Networking: as a Beggar—or a Contributor
Saturday, March 6th, 2010“I just hate reaching out to people, begging for a job.”
Sound familiar? Have you said that yourself a few times? Well, you absolutely should hate begging for a job. Begging is degrading. So, let’s try something else.
Think about the hiring decision makers out there. What’s going on in their worlds? They’re often worried, overworked, and stressed out. They are frantically trying to keep the ship afloat. They need help.
Their jobs and careers depend on finding good people—like you. Of course, many of them don’t have the resources to hire you. Even so, they have their feelers out looking for talent. Granted, their time is limited. Many of them have the gatekeepers working overtime to keep the unemployed masses away from them. Still, some will want to have a conversation with you—even if they don’t have a job for you right now.
How can you get the boss (or anyone else) to want to talk to you?
Think of yourself as a contributor
First, change your mindset. You are a contributor who can make a real difference for a stressed-out boss and his organization.
Have a polished presentation in plain English
Be able to clearly articulate what you want, what you do well, and the contributions you make. Don’t use worn-out job hunting jargon like, “I’m a results-oriented, team playing, self starter who makes a big impact on the bottom line.” Without this presentation, most people won’t want to talk to you. Remember, we all are tuned into WIFM (what’s in it for me?) Be able to tell the boss why it’s in his best interest to talk to you.
Approach people intelligently
Send a professional letter and/or email, then follow up with a phone call requesting a brief meeting. Come prepared with intelligent questions.
Remember ways you can benefit others:
a) You can make them feel important.
Who doesn’t like to be sought out and asked for advice? It inflates our egos. Plus, deep down, most of us really enjoy helping others. If you helped someone get a great job, wouldn’t you feel great?
b) You can help them to be more important.
Watch “The Godfather” movie, and notice how much time he spends doing favors for others. Sure, the favors are often violent, illegal, and reprehensible. Still, he knows that his power derives from his ability to be of service to others. Helping others builds stature and inspires loyalty.
c) You can help people to advance their careers and make more money.
For months, the company has been trying to find someone for that key position, but has only found incompetence. If you (the boss) find the right person, you look good—and this can help you get a promotion and better pay. If you’re not the boss, and you help the boss find the right person, you also look good.
d) What goes around comes around.
These days, few of us feel really secure in our positions. If someone helps you today, you might be able to help them tomorrow.
Sear it into your mind that you are a valuable contributor and people will benefit from speaking to you. It will make a big difference.
If you’re still employed
Don’t wait until you’re out of work to build your network. Take action now. People skilled in networking know there’s more to it than passing around resumes. It is building relationships over time. Start building them now.
