For those of you who know and follow me, you know how preposterous I think this statement is. However, I can’t tell you how many people have this mind set when it comes to networking.
There are also those who believe that the only real reason to network is to set yourself up to find a new or better job.
About 2 1/2 years ago my former company was sponsoring a business association meeting at it’s office. Because of our sponsorship, we were afforded the opportunity host a meeting, select a speaker and topic which was to be presented. We chose the topic of building a social presence by utilizing LinkedIn and other Social Media. Before we could move forward, I had to get the topic and content approved by an individual in charge at this organization. Initially I was told that he was opposed to the idea because it appeared to be a surefire way for these professionals to better be recruited away from the organizations they were currently a part of.
I explained to him that LinkedIn and other Social Media tools could afford him so much more than he initially thought. I explained, for example that being a part of user groups on LinkedIn would allow him to network with professionals around the globe that shared his skill set or interests. Many of these people would share industry information, discussions, problems, and solutions with him for no other reason than the things they had things in common. After the speaker finished, he let me know that he was excited to explore the opportunities this valuable topic and speaker had introduced to him.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of having a lunch and learn with a former colleague of mine, Greg Haffley who is an Employee Benefits Consultant for RJF Agencies, located here in Minneapolis. The whole premise behind this meeting was to help him enhance his profile on LinkedIn as a way to increase his visibility to his current and future clients. We also spent some time going over Twitter basics and how to find useful industry and client information. Greg and I had not seen each other in years but we ran into each other at a sporting event and decided to get together to catch up and network. You never know who you will run into and how it may affect you and your future.
By the way, I just started my new job 2 weeks ago and I’m networking more now than I did when I was on the hunt. First of all, I updated my LinkedIn groups by removing the ones that are no longer applicable to my new industry. Secondly, I added new groups that are being utilized effectively by my colleagues or are present in the profiles of those in my target candidate pool.
Notice that I haven’t mentioned anything about job search in any of my examples. However, enhancing your network and utilizing the resources around you, can only raise your chances of being recommended or referred when the question “who do you know” comes up in the “I know a company that has a need” conversation.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by TheJobsGuy and Chris Russell, sourabh sharma. sourabh sharma said: RT @thejobsguy: I Have A Good Job, So Who Needs To Network? http://tinyurl.com/3y3x2gd [...]
Sourabh,
i appreciate your support and RT of my blog.
Please let me know how I can help in the future and any topics of interest you’d like to see in future blogs.
Respectfully,
The Jobs Guy
Another great post from the Jobs Guy! This especially resonated with me because I also have a job, but love to network as well. To me you hit the nail right on the head. Networking and social media isn’t always about getting a job or getting ahead. I think of networking and social media as tools for connecting with other people like myself. I feel like if you *only* use these tools to get jobs and ‘get what you want,’ people are less likely to connect with you because you seem needy. Plus, how many people do you think network, land the job, then forget about the person who helped them get there? It probably happens more often than you’d like to think.
I just like the social aspect of networking and social media. Whether it’s coffee, a tweetup or simply DMs back and forth, I enjoy being able to talk to professionals who have similar interests without being burdened by the knowledge that we work together. It’s a nice group of professional friends who are attached enough to care, but dethatched enough to stay interesting. I love this post- great insight. Maybe I should take another look at my LinkedIn profile now!
Networking is vital and should be a natural part of being professionally active. You throw some seeds on the river today and you may eat of its fruits years from now.
Love this – and here’s a sub-title for it: “After You Land, Don’t Put Your Head in the Sand!” I have to say that this topic is one that I am passionate about. In addition to keeping social media info up to date, I would encourage folks to remember that there are other ways to take care of your network that don’t require the same effort of finding a mutually convenient coffee shop!
I just met with a new contact at her new job. She was very intentional about her desire to continue to grow her network, understood the value she received from building it and wanted to continue to give back. Her only condition was to meet at her place of employment. Great!
The other tool that folks tend to forget is the phone – simple. Meeting new contacts over a phone conversation can be just as effective as face to face. In fact, I could make the case for meeting someone new over the phone as more effective. Your listening is tuned up when you can’t see facial expression and body language!
Wow – lot’s of tools to take care of one’s network after landing: maintaining your social media presence, inviting others to meet at your place of business, and picking up the phone!
Great post Steve!! Thanks for generating great conversation!
Easy to watch piece of content. I just stumbled upon your blog in addition to wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and in addition I hope you blog post yet again soon.
I will be starting to post new content soon. I have been on a bit of a hiatus due to an overwhelming work schedule. Please feel free to submit questions and comments via twitter. Thanks for the support, Steve “The Jobs Guy” Feinberg
Fantastic – I should really suggest, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and material has been vastly comfortable and easy to access. I stubled onto what I would like very fast in the slightest degree. And even what memorable. Are going to appreciate it when you add community forums or something like that, it would a excellent way for your individuals to communicate. Smart task..
HI Jobs Guy, I’ve always liked LinkedIn for networking – but have never seriously considered it’s potential for me, as the owner of an executive recruitment firm. I guess its time to spruce up on the social media strategy for this year! Quick question though – do you know if using LinkedIn ads is worth it? I often wonder about the effectiveness of attractive executives via advertising on networks like this. It may be too commercial. Thanks for another great post
Good Morning Charles,
Thank you for the positive note. When it comes to social media, it is a great way to connect with and be exposed to many active and passive candidates out there. I had a situation last year when I talked to a great candidate who I reached out to via LinkedIn for a great leadership opportunity. This person did not know me, but I was able to refer to people in my network that she knew. At the time, the individual was not in a position to move to the market where the position was based. At the beginning of December, we had another position that would not require relocation. I was able to make what I call a warm call to the candidate and because of our previous interactions, they took the call and we were able to pick up where we left off. The biggest challenge with social media is the time commitment it takes to get your profiles and networks established. LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected to people you know, people you’d like to know, passive candidates, active candidates, and also be exposed to more helpful information than you’ll know what to do with. Good luck as you begin your journey.
Steve “The Jobs Guy”