The magazine CIO, December 11, 2007, edition, (www.cio.com/article/print/164300) has an article by Meridith Levinson that provides the following tips for networking:
1. Start Small – Begin your networking efforts by seeking out familiar faces, such as relatives and friends.
2. Stop Apologizing – You do not have to apologize for asking for help or wanting to learn more about another person.
3. Be Yourself – Many introverted professionals think that they have to act like an extrovert. You do have to make an effort, but you should not appear artificial.
4. Tap Into Your Passion – You should join clubs and attend events that relate to your interest or activity such as attending sporting events.
5. Ask for Introductions – You should be the first to introduce yourself to others.
6. Be Generous – You should share your ideas with others by contributing your experience in the conversation.
7. Be Prepared – You should have in mind several responses to typical questions such as how is your job search going or how are you spending you day.
8. Follow-Up – It is important that you follow-through on what you have said to someone. For example, if you said you would provide a name and telephone number, you need to email or call the person with the information.
9. Get Over Your Rejection – You will find people who do not want to help you or care about your situation. In such cases, move on down the road. As I say sometimes see a new round of cards.
10. Take Risks – You should be willing to make the first step to begin a conversation. You never know where a simple statement as “how is your day going?” may lead.
11. Seek a Shrink – The article suggests if all else fails, you might see a therapist. My suggestion is that you find a mentor, close friend, or spouse to discussion your feelings and concerns. Sometimes when you verbalize your thinking, a plan of action will result.
Please share with readers of this blog your experience with networking.
Thanks! Glyn
"With resumes, one is never enough. Have at least two or three, each targeted to specific jobs or career fields." Use language in your resume that matches the words in your desired position's description. "If the job opening is for a 'senior IT specialist,' for instance, those exact words should be appear in the resume."
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