The Secret of Networking: it’s a lot easier than you think
Dear JobsBlog:
I am able to network when I already have an “in” with someone. But what about networking with strangers? Do you have any pointers on how to approach contacts you don’t know?
-Scared to Cold Call
Dear Scared to Cold Call:
There are many different mediums and places you can meet work contacts: conferences, LinkedIn, restaurants, you name it. I’m not going to go into those, because I think the secret to networking is the same no matter the medium.
And the big secret is not really that much of a secret at all: be genuine, be polite and ASK for what you want!
Here’s a story about how I recently did some networking with great results…
First, a little personal background: I’m a Disney nut, as in I'm an annual passholder at Disneyland. I visit several times a year and typically visit Walt Disney World every other year or so. You get the picture.
A month back, I was hunting online for some Disneyland pictures. I discovered an amazing photography blog, Tours Departing Daily, which you have to see to believe. The pictures use High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging which was new to me.
I had recently picked up photography as a hobby and purchased my first digital SLR camera (although I knew little about this type of camera at the time). I sent an email to the Tours Departing Daily blog owners sharing my enthusiasm for Disneyland and admiration of their photography. I also asked if they would be willing to spend some time with me during my upcoming visits to the park and show me how to use the camera.
After a few email exchanges, we set up a date and a time. Matthew, Michaela and Kevin - who run the blog - spent two and a half hours walking me around the park, teaching me how to use my camera and explaining the process of making HDR images.
So why do I share all of this with you? Because I did nothing more than to be genuine, polite and ASK for what I wanted. And I achieved my goal - and more.
It’s a very straightforward process:
- Let the person know how you found them (blog, etc.)
- Acknowledge their expertise/knowledge
- Outline what you have in common with them
- Make a request
The worst that will happen is you’ll get a “No,” and you’ll be no worse off than when you started.
There’s a quote that I like by Wallace Stevens. He said, “After the final no there comes a yes and on that yes the future of the world hangs.”
I’m not sure of his context, but for me it means that – if there’s something I really want – I’m going to keep asking because after that final no, there’s eventually a yes.
Happy networking!
-Ryan
5 Comments
Deatheater said:
Ryan
Nice subject and good explanation. I do practice such things in my life. But these days I am facing a problem. While adding people at Online Social Media like Facebook and Linkedin I am asked to give the persons email address. Specially LinkedIn , this doesn't allow me to add people without their email address. how to overcome this problem ?
Deatheater
Ryan said:
Hi Deatheater,
Rather then sending connection requests - you should be able to send a personal message on Facebook to reach the person - or - send an introduction request via LinkedIn. If you really want to make a personal connection - I think these are better routes then sending connection requests. F
or me - I'll accept connection requests on LinkedIn from anyone, but due to the volume I receive, I don't read each one. I'm more apt to read a message you send me on the site.
Thanks,
Ryan
Deatheater said:
Thanks Ryan !
Reza said:
Hi Ryan,
I think it is easy to network when there is a specific need like in your case. But what about networking for jobs. I don't think it's right for me to say first hand 'I'm looking for a job, and I was hoping you can give one to me'. So any suggestions on how to approach someone when job hunting, what kind of request would be appropriate?
suman Singh said:
• Seeking a challenging career where I can show my inherent capabilities, enhance my skills and strengths in conjunction with the organization's goals and objectives.
SYNOPSIS:
• A result oriented professional with 5years of experience in sales & marketing, Business Development, Channel Management across Pharmaceutical , Service industry, FMCG Beverages Industry
• Currently working with PepsiCo India Beverage Hyderabad as Market Development Executive.
• An Out-of-the-Box Thinker with an established track record of increasing revenues, establishing and launching the division, streamlining workflow and creating a teamwork environment to enhance productivity innovatively for reputed business houses.
• A skilled communicator with exceptional presentation & interpersonal skills.