Networking is like a road trip, so let’s get moving!
Do you look at others and envy their ability to network? The conversations and connections seem to come so easy for some. It’s just not fair! Well, I have some good news. Although the job search is becoming more competitive than ever, networking is a tool that you can develop that will make finding that target job a reality! You just need to get in the car, start the engine, and shift into drive.
Think about your last road trip. If you are like most people you plan your route, jump in the car, and start the journey. However, no matter how much you plan there is always the possibility that something unexpected will happen. It can be a detour, chance meeting, or the discovery of an amazing restaurant.
Networking is similar to a road trip in that you are on a journey, but rather than physically traveling some distance you are connecting with people that will impact the course of your professional life. It is those connections you make, which feature interest and support that benefits both parties, that will then direct where you go and how you get there.
I once agreed to an informational interview with a candidate who was looking for some practical experience the summer before his senior year, and was interested in our industry. After doing a little bit of online research he found my contact information. Although we had a great conversation and he had some excellent experience, we didn’t have an open position that fit his needs and qualifications. He sent a nice thank-you note and we agreed to keep in touch. About a month later I was talking to a friend of mine, who indicated she was searching for a candidate to fill a summer position. The gentleman I had interviewed immediately came to mind. I connected them and he not only worked with them that summer, he accepted a full-time opportunity with the company upon his college graduation.
Did he really want a position with our company? Yes. Did I consider him a viable candidate? Yes. Did that work out? No. Did he maintain a positive and professional attitude? Absolutely, and that attitude and willingness to take a chance and speak with my colleague led to a great position for him. Like a road trip, you sometimes veer off your intended course. You need to take the first step and see where it leads you. If you sit on your couch complaining that you can’t network, I guarantee you won’t get anywhere.
You can make professional connections, especially if you are a college student or young professional! Learn more about what you want to do. If you reach out to others to express your interest and ask for a little bit of advice, many will respond. And if you are a seasoned professional? Contact individuals in your existing network to see if they can connect you with others who can help get you to where you want to go. Then turn it around. How can you help them?
Everyone has had help along the way to get to where they are. That’s how it works. It doesn’t have to be tricky or scary. Make that call. Join that online professional group. Attend that networking event. Take a step, and then another one, and another one. The hardest part is to get moving. Once you are in motion, there’s no telling how far you’ll go!
