Job Search Networking

Do you network as a beggar or a valuable contributor?

The greatest job search networking tool is you!

It’s catch-22. I know I should network to find a job, but networking makes me feel like a beggar. Beggars make people feel pity, bothered, or just uncomfortable. I don't want to be a pest, so I can't get myself started. It is hard to get anywhere with people when, deep down, we're thinking:

"I'm asking for something I don't deserve." "I'm a pest! I'm bothering people." "They won't want to talk to me." "They're busy, and I'm imposing on their valuable time."

If done properly, however, this job search networking tool can be productive, fascinating, and enjoyable. You can broaden your horizons, meet great people, and develop a powerful network that will last for years.

There are many networking groups and organizations you can find but if you don’t use this one job search networking tool “presenting yourself as a contributor” then you will limit the impact of your relationships.

Here's how to revitalize your networking. First, get a clear idea of who you are and what you can do for others. Otherwise, you WILL make people uncomfortable. Who wants to spend time with someone who says, "I don't know what I want, but I need a job"? Polish your presentation so that you can clearly articulate your skills, abilities, and your passion. Then, approach people intelligently: with a professional letter and a phone call requesting a brief meeting. Come prepared to discuss how you can contribute, and have intelligent questions prepared.

Most importantly, realign your thinking about being a beggar. How? Put yourself in the shoes of the other person. Let's say a woman named Michelle contacts you and requests a meeting. She knows where she's going, can articulate what she wants, and is eager to get there. Here's how meeting with her can benefit you:

Job Search Networking Outcome 1) She can make you feel important. Who doesn't like to be sought out and asked for advice? It inflates your ego. Plus, deep down, don't you really enjoy helping other people? If you helped her get a great job, wouldn't you glow about it for a couple weeks?

Job Search Networking Outcome 2) She can help you to actually be important. Watch "The Godfather" movie, and notice how much time he spends doing favors for others. Sure, the favors are often violent, illegal, and reprehensible. Still, he knows that his power derives from his ability to be of service to others. Helping others builds his stature and inspires loyalty.

Job Search Networking Outcome 3) Michelle might help you advance in your career and make more money. For months, you've been trying to find someone for that key position, but have only found incompetence and mediocrity. This makes you look bad. If you hire the right person, you'll look good. This can mean a promotion and more pay.

Job Search Networking Outcome 4) What goes around comes around. These days, few of us feel really secure in our positions. You help Michelle today; maybe next year Michelle can help you.

Sear it into your mind that you are a valuable contributor and people will benefit from speaking to you. It will make a big difference.

By the way, don't wait until you're out of work to build your network. Take action now. People skilled in networking know there's more to it than passing around resumes. It is building relationships over time.

Then, if your company goes down faster than the Titanic, you can hop in a lifeboat, instead of clinging to a piece of wood in the icy water with Leonardo DiCaprio.