The Power of your Network!

Have you ever been in desperate need of a job? I hope not, but if you have, you know that feeling where you would do ANYTHING to find a job.  Job boards, write in applications, social media, even walking in to to a store and picking up an application yourself.  What are we forgetting here?  It’s so obvious(to some people) that it is rarely utilized.  I’m talking about the network that you have worked so hard to build up.  Ok, hopefully you have worked so hard to build up.

If you have ever read Bob Beaudine’s book, The Power of Who, you know what I’m talking about.  In the book Bob states something to the effect that you, me , we, already know everyone that we need to know.  Think about that, right now, you know the right person to find you that new job. This doesn’t mean this person will find you the job, but they know someone, who might know someone, you get the point.  Regardless of where you’re at in your career/life, I would suggest reading this book.

Now let’s discuss the previously referred to “network.”  If you think you’re doing it right and you have a couple people in mind who you could call to see if they know any openings, you’re wrong!  In my opinion there should be at least 10 people who you could reach out to in this scenario.  Don’t have that many?  You need to start building ASAP!  How?  Networking should be a daily occurrence.  Meeting a friend for lunch today?  Have that friend invite someone they work with.  Always be meeting new people.  In my opinion, your network is never big enough.  Another book I refer to is “Never Eat Lunch Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi.  I don’t have to explain what’s inside this book, do I?

My points above are simple.  If you think you have a vast network, it could be better.  If you know you don’t have a network, start building it right now!  You never know when you could need it!  I’m constantly touching base with my network.  Not just my professional network, but my personal as well.  Do you have a longer commute home? Call a friend who you haven’t talked to in a while.  Have some time in the morning before you start work?  Send a quick “Hey, how are you doing” email.  Little things like that build your network very fast! LinkedIn is quickly becoming one of the greatest networking tools out there. But don’t stop there, meet people.  This is where “Never Eat Lunch Alone” comes into play. Schedule a meeting to introduce yourself and what you do, or what you’re looking for. This is a quicker than filling out an application or scouring Facebook or Twitter for a new job.

You’re network should give you pride, and it definitely could come in handy when you are in a bind.  Your network wants to help you, utilize it for what its for.

Until I write again, happy hunting!

First Impressions

Everyone knows first impressions are very important.  These days face to face meetings happen less and less.  I have recruited on roles that offer a Skype interview and the employee never even meets his/her manager F2F(Face to Face).  Things have definitely changed over the years.  Since the F2F meeting is almost becoming extinct, what would happen if you got really, really good at meeting people?  I’m not talking about being really good at shaking hands, although that is an art too(maybe to discuss another time), I’m talking about being really good at striking up a conversation with a complete stranger and honestly connecting with them. Here are some helpful tips to start you off…

Do your homework.  – What if you’re headed to a networking event and you know the president of a prestigious local company is going to be there.  You would really like to chat with him because you plan on applying to his company the next time there is an opening that matches your skill set.  Do you walk up to him and say, “Hello Mr. President, how’s it going?”  If you said “Yes,” please email me(thedsmrecruiter@gmail.com) immediately and we will meet to chat about it.  Anyway, with so many avenues to research, said President, you NEED to do your homework on him/her.  Head to the Google Machine(I stole this phrase from a buddy) and see what he/she has been up to the past couple months/years.  Being the president of a company the social media networks are probably set to private or show very little, but it’s worth a try.  Give the name a search on Facebook or Twitter to see what you can find.  Maybe he/she likes shows at the Civic Center and you just saw the Oz last week.  Talk about it!  Heck, read a newspaper.  Maybe you’ll find something in there that will be of some help to find a topic to discuss.  The possibilities are endless with this one, especially because so much information is right at your finger tips.

No idea who’s going to be at the “party?” – This happens more times than not.  So what are you supposed to do if you don’t know who is going to be at the networking event?  Come up with a list of general questions to ask people about themselves and their companies.  I don’t want to do all the work for you, but if you want to talk about more about these please email me at thedsmrecruiter@gmail.com, but here are a few examples.  After you get the general information about someone, ask questions that are more in-depth.  “What is the last book you read and what is the most influential book?”  This is one of my “go-to” questions because I love to read.  Most of the books I’ve read have been referrals from people I’ve asked. It doesn’t matter their position or job title.  People who read have probably read a great book that I haven’t.

Asking someone about their company is a little different.  Sometimes they don’t want to give away too much info, so you have to walk that line.  One of my favorites is “What do you see your biggest problem being in the next 12 months?”  I love this one, because when the individual gives the answer, you can immediately follow-up with, “Why?”  Plus, if it’s a problem, and you know someone who fixes those types of problems, you connect those two and immediately have a business relationship with that individual. BOOM!

Conclusion – The advice above is strictly from my experience. In the staffing industry, networking groups are a must. So I’ve had a little experience with what works and what doesn’t.  Everything I’ve mentioned above is so much easier if you keep a pulse on what’s going on around you.  Whether it be you picking up the Juice Magazine or the Des Moines Register, following local journalists on Twitter and Facebook or connecting on LinkedIn.  Be knowledgeable about what is happening in your area.  Know if there has been some layoffs, know if there was a recent merger of two companies in the area, know if a company in Des Moines has just hired a new president.  All of these tasks are relatively easy and inexpensive, so I don’t think you have an excuse.

If there are any books you’ve read that you think would be of some benefit to me, please either comment below or send me an email(I don’t have to type my email address again do it?)!  I’ll respond with a couple that I enjoy to return the favor.  Also, networking events.  Know any?  Let me know!

Happy Hunting!