Finding a job through networking

It’s not only what you know, and who you know, but also who knows about you. You know how it works. You tell the people you know that you’re looking for a job and they tell someone they know about you and what you can do. Not only does your network know about you but they tell their network. And on it goes. The tricky part is getting started and that can sometimes be a daunting task.

There is more to networking than greeting people. “Some people are naturals at connecting with people. Others find networking more of a challenge” says Val Carter of The Success Centre, professional speaker and networking guru.  “With a few practical strategies and simple, confidence-boosting techniques, everyone can learn. There are a few concepts that are key to constructive networking, starting with that all-important introduction”. This is sometimes referred to as your elevator pitch or 30 second commercial.  The goal is to provide your new connection with a clear and concise snapshot of your background and current goals. This will help them identify how they might help you and how you might help them.

Other key concepts to effective networking include understanding what the other person really needs to know about you, how to follow up, and how do you turn the encounter into a meaningful, long-term business relationship.  And if that isn’t enough if you’re trying to network at an event you also need to remember names, circulate the room and move on to the next introduction gracefully.

So how can you be effective, get results and be memorable for the right reasons? Watch the video from the Networking 101 session held in January with Val Carter and learn these essential concepts.