Expand Your Network = Career Success

Besides who is currently in your network, it’s also important to also consider who you want in your network. Here is a short list of different groups of people you may want to add to your network.

•             Industry leaders

•             Thought leaders

•             Community leaders

•             Individuals from other industries

•             People who work at your targeted companies

Don’t stick with just people of your gender. Diversify! Women tend to have a smaller network and one made up primarily of women. This situation can limit their options, since more men occupy positions of higher authority.

Here are some avenues to help you identify names of people that you want in your network:

•             Read local newspapers

•             Read trade publications

•             Company websites

•             Create Google alerts based on keywords

•             Check out LinkedIn groups related to your field and industry

•             Ask people you know who they think you should know

•             Create a list of names at target companies

•             Join job transition groups

Whether you are in a job search or want to effectively manage your career, it’s important to continue expanding your network.

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How Big is Your Network?

Whether you're in a job search, advance to the next level, or just manage your career, it's important to network. The first step in networking is to determine who you already have in your network. I have heard statistics that each of us knows at least 250 people. That sounds like an astounding large number; however all of those people aren’t your best friends.

Your network can include people that you know really well and some that you know more casually. Take a look at the list below to help you get started creating a list of people in your network:

•             Family

•             Friends

•             Co-workers

•             Former co-workers

•             Vendors & suppliers

•             Customers

•             Classmates 

•             Former classmates

•             Parents of your children’s friends

•             Church members

•             Health club members

•             Professionals such as your doctor, dentist, hairstylist

 

In my next blog post, I'll explore who you may want in your network and tips on finding those people.

 

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Network to Climb the Proverbial Career Ladder

Want to advance to the next level? Get on the radar screen of career influencers to set yourself up for a promotion.

How networking can help you….

1.     Be seen as an integral part of the company.

2.     Become well known within your industry.

3.     Be seen as a subject matter expert.

4.     Expand your network.

5.     Keep your network alive. 

If you’re serious about your career and want to move up to the next level, networking can help make that happen! Let’s say you’ve noticed someone who has successfully advanced in their career. Ask that person if he or she will brainstorm with you for 15 minutes over the phone about how you can move up from your current position. 

It’s not always about who you know, it’s about who knows you. Who are the movers and shakers in your industry? Career influencers are those people who can hire you or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you. They are those people who can champion you- past managers and past customers who know you are great! A career influencer can also be a mentor; someone who has a career path that you want and has the connections and experience needed to help you do the same.  Reach out to that person and say, “I’ve admired how you have transitioned into various roles and I would love to hear how you did it.” 

How can you get on the radar screen of someone who can influence your career? What professional associations do they belong to? Join those associations and get involved. Don’t just merely be a member. Step up to the plate and volunteer to serve on a special committee. Volunteer to register members at the monthly meeting. This will help you start to put names to faces. Consider serving on the board. This will help you gain visibility and credibility within your industry and demonstrate your leadership skills. Create a presentation that would be beneficial to the members of this professional association and volunteer to be a speaker at a monthly meeting or special interest group. 

Social media is a good strategy to position yourself as an expert in your field and convey your personal brand. It can also help you get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Join groups related to your field and industry. Post questions, respond to questions, and get on the radar screen of career influencers. But remember, social media today can be a source for companies to view your activity as well. Keep it positive and informative. And certainly, no fowl language.  Later you will learn tips on how to expand your network and keep your network alive.

 

 

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Networking to Keep Your Job

Networking can help you increase your visibility up, down, and across your current organization. Networking can help you...

1.     Be seen as an integral part of the company.

2.     Become known as a subject matter expert.

3.     Expand your network.

     4.  Keep your network alive. 

While some may reserve networking for times when they’re in a job search, others are continually working to build and maintain their network for career insurance- to keep their current job. How about you?  

Networking can happen right at work! Network with those above you, below you, and those at your same level and with individuals from other departments and other divisions. Keep your network appraised of your accomplishments. Did you just

finish a big project? Let your boss and your boss’s boss know about it. Let’s say

you meet your boss’s boss in the elevator and she or he says, “Hi, how are you doing?” Rather than simply saying “fine” say, “I’m doing great, now that I just finished the Acme project two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.” Toot your own horn! If you don’t, who will? It’s important for others to see you as an integral part of the company; someone who goes and above and beyond their job duties. Remember, your co-workers may have a family member or friend that is looking for a new job or a connection. Imagine there impression of you, when you can demonstrate that you can help them, even if it’s only an introduction or a tip. 

Are you particularly knowledgeable about a certain area of your field? If so, make sure others at your company know that. If you’re not a subject matter expert, what can you do to become one? Do you need an advanced degree or a certification or maybe take a class? Once you’ve taken the steps to becoming a subject matter expert, let others at work know what you’re working toward. 

Set up coffee or lunch dates with your peers and other colleagues. Later you will learn more tips for expanding your network and keeping it alive. 

If you’re not already a member, join LinkedIn. Monitor activities of your network and when you see they’ve posted an update, ping them or call them. It can be as simple as “Congratulations on the new promotion or new LinkedIn recommendation.”  

If you were to lose your job today, who are the ten people you would reach out to for advice on your job search? Don’t wait until you are laid off to reach out to them. Contact them today! Set up a coffee or lunch date.

 

Grab a copy of my free eBook, "Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!"

 

Network: Jump Start Your Job Search & Get a Job You Love Faster

Networking can help you….

1.     Get the word out that you are in a job search.

2.     Gain advice about your job search techniques.

3.     Uncover job leads in the “hidden job market.”

4.     Get referrals to other individuals or organizations that you’re targeting.

5.     Learn more about specific positions, fields, or industries.

6.     Gather information about specific companies.

7.     Expand your network. 

8.     Keep your current network alive while meeting new people.

9.     Help others get what they want, even if it’s a warm introduction from you.

It’s important to let your network know that you are in a job search. They can’t help you if they don’t know! And without clearly defined job targets, i.e., specific positions, industries, and companies you are seeking, it can be even harder for your network to help. Job seekers often tell me, “I’m open. I’ll work for any company or industry.” While that may be true, the more focused you are, the better your job search; the easier you make it for others to help you.   

Your network can provide you feedback on your job search techniques and refer you to other individuals or organizations. They can also offer insight into a new position, field, or industry if you are contemplating a job or career change. And, your network can share with you what it’s like to work at a particular company.

Many job openings aren’t advertised. Considered the “hidden job market,” it’s your job to uncover those leads. Employers oftentimes go to their employees for referrals when trying to fill an open position. Imagine if your name was recommended. It clearly puts you in front of other candidates. I encourage my clients to create a list of target companies and then do an advanced search on LinkedIn to identify contacts that work at those companies. Oftentimes it’s your second or third level contacts that are going to be most helpful in your search. Ask your first level contacts to introduce you to your second level contacts that work at your target companies.  

Harvey MacKay, business guru, and author of Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door and Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, encourages those just laid-off to immediately start volunteering. Consider volunteering on a high-profile fundraising event for a local charity. Not only will it allow you the opportunity to develop or fine-tune your leadership, fundraising, and/or speaking skills, it will give you a chance to network with people in high places. It will also give you a reason to get out of the house, make you feel much better, PLUS, when you’re asked, and you will be asked “What have you been doing since your last job?” Now you have an opening line………"I’ve been volunteering………….."

 

Grab a copy of my free eBook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Big Reasons to Network

Networking is critical to your career success. There are many reasons to network throughout your career. Here are the 3 big reasons:

1. Jump start your job search. You will want to network to get a job you love faster and to strengthen your personal brand.

2. Keep your job. You want to ensure your employer that you are providing them a ROI and more! You also want to strengthen your relationship with co-workers.

3. Advance to the next level. You want to get on the radar screen of career influencers to set yourself up for a promotion. You also want to be seen as talent that is connected to the industry and a leader.

So, wherever you're at in your career, make networking an integral part of your career management.

Grab a copy of my free ebook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

What Networking Is & Isn't

“You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”  - Zig Ziglar

Networking is not about collecting business cards, but rather building relationships over time. If you are uncomfortable with networking, it may help to change your perspective of networking. Take the focus off of you and think of networking as an opportunity to help someone else. And, by helping others, you will improve your personal brand and your networking skills.

Networking may mean many different things to each of us. A friend of mine, Shane Smith, has helped to start networking groups in the Minneapolis area, helping thousands of people. As he explains it, networking is about giving, or paying it forward. He has put in countless hours helping others since 1995 and I can only imagine how many people would be willing to help him if he asked. “But it’s not about just getting LinkedIn with someone; it’s “connecting” with them and finding ways to stay in touch,” says Shane.

Rule No. 1 when networking, according to Shane:  “Understand what networking truly is. You must give. Be a personal and professional resource for others and expect nothing in return."

 

For more networking tips, grab a copy of my free eBook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Relationships Extend Beyond Work

I met a friend for coffee this morning. Jill was telling me that she had a going away party to attend this coming week. I asked if it was a co-worker, and she replied, "No, one of my bus mates." Jill rides the bus to her job in the Twin Cities. She has created some strong friendships as a result of sitting beside and across from the same people on the bus for several years. In fact, I met Jill through a friend whose husband was a bus mate of hers. Jill commented that when someone was "missing" for a few days, they would ask each other if they knew what was up with the missing person. She said that she started to make sure she announced an upcoming vacation so her bus mates wouldn't worry about her.

Jill mentioned that more recently the bus mates were now riding on a different bus, with a different bus seat configuration. This new seat arrangement has impacted the friendships. No longer were they sitting across from each other, but in front of or back of each other.  

I thought it is so interesting that our work relationships can extend to the people we sit next to on the bus. The commonality of proximity can create friendships which otherwise might be unlikely.

Ditch. Dare. Do! Brand Calculator

How does your personal brand stand now? Are you a potential brand, rising brand, super brand, or even a mega brand? Take this abbreviated quiz and find out. Select Yes or No for each item below.

1.     Can you state your top five brand attributes—the most relevant and compelling adjectives that describe you?  Yes    No 

2.       Have you identified and documented your short- and long-term career goals?  Yes    No 

3.       Do you know what those around you would identify as your greatest strength?  Yes    No 

4.       Do you have a “So what? Make me care!” brand positioning statement that describes what you offer, and for whom, how you are different, and what value/ROI (return on investment) your differentiation creates?  Yes    No 

5.       Can you clearly describe your target audience—those people who need to know about you so that you can achieve your goals?  Yes    No 

6.       Do you have a home on the web that showcases your success, such as your own website, personal portal (i.e., about.me or flavors.me), etc.?  Yes    No 

7.       Do you infuse every project meeting, report, etc. with your personal brand – with what you want to be known for?  Yes    No 

8.       Have you proactively done something valuable for a member of your network this week?  Yes    No 

9.       Do you have a trusted focus group of peers, managers, or clients to provide honest personal brand feedback?  Yes    No 

10.   Do you have an area of thought leadership or specific point of view for which you are known?  Yes    No 

Scoring

 

Add up the number of times you selected Yes and see where your brand stands.

0-3 – Potential Brand

4-6 – Rising Brand

7-9 – Super Brand

10 –  Mega Brand

 

If you're not a Mega Brand, what steps can you take to up your score? Check out the book, "Ditch. Dare. Do!" for ideas to turn your brand up!

Grab a copy of my free eBook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

Showing Your Personal Brand

Showing your personal brand is important for your career success. What makes you unique, relevant, and compelling? Once you're clear on this, next you need to let your target audience "see" your brand in action.

Are you in a job search? Your target audience will be hiring managers, recruiters and well-connected former colleagues. Show your brand through networking, your LinkedIn profile, your resume, etc.  Be sure to let others know what sets you apart from your competition, whether it's in person or on paper.

Are you looking for more success and satisfaction in your current position? Show your brand to your manager, co-workers, vendors, customers, etc. What are you good at and want to be known for and how does that align with the company's goals? Let that shine through.

Are you looking to advance to the next level? How can your brand show up so others see that you are promotable? Let others see that you have the skills (or are gaining the skills) for the next rung on the proverbial career ladder.

Grab a copy of my free eBook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

Ditch Dare Do Branding

What are you doing to promote your personal brand? It's important to spend time each week to know, show, and grow your brand. I've read a great book on this very topic! In the recently released book, Ditch Dare Do, authors William Arruda and Deb Dib share 66 ways to become influential, indispensable, and incredibly happy at work. The book includes quizzes to assess yourself including one on how well you know yourself.

So, what does know, show, and grow your brand refer to?

Know: Uncover your brand.
Show: Build your message.
Grow: Promote yourself.

The authors have created a "cheat sheet" that makes it easy to recall the critical elements you need to build your brand and career. Using the words in the title of the book, "Ditch" refers to eradicating a habit or mindset that is no longer working or relevant; "Dare" means boldly embracing a challenge; and "Do" refers to deliberately performing a brand-building activity.

What do you need to Ditch, Dare, Do?

Grab a copy of my free eBook, Get a Job, Keep a Job, or Move Up- faster!

What questions do you have? How to handle this interview question!

One of the questions I encourage my career coaching clients to ask at the end of a job interview is, "What concerns do you have about my background?" Oftentimes we walk away from an interview and we're not sure what the interviewer thought about us. Asking about concerns an interviewer may have, and if there are any, will allow us an opportunity to address them. If we don't know, we can't close any perceived gaps. Last week when I was coaching a client I suggested she use that question, and low and behold, the interviewer did bring up two concerns. The candidate is sure that if she wouldn't have the chance to address them, she wouldn't move further along in the interview process.

Other questions you may want to ask include:

• How did this position become vacant? [You may uncover that it's a high-turnover position]
• What are the top 3 challenges I would face in this position? [Gives you a clearer understanding of the position]
• What do you like best about working here? This is a good question to ask a potential co-worker. [A lot can be said by what's not being said, i.e., watch body language].
• What's your management style? [Good to ask if you want to avoid working for another micro-manager]

Avoid any salary and benefits questions. That's best to hold off until you've been offered a position. It's at that point when you have some power.

5 Tips for Leveraging LinkedIn

It's vital to have a LinkedIn profile no matter what stage you are at in your career. I'm going to share some quick tips on how you can maximize your use of LinkedIn.

 

1. Get up-to-date. Does your LinkedIn profile have an engaging summary? Does it grab the reader and entice him or her to read on? Is your current job listed? Have you listed your accomplishments for each position you've held, including relevant keywords? Keywords are king!

 

2. Create a plan. Are you seeking a new job? Are you looking for a mentor? Do you want to make new business connections? Or perhaps you want to spend time with like-minded people? Having a goal in mind will help you utilize your time on LinkedIn more effectively.

 

3. Make new connections. When you attend an event, be sure to ask for the business card of each new contact you make. When you get home, send each person an invitation to connect with you on LinkedIn. Personalize your invitation by referencing where you met the person or mention something that person shared with you to help jog their memory of you.

 

4. Promote your personal brand. LinkedIn provides you a great platform for promoting your brand, i.e., your professional reputation. Your brand can show up in your career accomplishments, publications you have listed, engagement in LinkedIn groups, and status updates.

 

5. Be active on LinkedIn. You can be active by doing status updates, writing a recommending for someone, requesting a recommendation, posting and responding to questions in LinkedIn groups, "liking" or commenting on the status updates of your connections. The more active you are on LinkedIn the higher up you will show in search results.

 

Whether you're in a job search or want to effectively manage your career, it's important to have a LinkedIn profile that is unique, relevant, and compelling.

 

Action Step: Take a look at your LinkedIn profile. How would you rate it on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being high? If you're not close to a 10, what steps will you take today to improve your profile?

 

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