Network
In the world of networking, your success as a receiver is directly proportional to your generosity as a giver. Take a “me, me, me” approach to networking, and you will be met with limited success. Be generous with the information you share, and you will find people equally willing to open doors, offer tips, and make introductions. Two-way networking involves several key activities:
Although a job lead, contact, or other information may not be beneficial to you, it might be solid gold to someone else. Do not hoard information.
The individual you help today could recommend you for your dream job tomorrow.
Networking is all about people helping people. The more people you introduce, the wider your circle of influence.
It takes only a minute to share a name, pass along a lead, make an introduction,
or invite a colleague to an association meeting—but the residual benefits can last a professional lifetime.
As your reputation as a giver grows, you will become increasingly comfortable
asking for referrals, introductions, mentoring, and other assistance. Do not hesitate to make requests. People cannot help you unless they have a clear understanding of your networking needs and career goals.
Thank the people who help you. A thank-you card or a small gift can
leave a lasting impression—and help build valuable, long-term relationships.
Although a job lead, contact, or other information may not be beneficial to you, it might be solid gold to someone else. Do not hoard information.
The individual you help today could recommend you for your dream job tomorrow.
Networking is all about people helping people. The more people you introduce, the wider your circle of influence.
It takes only a minute to share a name, pass along a lead, make an introduction,
or invite a colleague to an association meeting—but the residual benefits can last a professional lifetime.
As your reputation as a giver grows, you will become increasingly comfortable
asking for referrals, introductions, mentoring, and other assistance. Do not hesitate to make requests. People cannot help you unless they have a clear understanding of your networking needs and career goals.
Thank the people who help you. A thank-you card or a small gift can
leave a lasting impression—and help build valuable, long-term relationships.
Networking Nugget
Think twice before turning down a request for assistance, particularly if you could quickly or easily fulfill it. The person you help today could become a valuable addition to your networking circle—and invaluable should you one day need a favor.
Think twice before turning down a request for assistance, particularly if you could quickly or easily fulfill it. The person you help today could become a valuable addition to your networking circle—and invaluable should you one day need a favor.
But the objective of networking is not merely to meet new people and move on. Your goal is to establish and grow longterm relationships based on reciprocity—“I’ll help you today, and someday when I need help, you’ll be there for me.”
Success on the telephone, as in life, calls for preparation. Do not leave networking and career success to chance. Prepare brief telephone scripts to guide you through introductory conversations.
Remember the 30-second elevator script you drafted earlier? Think of your telephone script as an extended version of that exercise. Your goal now is not only to introduce yourself, but also to provide the listener with the incentive to take whatever action you desire, such as schedule a face-to-face interview or request a sample of your product.
Be mindful of the listener’s time. Limit your introductory phone conversation to a maximum of two minutes. Ask questions to draw the listener into your conversation. Be an active and responsive listener.
Draft your script as an inverted pyramid. Start with the good stuff— the information most likely to persuade your listener to stay on the line. Save the small talk or dry technical details for later in the conversation.
Warm up the listener by dropping the name of a mutual contact or demonstrating your knowledge of the organization or decision-maker.
Begin with a scripted 30-second conversation opener, and build your two-minute introductory phone call from there.
Remember the 30-second elevator script you drafted earlier? Think of your telephone script as an extended version of that exercise. Your goal now is not only to introduce yourself, but also to provide the listener with the incentive to take whatever action you desire, such as schedule a face-to-face interview or request a sample of your product.
Be mindful of the listener’s time. Limit your introductory phone conversation to a maximum of two minutes. Ask questions to draw the listener into your conversation. Be an active and responsive listener.
Draft your script as an inverted pyramid. Start with the good stuff— the information most likely to persuade your listener to stay on the line. Save the small talk or dry technical details for later in the conversation.
Warm up the listener by dropping the name of a mutual contact or demonstrating your knowledge of the organization or decision-maker.
Begin with a scripted 30-second conversation opener, and build your two-minute introductory phone call from there.
- Networking For Success
Free Networking Scripts
http://hiddenjobmarketsecrets.com/networking-scripts/
| How to Warm Up to Networking: |
| Make your LinkedIn profile attractive |
| Call two people… |
| Talk it up… |
| Meet for coffee… |
| Go to a meeting… |
| Find someone who works in a company… |
