Improving Your Networking

by Helen Vella - Feb 05, 2010

2009 was a crazy year because of the economy. 2010 is going to be different, but it depends on your attitude. There are more opportunities for us to move forward. We must have a “can do” attitude.

Networking is the most important part of your search. Recruiters use more networking sources to find qualified people. They want to get to know people.

LinkedIn is a great tool to get you introduced. Make sure it reflects what you do.

Do you know what you want to do? You must be really specific. If you don't know what you want, other people cannot help you.

Tell people in a positive way how they can help you.

Most people are in a job that they did not necessarily plan for, now is the time to act--reinvent yourself and take a closer look at what you are passionate about.

Make the Best Impression at a Networking Opportunity

• Name Badge
  Get a permanent one. Sticky labels look unprofessional and printed ones look like you are in a meeting. Wear it all of the time-grocery store, shopping. Gives you more connections. Wear on right side lapel at appropriate level. Ladies, be aware of necklines.
• Apparel
  Gentlemen wear coats to every event, ties are optional. Ladies small or no purse.
• Business Cards
  Cards in top pocket/business card holder not in wallet. In jacket, your cards in left pocket, the ones you receive go into the right pocket so as not to confuse.
• Clean and neat cards only.
• Ask if you can write notes on back of cards you receive.
• Read card and keep it in hand while you are talking with the person.

Where do you network?

Pick your event to reach your target market. Do not only network with transitioning professionals. Chamber meetings are NOT set up for networking unless you know your specific targets.

Best place to find networking groups:

• Business Happenings in Orlando
• CG Connection Groups

Look at the group and see what it does and who belongs. Most have minimal fees. There are enough to attend 3 times each day.

Set a networking goal. Who do you want to meet? Who will get you what you want?

Find groups where related fields attend. For example: if you are an event planner, look for wedding events to meet caterers, florists, etc. Set 3 targets and target market to them. You want their data base to form strategic alliances.

If you have no goal, no one can help you. If you don't know, how can we help you?

Every person knows at least 25 other people. So in our group today there are over 12,000 potential connections.

Elevator Speeches

Have your 30, 60 and 90 second speech ready at all times. Be sure to include the following:

• Name
• Company Name/Tag Line/Profession. “Professional ______ specializing in _______ in career transition”. No desperation or negatives.
• Where you are going to do what you do? Central Florida, Orlando, etc.
• Why someone should employ you. What is unique about you. How long you have been doing it. Specialties, credentials, etc.
• What do you want them to do? Be specific, e.g., introduction to ____ in _____. Have the names of the company, department and who you want to meet.
• Name again and profession. People will only remember your name, tag line and information, only if it is good. No Acronyms or industry talk. Make an arrangement to follow up in a second meeting to elaborate more. Have a definite goal.

The Citrus Club is the best place to find business connections in Orlando. Several events each week. Helen has offered to help with Citrus Connections, one of the meetings held there.

Your True Networking Cost

Take your hourly pay rate, multiply it times 4. This is your true cost of networking. $400-$500 per event. Are you spending that money to make real connections?

Be wary of evening events. Alcohol and business networking don’t mix.