Networking - The Focus is on Job Networking

If your networking is not helping you get a job or business, helping you meet people who can get you a job or business, or providing you information to help you obtain a job or business, then you are wasting your time networking. Do not mix and confuse career networking with business networking. If you are starting a business and seeking clients, your primary responsibility is to make contacts. Hence, if you are networking, it should be for capturing a contact or a client. After you obtain the business or contact, then you can continue your business-advancement networking.

Networking to create solid business referrals and future contacts is a critical element of your business start-up. Keeping in touch with your network contacts must be routinely done on a regular basis... even after you land your most important client.

Referrals really do happen more casually than you might expect. Your college roommate's husband's friend is as likely to land you your next gig as your roommate herself-but only if she knows you're looking for a job when she hears about one.

Networking is extremely important in consulting. I initially started consulting for Hughes Aircraft Company through a good program manager friend of mine. That first gig at Hughes grew into other subsequent consulting gigs, which resulted from networking that I had established while working there.

The following seven rules for networking success:

• Ask for information, not a job.
• Be considerate of others' time.
• Listen first; then ask questions.
• Expand your network.
• Follow up.
• Reciprocate.
• Send a thank you letter.

Successful networkers show a sincere interest in their networking contacts. They are constantly developing relations, establishing their credibility, and sharing information. They follow the rules of the game where everyone has something to gain. Like the lottery, you have to be in it to win it.

Dave Hale, Ph.D., PCC, has twenty-three years' experience in design and delivery of training programs for public, private, government and non-profit centers. David founded DHI-Communications, an international business coaching and training consultancy, specializing in business development and communication principles. Dave is widely regarded as one of the top business coaches for Web 2.0 Entrepreneurs.


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