Susan Nelson is a networking mastermind who has helped more than 3,800 job seekers find employment faster by teaching them the power of networking. In Susan’s presentation, our attendees’ learn how to build trust in relationships, develop a personalized style and process of networking, and explore new opportunities.
How to build your network
Networking can be intimidating, painful, or even discouraging due to lack of effort from others or failed attempts. Putting your best foot forward and with a great attitude can not only make networking easy but also fun! Susan gave some insights into what you can do to make yourself a better networker.
What can your network do for you?
Susan said, “a new survey reveals 85% of all jobs are filled via networking, and at least 70% of jobs are not even listed”. Just from this information alone, having a well-built network can be very beneficial to a job-seeker. One of the best networking tools available today is LinkedIn. It is available online and on your smartphone. LinkedIn has a range of personal options that can help you best represent yourself and build a network that works for you! One of the unique features includes “Find Nearby.”
This feature allows you to find people around you that has their settings set to let others find them. Utilize this tool at conferences, meetings, or even at the coffee shop after you meet someone that you can build a professional relationship. Another unique feature is adding connections via the QR code. This feature makes adding connections fast and easy when perhaps you are pressed for time.
Relationships Found Through Networking
You first need to know that networking involves putting ourselves in other people’s hands and putting people in our hands. Doing so you need to have mutual trust in each other. You must develop a relationship that builds confidence over time.
- Start by expanding your interests like hobbies, sports, or books because there is a strong possibility that the people you meet will have the same benefits.
- Figure out what you like and don’t like. There is no point to start building a relationship that is based on something you care very little about.
- In a relationship, encouragement can go a long way. Supporting each other in our mission to succeed not only shows that you believe you’re talented, but you also think that in your peers.
Ladder of Trust
A ladder of trust involves climbing someone’s “ladder” by asking questions. Questions can start from as small as “how’s the weather” or “How is Duke not in the final 4?”. Questions like these involve very little personal information that doesn’t make anyone feel uncomfortable to answer. Gradually, over time, you can start to ask broader questions that are more personal and require more trust.
Building relationships that lead to prosperity
- Start with one on one conversations
- Discussing mutual interests, past experiences, or even a funny story can help you feel more comfortable around this person.
- Find areas of common interests
- Like I said earlier, common interests makes building relationships fun and can expand your interests further
- Ask about goals and accomplishments
- Knowing that you’re not the only one shooting for the stars gives you someone to root for, and in return, that person is there to cheer you on even through the rough patches
- Get a better understanding of how to properly make introductions for each other.
- Expanding your network involves meeting new people through your connections and vice versa. You wouldn’t want to introduce someone incorrectly and ruin their chance of increasing their network.
- Creditability, your high enough on each other’s ladder
- Having that credibility shows that you are trustworthy and makes you the first person to come to mind when perhaps an employer is asking their employees for references for an open position.
What to do now
- Find a job search buddy
- Write thank you notes to people who have helped you on your journey
- Focus on belonging, if things seem dire, focus on the next larger context
- Say “Of course!” — don’t miss out on an opportunity
Helpful Materials
Susan has a website full of helpful materials along with sign-ups for private coaching and meetUps. Also, Susan suggested signing up to meet up which is an online service that allows you to sign up for groups such as the “Successful Job Seekers”. You can find the links below.
Susan’s Website- The Job Search Center
https://www.thejobsearchcenter.com/
MeetUp
https://www.meetup.com/I-Got-the-Job-Success/
Please come to our Next Hudson Job Search Meeting
Mark Gonska will be speaking on April 15 at 7:15 p.m. about Destroying Job Search Obstacles. All our events are free of charge and open to anyone who lives and works in the greater NEO area, whether you currently have a job or not. No need to register in advance, but seating is limited to approximately 40 individuals. Please dress business casual.
