 Days to a More Effective Job Search" and download job and resume tips at Smart Resume Writing System.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Are Your Connections Diversified?
I was just reading email from Keith Ferrazzi from 2008 that talks about the type of connections that we have. The point that Keith is making is that oft times we create our network from people that are in the same industry, same Church, same city, or other similarities.
The problem with that practice is that you all know about the same opportunities and therefore your list of possibilities is limited. You need to connect outside your circle to develop a broad based network.
One of the first things that you need to do to expand your network is to put your prejudices on hold. Our prejudices cause us to jump to conclusions and potentially eliminate our best connections. In the LinkedIn world people identify themselves as LIONs or LinkedIn Open Networkers, meaning that they will connect with anybody.
We may not need to be that open, but it is a good example.
Last night I sat with my family and we watched the movie "Yes Man" with Jim Carey. As the movie starts Carey's character always says "No" when asked to do something. As a result his life is on a dead end course; no friends, same job forever, no relationships, people look past him, and basically he is a loser.
Eventually one of his few friends invites him to a "Yes" seminar, where he is challenged to answer "Yes" when asked to do something or a question is posed to him.
When he starts responding with "Yes" his life starts to change dramatically. The changes are a little questionable at first, but even those that appear to be questionable work out to be positives. By the time the movie ends Carey's character is friends with countless people and his life has totally changed.
When it comes to networking we need to say "Yes". I hear countless excuses for not having a network, but we need to take a page from "Yes Man" and break some new ground for ourselves. We must set aside our prejudices and judge people based upon their merits. You never know which contact is going to be your important connection.
Expand your circle of contacts; the reality is that your important connections will come from someone who knows someone who knows someone else. That's why when you are networking it is so important to ask the question of your connections, "Do you know someone that might know someone". It may seem hokey, but it actually works.
Happy Networking
Tom is a Career and Accountability Coach helping with career management, resumes, and networking. Sign up for his 7 Tips Series of Articles.
The problem with that practice is that you all know about the same opportunities and therefore your list of possibilities is limited. You need to connect outside your circle to develop a broad based network.
One of the first things that you need to do to expand your network is to put your prejudices on hold. Our prejudices cause us to jump to conclusions and potentially eliminate our best connections. In the LinkedIn world people identify themselves as LIONs or LinkedIn Open Networkers, meaning that they will connect with anybody.
We may not need to be that open, but it is a good example.
Last night I sat with my family and we watched the movie "Yes Man" with Jim Carey. As the movie starts Carey's character always says "No" when asked to do something. As a result his life is on a dead end course; no friends, same job forever, no relationships, people look past him, and basically he is a loser.
Eventually one of his few friends invites him to a "Yes" seminar, where he is challenged to answer "Yes" when asked to do something or a question is posed to him.
When he starts responding with "Yes" his life starts to change dramatically. The changes are a little questionable at first, but even those that appear to be questionable work out to be positives. By the time the movie ends Carey's character is friends with countless people and his life has totally changed.
When it comes to networking we need to say "Yes". I hear countless excuses for not having a network, but we need to take a page from "Yes Man" and break some new ground for ourselves. We must set aside our prejudices and judge people based upon their merits. You never know which contact is going to be your important connection.
Expand your circle of contacts; the reality is that your important connections will come from someone who knows someone who knows someone else. That's why when you are networking it is so important to ask the question of your connections, "Do you know someone that might know someone". It may seem hokey, but it actually works.
Happy Networking
Tom is a Career and Accountability Coach helping with career management, resumes, and networking. Sign up for his 7 Tips Series of Articles.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Care and Feeding of Your Network
Your network can be an tremendous resource for you; if you give it proper care and feeding.
Many people simply look at their network as a place to "get" something. If that is your attitude your network will soon die on you. To be a successful networker you need to be providing value to those within your network. You must provide help individually and collectively whenever possible.
This isn't a situation where you are looking to do huge favors. That doesn't mean you turn a big opportunity down when it arises; it just means that simple help is also valuable.
1. Your help can take the form of sending a congratulatory note on a new job or promotion.
2. It can be forwarding an article that you feel they may find of interest.
3. Maybe you can facilitate a connection between two of your contacts that would be beneficial to both.
4. It may be notifying someone of a business opportunity or job.
5. There may be a special event taking place that would benefit one of your contacts.
These are just a few simple ideas. If you do these types of activities regularly; your network will be there when you need it.
If you have other ideas chime in and add your contribution to this list.
Happy Networking
Many people simply look at their network as a place to "get" something. If that is your attitude your network will soon die on you. To be a successful networker you need to be providing value to those within your network. You must provide help individually and collectively whenever possible.
This isn't a situation where you are looking to do huge favors. That doesn't mean you turn a big opportunity down when it arises; it just means that simple help is also valuable.
1. Your help can take the form of sending a congratulatory note on a new job or promotion.
2. It can be forwarding an article that you feel they may find of interest.
3. Maybe you can facilitate a connection between two of your contacts that would be beneficial to both.
4. It may be notifying someone of a business opportunity or job.
5. There may be a special event taking place that would benefit one of your contacts.
These are just a few simple ideas. If you do these types of activities regularly; your network will be there when you need it.
If you have other ideas chime in and add your contribution to this list.
Happy Networking
Monday, August 24, 2009
You are what you attract!
Wallace Wattles wrote it in the early 1900s and it is still true today. The things we think about, positive or negative, are the things that we attract. With this being the case, we have a choice in how our lives will proceed and that choice is made through our thought processes.
What are your thoughts are they about the future and your upcoming successes or about the the things of the past that have happened to you? Only one of these thought processes is something that you can take action on. Think the positive thoughts of how your life will be, rather than the thoughts of how your life has been.
The past is the past and that cannot change, the future, your future, is yet to be written!
What are your thoughts are they about the future and your upcoming successes or about the the things of the past that have happened to you? Only one of these thought processes is something that you can take action on. Think the positive thoughts of how your life will be, rather than the thoughts of how your life has been.
The past is the past and that cannot change, the future, your future, is yet to be written!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What is your networking mindset?
Do you know your networking mindset? Do you even care about your networking mindset?
It amazes me when I encounter people that do not understand the importance of networking. Look at any successful person and you will find that networking is a key ingredient to their success. Success is not a solitary process, success requires a circle of friends that have friends to achieve your goals and therefore your success.
I was listening to a recording today done by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen called "The One Minute Millionaire". In the recording they tell an interesting story, but even more important is the commentary that describes actions taken in the story. One of the commentaries speaks specifically of the importance of your network.
Your network consists of strong connections and weak connections. Your strong connections are those that you encounter frequently and your weak connections are those that you connect with through others.
In the recording Robert Allen makes the point that your weak connections are where your greatest opportunities lay. That's because your strong connections often know the same things that you know, where your strong connections greatest strengths lay is in connecting you to others.
Here's my take on networking:
It amazes me when I encounter people that do not understand the importance of networking. Look at any successful person and you will find that networking is a key ingredient to their success. Success is not a solitary process, success requires a circle of friends that have friends to achieve your goals and therefore your success.
I was listening to a recording today done by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen called "The One Minute Millionaire". In the recording they tell an interesting story, but even more important is the commentary that describes actions taken in the story. One of the commentaries speaks specifically of the importance of your network.
Your network consists of strong connections and weak connections. Your strong connections are those that you encounter frequently and your weak connections are those that you connect with through others.
In the recording Robert Allen makes the point that your weak connections are where your greatest opportunities lay. That's because your strong connections often know the same things that you know, where your strong connections greatest strengths lay is in connecting you to others.
Here's my take on networking:
- Networking is never a wasted effort.
- Networking is integral to your future success.
- If you don't like to network: get over it and get on with it.
- Make a commitment to building your network at least weekly, but preferably daily.
- Find a meaningful way to connect with your network at least twice per year. Through an email blast or some other means, but maintain at least minimal contact.
- Build your network by connecting with those that have large networks of their own. Building one connection at a time is time consuming and inefficient.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Effectively using LinkedIn
I talk about using LinkedIn to help in your networking and job search activities. Here is the text of an article/interview published by CIO Magazine with Jason Alba. Jason is an expert on LinkedIn and how to take advantage of the features. Read and study to enhance your use of LinkedIn.
In the midst of the recession, many job seekers have spent more time on LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, customers and partners in an effort to land a new gig. Unfortunately, many people commit common errors in their LinkedIn profiles that cost them new opportunities, says Jason Alba, CEO of JibberJobber, a company that provides web-based tools for managing your job search.
© 2008 CXO Media Inc.
In the midst of the recession, many job seekers have spent more time on LinkedIn to connect with colleagues, customers and partners in an effort to land a new gig. Unfortunately, many people commit common errors in their LinkedIn profiles that cost them new opportunities, says Jason Alba, CEO of JibberJobber, a company that provides web-based tools for managing your job search.
Alba, who recently released a DVD called LinkedIn for Job Seekers, shared with CIO.com the five most common mistakes he sees on LinkedIn profiles. Here's how to spot trouble in your profile and fix it.
1. Don't Get in Picture Trouble
Many people choose not to use a picture on their LinkedIn profiles. While some of you have your reasons, it's a mistake for the typical user, Alba says. Some common concerns: Perhaps you don't want to disclose your ethnicity, or you don't consider yourself photogenic.
"Some situations are justified in not using a profile picture, but in the end I encourage people to include one because it shows you're comfortable with yourself," Alba says. "It also makes your profile a lot more personable."
Alba recommends a professional headshot for LinkedIn, rather than the picture of you in front of a mountain or lake that you utilize on Facebook. In addition, if you're a job seeker, odds are that you will meet your prospective employer in a face-to-face interview, so that picture of you twenty years ago that you like to leave up there — that needs to be replaced.
"Sometimes people are floored when they see the person if they left a really old picture up there," Alba says.
When you edit your LinkedIn profile, you have what Alba calls a "professional headline" right beneath the name. The common mistake here (as shown in the picture below) is to simply put your name and title. He believes you should use something catchier. Instead of saying, "project manager for X company," say something more specific: "I manage complex projects involving IT and marketing."
When people search for you, they will see this professional tagline, and it might decide whether or not they feel compelled to click on your name and see your profile, Alba says.
"Think of yourself as a marketer, and this is where your big ad appears to the world," Alba says.
3. Properly Label Websites Displaying Your Work or Blog
LinkedIn offers you the ability to list the websites where your work might be displayed. This is a great option if you keep a personal website with a resume or a blog. But when you go to edit the website descriptions, Alba recommends dispensing with LinkedIn's default descriptions of "my website" or "my company." Those descriptions aren't a compelling read for employers, he says.
Instead, when you edit your "websites" section, LinkedIn provides a drop down menu (see picture below). Click "other," and you can upload the link and describe it as you see fit. Instead of "my blog," you might write, "my blog on complex project management."
4. Consider a Vanity URL
Maybe you haven't changed the default URL that LinkedIn provides for your profile. Especially if you have a common name, this will make your name after the LinkedIn address appear with a bunch of ugly code and numbers. If you have to give your LinkedIn profile address over the phone, or you wish to print it on your business card, it should be as concise and self-explanatory as possible, Alba says.
"It literally takes 30 seconds, and it makes your profile look more on purpose," Alba says.
(When you edit your LinkedIn profile, go to the "public profile" section to create your LinkedIn URL of choice).
5. Finish with a Strong, SEO-Friendly Summary
The "summary" section of your LinkedIn profile could be the biggest missed opportunity for the majority of job seekers, Alba says. While this section has a 2,000 character limit, Alba suggests packing as much about you and your abilities into it as possible.
In reality, the ability for people to find you will depend on LinkedIn's search engine linking your name to certain search keywords. So (staying with our repeated example), a project manager might want the term "project management" to appear a few times throughout the summary.
"Most summaries are a couple sentences or a couple paragraphs, and they're missing out," Alba says. "The more you put in the summary, the better your SEO is."
© 2008 CXO Media Inc.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Twittering can be beneficial to your branding
After posting my last comments on Twitter, I received email stating that it made more sense to spend time on LinkedIn and FaceBook versus the 140 characters you can post with a Twitter comment. I saw other comments expressing the same sentiment on LinkedIn and elsewhere.
At that time I could see the point that was being made but then I started receiving Tweets from Brian Tracy and all of a sudden I could see the value of Twitter.
Twitter isn't the means of communicating a message, it's the means of communicating about a message. Did you post something new on your blog? Then let everyone know by sending out a Tweet with a link to your blog post. Is there something new on your web page? Then Tweet away.
Make connections on Twitter by following others and encouraging them to follow you. The more followers you have the more people that will be notified about your updates.
At that time I could see the point that was being made but then I started receiving Tweets from Brian Tracy and all of a sudden I could see the value of Twitter.
Twitter isn't the means of communicating a message, it's the means of communicating about a message. Did you post something new on your blog? Then let everyone know by sending out a Tweet with a link to your blog post. Is there something new on your web page? Then Tweet away.
Make connections on Twitter by following others and encouraging them to follow you. The more followers you have the more people that will be notified about your updates.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
"Who's Got Your Back" - the latest book from Keith Ferrazzi
Keith Ferrazzi is at it again with his follow up to "never eat alone"; "Who's got your back". This is the guru of networking with a lot of great information to share. The book just released and I am waiting for my copy to arrive. If you are into networking you need to be reading Keith's books; you can click on the book and place your order here.
Twitter: Is it for you and if so, how do you start
Picking and choosing among today's social networks is getting to be a full-time job. How do you know what is right for you? Sometimes you just need to jump in because there isn't a great amount of information available to help you make an intelligent decision.
In follow up to my last post on Twitter: Dos and Don'ts; I found this article to share again from CIO.com. Follow the link and let me know what you think. Twitter: How to Get Started Guide for Business People. I liked the article it gave me some insight that I didn't have previously regarding Twitter.
Personally, I think it is all about self-branding and if that is what you are after - establishing a presence in all of these venues will help with the process. One thing that I recommend is that you link each of your venues to each other so you can maintain some consistency and create your materials one time only. Multiple sites also allows you the ability to separate your interests while still enabling your audience to gain the full impact of who you are. Of course you need to watch out for the compromising information that could come back to bite you.
Happy Networking!
In follow up to my last post on Twitter: Dos and Don'ts; I found this article to share again from CIO.com. Follow the link and let me know what you think. Twitter: How to Get Started Guide for Business People. I liked the article it gave me some insight that I didn't have previously regarding Twitter.
Personally, I think it is all about self-branding and if that is what you are after - establishing a presence in all of these venues will help with the process. One thing that I recommend is that you link each of your venues to each other so you can maintain some consistency and create your materials one time only. Multiple sites also allows you the ability to separate your interests while still enabling your audience to gain the full impact of who you are. Of course you need to watch out for the compromising information that could come back to bite you.
Happy Networking!
Networking etiquette as you Twitter
Are you all about twittering and tweeting? Do you even understand the terminologies? I'm continually receiving an education as I see various things pass by my inbox. I'm attaching a link to an article that I just read in CIO Magazine regarding the Dos and Don'ts of Twittering.
It never hurts to follow a little protocol.
Happy networking!
It never hurts to follow a little protocol.
Happy networking!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What is the impression you leave with your networking contacts?
When we are networking we have several opportunities to make an impression on our new contact and how they will remember us. What impressions are you leaving?
The first impression we leave is visual. What are you saying by the way you dress; the way you walk; your facial expression? It should go without saying that you must be neat and clean both personally and with your clothing. When you walk are you upright and confident or slouched and meek? Are you smiling or frowning? It is amazing how many people do not take these basics into consideration and then can't understand why they receive a less than enthusiastic reception.
Your second impression is your handshake and greeting. This basic courtesy conveys an important message and you want this to be the correct message. When you meet someone what does your handshake say about you and what is your verbal greeting? Are they strong and convey strength or are they meek and convey weakness? Depending upon who you are talking to; one may work better than the other, but overall a strong handshake and voice will serve you best.
Your third impression is the way you talk and express yourself. How you present yourself in the way you speak and what you say is critical. You need to be clear and confident because people are attracted and respond to individuals that exude confidence. In general we like leaders as long as they are not overbearing and demeaning. Do you present as a leader or as a follower?
In today's economy people are looking for people with confidence and leadership. There is a tremendous amount of concern and uncertainty and people are looking for people that are willing to lead and not caving in to the predominant mentality.
So let’s review three steps to a good impression:
1. Present a great visual by the way you dress, walk, and your facial expression.
2. Have a strong handshake and friendly greeting.
3. Speak clearly and confidently. Demonstrate that you are leader and someone people can follow.
Happy Networking!
The first impression we leave is visual. What are you saying by the way you dress; the way you walk; your facial expression? It should go without saying that you must be neat and clean both personally and with your clothing. When you walk are you upright and confident or slouched and meek? Are you smiling or frowning? It is amazing how many people do not take these basics into consideration and then can't understand why they receive a less than enthusiastic reception.
Your second impression is your handshake and greeting. This basic courtesy conveys an important message and you want this to be the correct message. When you meet someone what does your handshake say about you and what is your verbal greeting? Are they strong and convey strength or are they meek and convey weakness? Depending upon who you are talking to; one may work better than the other, but overall a strong handshake and voice will serve you best.
Your third impression is the way you talk and express yourself. How you present yourself in the way you speak and what you say is critical. You need to be clear and confident because people are attracted and respond to individuals that exude confidence. In general we like leaders as long as they are not overbearing and demeaning. Do you present as a leader or as a follower?
In today's economy people are looking for people with confidence and leadership. There is a tremendous amount of concern and uncertainty and people are looking for people that are willing to lead and not caving in to the predominant mentality.
So let’s review three steps to a good impression:
1. Present a great visual by the way you dress, walk, and your facial expression.
2. Have a strong handshake and friendly greeting.
3. Speak clearly and confidently. Demonstrate that you are leader and someone people can follow.
Happy Networking!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Guage your contacts before you use your network
Sometimes people make mistakes with their networks by assuming that they know their contacts better than they really do. The mistake is making requests for things that are unreasonable considering the level of the friendship.
For example if you want an introduction to an executive at a company, make sure that the person you are asking has those connections. Just because your contact works or worked for the company doesn't mean that they are in a position to arrange that introduction. Making such a request could jeopardize or even destroy your relationship. Don't put your contacts on the spot by making a request they cannot fulfill.
Remember that your contact may be able to come through for you, but it will be on their timetable. Don't expect immediate compliance. Your contact may have to wait for the right time or opportunity. You don't want your contact jeopardizing their position simply to help you.
If you are making a request do it in a way that your contact can turn you down without embarrassing themselves while still wanting to do whatever they can for you. Human nature is that they will want to help, as long as you aren't being a jerk. Your request may make them uncomfortable and you need to give them a way out.
Follow these steps when planning your request.
1. Understand your contacts abilities and limitations.
2. Don't put your contact on the spot where they need to immediately respond to your request.
3. Don't make your contact feel that they have no choice but to fulfill your request.
Happy Networking!
For example if you want an introduction to an executive at a company, make sure that the person you are asking has those connections. Just because your contact works or worked for the company doesn't mean that they are in a position to arrange that introduction. Making such a request could jeopardize or even destroy your relationship. Don't put your contacts on the spot by making a request they cannot fulfill.
Remember that your contact may be able to come through for you, but it will be on their timetable. Don't expect immediate compliance. Your contact may have to wait for the right time or opportunity. You don't want your contact jeopardizing their position simply to help you.
If you are making a request do it in a way that your contact can turn you down without embarrassing themselves while still wanting to do whatever they can for you. Human nature is that they will want to help, as long as you aren't being a jerk. Your request may make them uncomfortable and you need to give them a way out.
Follow these steps when planning your request.
1. Understand your contacts abilities and limitations.
2. Don't put your contact on the spot where they need to immediately respond to your request.
3. Don't make your contact feel that they have no choice but to fulfill your request.
Happy Networking!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Power of 150
In his book "The Tipping Point", Malcolm Gladwell discusses the power of 150. What he refers to is the maximum size group for effective communications. He uses examples from ages past as well as from today in describing how communications break down once any organization: religious, social, and even work exceed this size.
One of the major examples is the company WR Grace and Company: long believed one of the great success stories in business. WR Grace follows the power of 150 rule in the sizing of all their operations. Their plants have a maximum of 150 employees. That's not just 150 in manufacturing, the front office, or some department. It is the maximum for that particular business unit. Why would that be? In his research Gladwell learned that keeping this as a maximum allows engineering to communicate with marketing, production, sales, research, and what ever other groups more effectively and responsively to problems, customer requests, market changes, or anything else that arises.
Gladwell also talks about the size of groups back to prehistoric days and their ability to support each other becoming problematic when the groups grew too large. When that happened there were food shortages and other problems to the extent that the groups would automatically splinter off to a more manageable size. But enough of that.
How can we apply this to our network? When you follow the Pareto or 80/20 rule you should limit your "A" group to 150. This is your critical group, the one that is the most important, and therefore requires and deserves the most attention. Keep the size manageable so you can communicate with enough effectiveness and timeliness that you maintain a great relationship.
Find other ways to communicate with the rest of your contacts using email newsletters, blogs, discussion groups, and web sites to keep them relatively current on your activities. If you are doing the right things you will have people in this category continuing to reach out to you but your efforts are will be more appropriately directed.
Remember:
One of the major examples is the company WR Grace and Company: long believed one of the great success stories in business. WR Grace follows the power of 150 rule in the sizing of all their operations. Their plants have a maximum of 150 employees. That's not just 150 in manufacturing, the front office, or some department. It is the maximum for that particular business unit. Why would that be? In his research Gladwell learned that keeping this as a maximum allows engineering to communicate with marketing, production, sales, research, and what ever other groups more effectively and responsively to problems, customer requests, market changes, or anything else that arises.
Gladwell also talks about the size of groups back to prehistoric days and their ability to support each other becoming problematic when the groups grew too large. When that happened there were food shortages and other problems to the extent that the groups would automatically splinter off to a more manageable size. But enough of that.
How can we apply this to our network? When you follow the Pareto or 80/20 rule you should limit your "A" group to 150. This is your critical group, the one that is the most important, and therefore requires and deserves the most attention. Keep the size manageable so you can communicate with enough effectiveness and timeliness that you maintain a great relationship.
Find other ways to communicate with the rest of your contacts using email newsletters, blogs, discussion groups, and web sites to keep them relatively current on your activities. If you are doing the right things you will have people in this category continuing to reach out to you but your efforts are will be more appropriately directed.
Remember:
- Keep your "A" list focused and no larger than 150.
- Communicate on a regular basis and look for things that you can send to your "A" group.
- Communicate to those that are not on your "A" list through email newsletters, blogs, discussion groups, and websites.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Do You Follow the Leader?
Okay, I know that sounds a little crazy, but I was just read something on LinkedIn and it made me think about this.
If we choose our leaders wisely, it's a great idea to do what they do, because that can lead you to what they have.
If you want to be the best salesperson in your company, you need to know who holds that position today, learn what that person did to achieve the lead position, and then follow they path they followed. I don't know that I have followed this advice very well myself, but I heard it long ago on a Zig Ziglar tape.
At the time Zig was not doing well as a salesperson in his company and one day the best salesman happened by and said "Zig, I have never seen so much wasted talent as I do in you!" Can you imagine your hero, the person you look up to making such a statement? How depressing would that be? It would definitely be an eye opener.
We frequently make the mistake of spending time and following the lead of the wrong people. If we want to have success, we need to talk to those that are achieving success, not those that are lamenting being unsuccessful. The unsuccessful person associates success with luck; successful people may say the same, but upon further investigation we find that it wasn't luck, it was hard, specific work that allowed them to achieve their success.
To achieve the same success you need to emulate the actions and do the things successful people do.
So here are the steps:
If we choose our leaders wisely, it's a great idea to do what they do, because that can lead you to what they have.
If you want to be the best salesperson in your company, you need to know who holds that position today, learn what that person did to achieve the lead position, and then follow they path they followed. I don't know that I have followed this advice very well myself, but I heard it long ago on a Zig Ziglar tape.
At the time Zig was not doing well as a salesperson in his company and one day the best salesman happened by and said "Zig, I have never seen so much wasted talent as I do in you!" Can you imagine your hero, the person you look up to making such a statement? How depressing would that be? It would definitely be an eye opener.
We frequently make the mistake of spending time and following the lead of the wrong people. If we want to have success, we need to talk to those that are achieving success, not those that are lamenting being unsuccessful. The unsuccessful person associates success with luck; successful people may say the same, but upon further investigation we find that it wasn't luck, it was hard, specific work that allowed them to achieve their success.
To achieve the same success you need to emulate the actions and do the things successful people do.
So here are the steps:
- Identify the person that has or is what you want to be.
- Find out what that person did and copy, copy, copy, and copy some more.
- Don't waste your time with negative people that do not share or encourage your goal.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Networking is about connecting, but ...
Are you spending a lot of time trying to connect and build your contact's list? That's been an approach of mine in the past, but it's a lot of work; worthwhile, but still a lot of work.
The other day I received an e-mail from a recruiter saying that she had seen my name cross her desk a couple of times and felt that SHE needed to connect with me. It turns out we were both members of the same group and what she saw was a posting of mine in the discussion group.
This started me wondering how can I do this even more? What can I do to entice people to want to connect with me, so that they are doing the work, and all I am doing is assessing whether the contact is one that I want?
It's called branding! It's called making me so valuable to others to the extent that they want to connect with me. It's called driving people to me. It's called having others tell people that they should connect with me because I am a valuable connection.
This is not about self-aggrandizing; it's about my providing so much value that others are compelled to seek what I have to offer.
Do you ever learn or hear about products, food, movies, or assorted other things that you must have and will do whatever it takes to obtain that item? Of course you do, because you have associated a value with the item that drives you to do whatever it takes to obtain it.
That is what you want to do for yourself. You want to make yourself valuable to the point that people will take the necessary steps to locate and connect.
There are two major benefits to this approach to networking 1) your time is spent creating value for others so that they want to connect and 2) you don't have to spend your time making connections, instead the connections come to you.
Here are the steps:
The other day I received an e-mail from a recruiter saying that she had seen my name cross her desk a couple of times and felt that SHE needed to connect with me. It turns out we were both members of the same group and what she saw was a posting of mine in the discussion group.
This started me wondering how can I do this even more? What can I do to entice people to want to connect with me, so that they are doing the work, and all I am doing is assessing whether the contact is one that I want?
It's called branding! It's called making me so valuable to others to the extent that they want to connect with me. It's called driving people to me. It's called having others tell people that they should connect with me because I am a valuable connection.
This is not about self-aggrandizing; it's about my providing so much value that others are compelled to seek what I have to offer.
Do you ever learn or hear about products, food, movies, or assorted other things that you must have and will do whatever it takes to obtain that item? Of course you do, because you have associated a value with the item that drives you to do whatever it takes to obtain it.
That is what you want to do for yourself. You want to make yourself valuable to the point that people will take the necessary steps to locate and connect.
There are two major benefits to this approach to networking 1) your time is spent creating value for others so that they want to connect and 2) you don't have to spend your time making connections, instead the connections come to you.
Here are the steps:
- Create value that others want.
- Do things that drive others to you rather than your having to constantly be seeking others.
- Create value that cause referrals to you.
Are You Giving Those that Want to Connect Every Chance to Connect
It amazes me when I see someone send an e-mail or hear a voice mail that does a poor job of leaving information for the contacted person to follow up. Just because you sent e-mail doesn't guarantee that the other person wants to reply by e-mail. And likewise, just because you called doesn't necessarily mean that they want to follow up with a call.
Here are some connection ideas:
Happy networking!
Here are some connection ideas:
- If you leave a voice mail identify whether it is your office or cell number (they may need to text a response because they are not in a position to call).
- Identify yourself and provide your phone number both at the beginning and the end of your call and at the end speak slowly, repeat your name, and repeat your phone number twice. There is nothing more frustrating than having to listen to an entire message multiple times to get the information correct.
- In your e-mails provide contact information for e-mail and phone responses. You may even provide your mailing address (discretionary, if it is your home address).
Happy networking!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Networking works!
The attached article came across my desk from a friend. It was actually the second time I had heard the story.
Read the article and learn how networking saved this family.
Here is an employment success story from a recent college graduate.
Did you know that your Church is not only great for prayer, but also for networking.
This networking success story demonstrates the importance of positioning yourself for the future.
Happy Networking!
Tom
Read the article and learn how networking saved this family.
Here is an employment success story from a recent college graduate.
Did you know that your Church is not only great for prayer, but also for networking.
This networking success story demonstrates the importance of positioning yourself for the future.
Happy Networking!
Tom
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Make and Receive Quality Recommendations
One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to give and receive recommendations.
You need to make the recommendations you give and receive count. Here is the criteria.
1. You should have at least one recommendation from an immediate manager.
2. You should have at least one recommendation from a co-worker.
3. You should have at least one recommendation from someone who worked for you.
4. You should have at least one recommendation from a vendor or supplier, if possible.
5. You should have at least one recommendation from a manager that you did not report to directly.
6. Recommendations should tell a story. What was the problem you identified, what were the actions you took, and what was the result.
7. If your recommendations are simply "Tom was a great guy to work with, I would recommend him to anyone." Send it back, you can even suggest content as long as it is true. Some people simply cannot write a recommendation.
8. This is my own biased idea of a great recommendation. "Shortly after Tom started he recognized that we were over paying on our vendor maintenance agreements by 20 to 30%. Tom identified that we were paying monthly support charges for computer racks, cabinets, and shelves. Tom identified all of the overages and contacted the vendor; his efforts are saving the company over $2500 per month." The recommendation tells a story and allows a recruiter to interpolate what Tom might do for the new company.
9. Write great recommendations about others first, then if what they write isn't exactly what you want you can feel comfortable asking for a revision.
Great recommendations will help get you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Happy networking!
You need to make the recommendations you give and receive count. Here is the criteria.
1. You should have at least one recommendation from an immediate manager.
2. You should have at least one recommendation from a co-worker.
3. You should have at least one recommendation from someone who worked for you.
4. You should have at least one recommendation from a vendor or supplier, if possible.
5. You should have at least one recommendation from a manager that you did not report to directly.
6. Recommendations should tell a story. What was the problem you identified, what were the actions you took, and what was the result.
7. If your recommendations are simply "Tom was a great guy to work with, I would recommend him to anyone." Send it back, you can even suggest content as long as it is true. Some people simply cannot write a recommendation.
8. This is my own biased idea of a great recommendation. "Shortly after Tom started he recognized that we were over paying on our vendor maintenance agreements by 20 to 30%. Tom identified that we were paying monthly support charges for computer racks, cabinets, and shelves. Tom identified all of the overages and contacted the vendor; his efforts are saving the company over $2500 per month." The recommendation tells a story and allows a recruiter to interpolate what Tom might do for the new company.
9. Write great recommendations about others first, then if what they write isn't exactly what you want you can feel comfortable asking for a revision.
Great recommendations will help get you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Happy networking!
Are you using LinkedIn?
I'm an avid networker on many different social networks. My main focus, however, is LinkedIn for professional networking. Currently I have 275 LinkedIn connections that result in over 3,000,000 total connections or roughly 10% of LinkedIn. If you are not on LinkedIn send me a request and let's get you started. You can find me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/tomstaskiewicz.
A little further investigation of LinkedIn shows that I have 5800 different companies in my first and second level contacts. The fact that not only do I have these companies but I can find out who has the contact is awesome. Granted some of these contacts will be stale, but it is far better than anything I had previously and it's always a great starting point and opportunity to learn about the culture.
I am amazed as I look at the LinkedIn page for some of the people that I know are currently seeking a new job and I find them with 20, 50, maybe 100 connections. What is with that? You're telling me that you only know 20 people that are on LinkedIn? Either no one likes you and you don't like anyone else, you live in a hole, or you're really not interested in finding a new opportunity. To have less than 150 contacts is ridiculous and shows me someone that is not making any networking effort.
Things to do:
1. Find at least 100 people on LinkedIn to add to your network.
2. Commit to adding 5 to 10 people per week.
3. Join at least 5 groups in your areas of interest.
4. Obtain at least 5 quality recommendations. I will define a quality recommendation in another post.
5. Build a profile that tells a story about you and what you have to offer.
6. Monitor the statistcs that tell you how many people have viewed your profile and how many times you have appeared in a search.
A little further investigation of LinkedIn shows that I have 5800 different companies in my first and second level contacts. The fact that not only do I have these companies but I can find out who has the contact is awesome. Granted some of these contacts will be stale, but it is far better than anything I had previously and it's always a great starting point and opportunity to learn about the culture.
I am amazed as I look at the LinkedIn page for some of the people that I know are currently seeking a new job and I find them with 20, 50, maybe 100 connections. What is with that? You're telling me that you only know 20 people that are on LinkedIn? Either no one likes you and you don't like anyone else, you live in a hole, or you're really not interested in finding a new opportunity. To have less than 150 contacts is ridiculous and shows me someone that is not making any networking effort.
Things to do:
1. Find at least 100 people on LinkedIn to add to your network.
2. Commit to adding 5 to 10 people per week.
3. Join at least 5 groups in your areas of interest.
4. Obtain at least 5 quality recommendations. I will define a quality recommendation in another post.
5. Build a profile that tells a story about you and what you have to offer.
6. Monitor the statistcs that tell you how many people have viewed your profile and how many times you have appeared in a search.
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