It’s time for another Executive Job Search Myth Buster. This one’s a beaut:
Myth:
“Networking doesn’t work for me.”
Truth:
Networking should be easy. If it isn’t, or if it makes you feel like a brown-nosing, exploitative and inauthentic schmoozer, it’s because you’re doing it wrong.
Here’s my definition of networking: It’s learning things about people you meet. Does that sound icky or manipulative to you? Another way of looking at it is that it’s about giving, not about getting.
My Advice:
See networking as an opportunity for discovery and learning, rather than a job search chore. Be curious about people. Find out what they do for a living, what they love about their job, and as much as you can about their lives and the people in their lives. Focus on the ones who have substantive, shared interests with you. Once you find them, hold on to them by sharing your gifts with them: Your wisdom (think about what people come to you for regarding advice). Your mentorship. Access to special places or resources. Talk shop with people who do the work you want to do. Your networking will feel easier and less selfish if you do. Don’t go to them only when you’re job hunting. Establish the kinds of relationships — and reputation — that make them want to come to you when they learn about a great job.
Doing these things will open doors to opportunities you never imagined: specifically, the 70% of jobs that are filled through personal contacts and referrals.
You can tell yourself, “I hate it. Networking is for fakers and schmoozers.” And you’ll never really get to know anyone new (or the well-connected and influential people they know). Or you can tell yourself, “Maybe this person is interesting. Let me find out more about her.” Often when you least expect it, you have a conversation that brings up new ideas and leads to experiences and opportunities you never imagined.
I hope you’re blessed with many opportunities today.
