HOW TO
CONSTRUCT, EXTEND AND EFFECTIVELY WORK YOUR NET

Don Andersson

Networking is a constantly occurring event. Attentive to it or not, you and I are always in the process of meeting individuals who can provide new opportunities for us. Many of us attend networking gatherings especially designed to meet, greet and get to know potential resources. We often spend effort, time and money pursuing the elusive - and can understandably question the personal benefit of this expenditure. You now have an opportunity to invest in this human resources "How To" networking tool which will help you construct extend and work your net with much greater efficiency and effectivenesss. At the nominal cost of $15.00 you can use this resource to: assess the effectiveness of your current networking strategy, recognize and learn how to quickly measure great networking, develop a beneficial networking attitude, understand what you must do to create a positive initial impression, know how to differentiate yourself from others, learn how to position yourself as a resource for others, target networking zones helpful to you, shape initial impressions others have of you, recognize the difference between developing a networking base and using others to get a job, nurture your networking resources for a lifetime of value.

CONSTRUCT, EXTEND AND EFFECTIVELY WORK YOUR NET

"These last few months of transition," said Kim Miller, Vice President of Marketing, "have really opened my eyes. People have been gracious and willing to give me quality time. They've each been willing to help. "I've made new contacts but despite my efforts, I'm not certain what I've really accomplished. I've driven lots of miles, expended much time, money and effort - but for what? I think I'm learning a hard lesson." Whether we are committed to growing our start-up, wanting to increase our visibility, a salesperson working a room of potential clients at a B to B networking meeting, intent upon establishing new contacts or in transition from one position to another - we've each heard enough about networking to realize we ought to be continuously doing it, even if we sometimes have pause to wonder what it really is. Regularly or sporadically we do it - albeit reluctantly at times.   "I've always hated networking opportunities," commented Elmer Thompson, recently released division president. "I go through the motions, pausing to have bits of speaking with, or more accurately, talking at as many people as I can, but it seems so superficial. I suspect that there's a purpose in all this activity but I haven't yet found it. It really seems like a waste of time and effort. I'm really not clear what it's supposed to do for me - except keep me busy. "I guess it's time for me to get back on that treadmill again. I was able to avoid it in my last position because of meetings I had to attend. To be truthful with you, I think I instinctively avoided it because I realized that even though I'm able to label an activity that doesn't mean I know how to do it. Now, however, networking is part of my transition job description. It's going to keep me busy and it's going to cost me time, energy and money. I only wish I knew what I could do to get the biggest return on my investment. Since you are always meeting new people, you are always networking. Question is - how effective are you at it? A Networking Perspective! What is your response to these networking statements?

Statement Yes No I have a carefully thought-through strategy for networking. I get a lot of useful information when I network. I only network when I am prepared to provide as well as get information. I usually describe my employment demographics when I network. Networking rises on my list of priorities when I am job hunting. I have a follow-through plan to take advantage of my networking efforts. People in my social networks know what I do and what I have to offer. My elevator speech or two minute self description clearly differentiates me from others. Almost all the time I begin my networking by asking the other person about himself or herself. When the other has completed their self-description, I raise questions to get additional clarification. I frequently ask the other about the challenges they face with their work. While the other is speaking, I listen carefully to see how I can potentially be a resource for them. While the other is speaking, I listen to see what I might be able to sell them. For me, there is a great difference between the two previous statements. My networking efforts are successful most of the time. I am in regular contact with each of my networking resources. I am pleased with the results I get from my networking efforts.