Targeted Networking Building And Maintaining Your Network No Audio

Editor's Notes

• #2: Welcome. This is Connie Hampton of Hampton & Associates Scientific and Executive Search Consultants. Thank you for coming! Today we are talking about building and maintaining your network. Housekeeping: I’m still learning this technology so please do bear with me! I would be delighted by your focused attention. This will be about one hour. I will ask you to do some writing so please get your paper and pencil. We are going to start in the beginning about what this networking thing is anyway and then I’ll ask you to do a bit of work.
• #4: We, homo sapiens sapiens, have been around for over 50,000 years. In the early days, we were hunters and gatherers and we lived our lives in groups of 25 people, blood relatives and not. Family, tribe, troop, posse this was the web of relationships we lived in – our network.
• #5: Put a dot in the middle of your paper – that is you. Now draw a smallish circle around it. This is where you have your posse, your troop, your friends and relations, your family, your inner circle. You see them or at least talk with them every day. Or would like to. You eat with them regularly and frequently sleep under the same roof.
• #6: Here is one map of someone’s inner circle made from their Facebook connections. Vizster was one of the early visualizations of networks produced at Stanford a few years ago. You can put the names of your inner circle on your paper or, better yet for our purposes, start a grid or spreadsheet.
• #7: On your spreadsheet or grid, list your top 25 names. These are living people you think about every week. It shouldn’t take very long to fill this in. Also fill in the affiliation column – are they your spouse, your partner, your child, your parents? Your best friend? Who do you see every week or wish you could? This is the center of your “Us”. Here are four from my “us” -
• #8: Now draw a larger circle around you and your “inner circle”. This is your larger “Us”. When we were hunters and gatherers and even when we were herders and nomads, we did not live our whole lives with just our 25 person posse. At least once a year we would gather with all the other groups in our area to trade, find partners, learn about what was going on beyond our land, celebrate and, yes, “network”.
• #9: Even when some of us settled down to farm, we would get together. This was our community – people we saw at work, bought and sold with, celebrated or worshiped with. We started to live in villages of about 400 people – many people still do. Some times we call them neighborhoods or even blocks. Most people today, even with Facebook or LinkedIn, still have at the most just 400 people they are connected to. Much more and it can become overwhelming or “less personal”.
• #10: Here is a version of someone’s “Us”. You can make your own map of your LinkedIn connections at www.linkedinlabs.com This is your outer circle. Remember that each of the people in your inner and outer circles has their own inner and outer circle. All of these together make up the web of connectedness that is the human family. It has been calculated that no member of the human race is more than 55 th cousins away from any other member. Many of us count first cousins in our inner circle, most don’t count 4 th cousins and beyond. Notice that it is not even a simple phone tree and that each person is connected to many more than people than just you.
• #11: So who is in your outer circle, your “larger Us”? These are your friends from elementary school and high school whom you still keep in touch with, your college friends you have on Facebook, your former coworkers and bosses, your current coworkers and boss, people you play softball with or volunteer with or who attend your place of worship. They are in your contacts, your Facebook, your LinkedIn, your old address books. They are the people you met at “networking meetings” and have actually exchanged cards with. These are people you see at least once a year and have met face to face or with whom you have worked with extensively even if you have not actually met face to face. Start filling out the spreadsheet or making a list. Do add their affiliation. We don’t have enough time to actually do this in this workshop, but it is important so try to add at least 10 now. Remember that most people only really have 400 people in their network. Nimrata Garg of Shine.com : Networking on social and professional sites has definitely become a necessity today to connect and build associations with professionals from one's field and also beyond. No longer can we work in isolation - it is necessary to stay connected to learn about the latest trends in one's domain and also find jobs. I guess, one can start by connecting with school and college batchmates, and colleagues from work on LinkedIn. The more people one connects with, wider one's circle becomes to connect with more. In terms of offline tools, conferences and workshops are great places to meet people with similar interests and aspirations. Networking tools are generally the same across all industries - it's more about how you stay connected and build on the initial introductions. Knowledge sharing and event invites are some ways to keep the association fresh.
• #12: Now add a final circle around the whole thing – this will by your “Them” and the as yet unknown members of your “Us”. Us vs Them – There really is no “them” (at least until the aliens arrive from outer space). There are only people we have not met yet, a job we have not found yet, an education we have not gotten yet.
• #14: Let’s go back to those early hunter/gatherers and their annual get-together. The purpose was an exchange. The Medieval Fairs were centralized markets – an exchange. There is an Old Norse rune shaped like an equal armed cross on its side – a bit like an X but even. Its meaning is gift but it also means an equal exchange, a give and take. Barrett Peterson Senior Financial Executive, Consultant, C.P.A. : Meet people, share your talents, provide assistance, support with digital technology, repeat. Interacting with people is a great source of enjoyment and a fabulous way to learn while helping others [and yourself] achieve personal and career goals.
• #15: So most of you are here to find a new job or are looking for something you need, something you need to get. Networking is giving something (usually that you have a lot of or which doesn’t cost you much) to get something that you value. And it is the same for the other person in this exchange – they give what doesn’t cost them much to get something that they value. So take another look at the spreadsheet – what do you give and get from each person in your inner circle? Usually that’s too much to fit in that tiny space. Then look at your outer circle. That might be a bit simpler in some cases. Remember that information is a “something”. Jared Serviss: Stay in touch with your current friends. Phone or meet up with people rather than emailing, it really makes a difference. As you meet people make notes, for example on their business card, of where you met them and any interesting details that stand out, then send a quick email or note to them within the week. Finally look to give information, if you show you are willing to share and are not just in it to receive, you will be off to a good start.
• #16: So take another look at the spreadsheet – what do you give and get from each person in your inner circle? Usually that’s too much to fit in that tiny space. Then look at your outer circle. That might be a bit simpler in some cases. Remember that information is a “something”.
• #17: Decide what exactly you want to get from building your network – A job? Doing what, where? Information? About what? A new client? For whom you will do what and what will they use it for? A dating partner? What do you desire? New friends with particular interests? A “thing”? New house, better plumbing, a landscaped yard?
• #18: Now, where is a new job or a new partner in these circles? Probably on the outer edge of your outer circle or even out in the “them” space. You probably don’t know every single person who is in your industry or even your niche or profession, but you are probably connected to them through the people who are in your circles. There are also many, many people in your circles and outside them who are NOT in your industry, niche or profession, just as there are many people who would not make a good partner for you. David Elstob ♣ LION ♣ Site Manager UK Networking Group Owner & Manager wrote: -------------------- Don't be afraid to reach out. Be confident and remember everyone started out without any connections.   LinkedIn is the best online professional networking tool, but other social media can produce results too. Even professionals are just normal people outside work hours. All links can add value, because a person five thousand miles away in another industry could be connected to someone on your doorstep who you've wanted to meet for ages.   Become a LION - LinkedIn Open Networker - this will grow your network faster if you put the effort in. Then concentrate on the people who are likely to help you the most, such as same-industry networkers.   Offline register with agencies and submit your CV to them. More adventurous folk can attend industry events, etc.   Never change your phone number and backup your contact list. There are people I have worked with and get on well with, but I only know their number and not their address. I try and call them at least once a year.
• #19: If your mission is to find a new job, you need to be targeted in your search and you need to build your network to get you closer to the right people. If you are simply interested in a new subject, again, networking can make it happen. So how do you do that? First, identify what you want – you can’t go in all directions at the same time. What exactly is your industry, niche and profession? Or your subject? I’ll be doing another webinar on how to establish your goals.
• #20: Label the last column with your goal Which of the people in your circles knows about your industry, niche, profession or subject? Put an X in the goal column. If you don’t know if they know, ask them. These people are your first degree connections to what you want. Jason Roberson Growth Partner at Winwon Coaching says: The key factor to building a network is adding value to your targets and future friends. Upon meeting someone if one can find out what that person needs and how to be of value to that person and vice versa, they will build lasting fruitful relationships.
• #21: Now you can organize your current network and see where you need to build it. Do you have all your people in LinkedIn? Facebook? Spoke? G+, or any of the other tools we now have to manage our networks? Each of these has tools to allow you to upload your people into them. You will need to add email addresses and titles, etc. for some of the tools. Trenton Willson Owner of Dream Coachers : My social media sites are my home base and everything for me goes out from there. LinkedIn is my favorite. In my experience LI has 3 basic uses: 1- It is an online business card/resume that people can find me to build OUR network. 2- It has become my Rolodex for business contacts. Obviously all my contacts are not there but Facebook and my cell phone handle most of those who aren't. 3- LinkedIn also serves as a megaphone for expertise. Everything offered on LinkedIn can boost your credibility and personal brand if used correctly. I have learned about various groups and networking events through LinkedIn and I would have to say that a large percent of my best business contacts have come through attending the various meetings in the area.
• #22: Who do you need to know? Why would they want to know you? Yes, you do have many things of value to bring to the table, many of which you don’t recognize as valuable – like the connections to other people in your network.   Who are the new people you want to know and be known by? Where do the new people you want to add to your network hang out? What is their preferred tool to manage their networks?
• #23: Where are they online? The second page of the spreadsheet is for the online and physical groups your potential new network partners (LinkedIn Groups? Yahoo Groups? Where else? Many organizations have discussion groups on their own websites.) William Cooper CEO at ChristiaNet - Marketing Guru - Facebook Expert with 700,000 Fans : Join the appropriate LinkedIn Groups and then interact with others by asking and answering questions. From there get to know people and add them to your network. It's truly that simple. I have almost 8,000 connections doing exactly that. Mark Amtower Leading government market consultant, LinkedIn Black Belt & sensei, author, keynote speaker and radio host : 1) Decide what you niche is, study it carefully, and be prepared to add some value every time you engage. 2) Clearly state what your niche is on your web site and your Linkedin profile, and anywhere else you "network". 3) Identify the trade goup/association that best fits your trade and join it. Participate - do not simply join and hope something occurs. 4) be proactive in your outreach to key people in your business niche, particularly when you are using tools like Linkedin. Don't be an "open netowrker"- be an industry niche networker. 5) find & join the key LinkedIn groups for this niche. The best groups don't have to be the biggest, they best groups are the best managed with discussions that have some meat. 6) Engage via the groups: add your two cents to discussions, post your own discussions, and post article pertinent to the group. 7) find the experts and see which groups they belong to. 8) You can start a group that provides a forum for sharing with these professionals if you don't find the exact group you need. Scott Dyvig ╠ Packaging Lab Manager ╬ Cold Chain Expert says: As others have mentioned, LinkedIn can be a great base for connections and future growth in their career. Connections are everywhere, especially in biotech and pharma where folks tend to jump from company to company. Joining groups on LinkedIn is great, but starting your own group is even more powerful. Providing great content and fostering discussions will help build a network of connections that are more meaningful than just connecting with a LION. I started a group called Green Packaging Forum and have over 5400 international members that are a great source of information and opportunity!
• #24: Do it often enough that the other regulars will begin to recognize your name and associate it with the “like” factor. Don’t be a know-it-all and certainly don’t put people down for their opinions. This is “visibility” or “personal branding” or just starting the conversation, getting your name and face out there so you can be recognized next time.
• #25: Discover the leaders in your field. Conference speakers, “thought leaders”, “go-to guys”. Where do they hang out on the internet? Can you join them there? Be interested in what they have to say. Comment, compliment, ask questions. Interact! If you don’t, they won’t know that you are lurking.
• #27: The best way to really connect with another person is face-to-face. We know about mail-order brides and business conducted virtually on the ‘net, but for really solid relationships we at least need to meet once in person, look each other in the eye and shake hands.
• #28: You can use the internet to find out who, where and when in your location – for example, in the SF Bay Area for the Tech sector, Derinda Gaumond sends out a weekly events calendar www.workit.com . The third page of the spreadsheet is for making a list of the events sites for your network target. Which ones are within a reasonable geography? A reasonable price? When is the next meeting? Will you go?
• #29: Greg Weishaar Recruiting Manager at Croop-LaFrance: Get off the couch! Personal interaction/networking is equally (if not more) valuable to building a strong network. When meeting new people, I like to notate where and when I met them as well as what we talked about. Obviously LinkedIn is a nice tool to manage contacts, but naymz and spoke work well too. I even went so far as to organize business cards in a three ring binder with plastic inserts - just like my baseball card collection!
• #30: Before you go, put together a kit: Business cards (still used in many industries) or a way to capture names and contact info (your phone?) in a case or pocket Name tag (in case they don’t have) and highlighter to make it easier to actually see your name. Card case or pocket for the cards you receive Pen to make a note on the card about the person, the topic of conversation, the event Breath mints Hand sanitizer Comb perhaps a calendar to actually schedule a 1 on 1 coffee meeting? But most of all : A plan for that event
• #31: Get there early enough to find the bathroom (you never know when someone else will need that bit of information) and look over the room. You may find that you are a bit overdressed and could remove your jacket or otherwise change your appearance.   Plan to speak to every person who is standing by themselves. They are probably a bit nervous and will be glad to have someone approach them or, if it is early, they will not yet be in a large group.   Remember that you are building both your own network and theirs, so see if you know anyone who might be of interest to them.   Aim for at least 3 cards from every event, but raise that as you get more comfortable.   People love to talk about themselves and what they do. Let them start first – some people will never ask what you do, putting you ahead of the game by getting information from them. You may not even need that “elevator speech” you sweated over. It could go, “I see that you are from X company – what do you do there?” What you are giving at this point is attention and interest – and we all need both of those! Don’t approach someone and beg or deliver your sales pitch – they don’t know yet if they care about you at all. Remember that equal exchange – no one hires because you need a job.   If you can get the list of attendees before the meeting, you can look them and their companies up online and have even more to ask about. And you can approach the people you have already decided you want in your network.   Approach the speaker, if there is one, after the talk and comment on something that they said.
• #32: If you met face to face, where will you organize these contacts? This is also called “High Touch” networking. Put them in your contacts file, add them to LinkedIn, invite them to be friends on Facebook, add them to the people you follow on Twitter. Be sure that you have asked them which is their preferred social media site or email them first to ask.
• #33: Mark Wiedelman Senior Project Manager Consultant at Health Care Service Corporation : The most important factor in building and maintaining a personal or professional network is effort. You must put in the time. Before LinkedIn came along, I used to maintain a list of my professional networking people. My goal was to reach out and contact each one every year. I had several hundred people in my network at that time, so I had to call, email, meet for lunch every person every year. It took time and effort. Can you make a plan to contact, email, phone, meet for coffee or lunch each and every person in your network every year? And the ones that you really like or really need help from even more often? How did you build that “inner circle”? How do you keep it warm? You don’t need to do that much with your outer circle but it is very important to keep people from slipping over the edge into “Them” after only a few contacts. Unless, of course, it was not a fit to begin with and you are both happy to let it go. Remember that, prince or pauper, we only get 24 hours in the day. Lisa Nofzinger Telephone Operator (Contract employee--client 3M) at Adecco : I find in maintaining a network, phone calls are very important. I call people in my network a lot. For me it's better than email. I also send holiday cards. Ned James Marketing pro: Be sure to reach out to members of your network periodically to just touch base. This could be a phone call, an email maybe even a tweet. But, make sure you are connected with them and don't lose touch with them.
• #34: What is your plan for using it to maintain contact with your network? How much time will it take each week?   Not everyone will be online – Gramma is probably more likely to want you to call and other people are too busy to post often. Where will you look and how much time will it take?   I like www.Gist.com because it scrapes the web, RSS feeds, Facebook and Twitter for postings and mentions of the people and companies you add to it and it provides a dashboard to see it all. Job Change Notifier www.jobchangenotifier.com will check LinkedIn for changes to profiles. Google Alerts www.google.com/alerts scrapes the web and will let you set alerts for topics or companies or people.   Checking these sites (or the emails they send you) can take as little as 15 minutes a week. If something special has happened to your contacts you can send off a quick email congratulating them, offering a suggestions, providing a connection, etc.