Networks are a great way to find out information. As an example outside work, parents are great networkers. "We're thinking of sending Lisa to Ashdown Secondary. What do you think of it? Can we drop by and talk to you about it sometime?" The parents in this example aren't asking for anything, save information. Crucially, it's up to them how they decide to use that information, depending on what they think is best for their own child.
The same is true in terms of your career, or a training course. You can check with people you know - or people who know people you know - to find out more about an opportunity, or a choice life offers you.
For the purpose of your career, networking can provide you with information on subjects such as:
- Information about a career or organisation
- An idea into the way the company is organised, so that you can get an idea of likely career progression and whether your day is likely to be very bureaucratic
- Names of people who might be able to help you in terms of giving advice or information
- An idea of the sort of skills, qualities and experience and employer wants
- An idea of whether you'd be a good 'fit' into the culture of an organisation
- The names of people in charge of a particular area, such as IT, marketing, human resources; better still, an introductory meeting with them so that you can meet them to learn more.
- How a sector works, e.g. the culture, behaviour, dress, language, values
- The name of the agency a company uses to recruit staff
- The best way 'in' to a company, e.g. They only recruit by word of mouth or They use Agency Excel for all their recruitment; if you want a job there, they are the people to sing up with
- Advice on your CV
- Information about reliable products and services
- Tips offs when a job might become available that meets your needs and interests.
But networking is far more than that. In terms of doing your job, networking - particularly invaluable among Deskdemon users - can help you find that vital restaurant for that crucial dinner your boss is having with a much-sought after client, or find the hotel nearest the airport, a reliable taxi service in a new city?You can network over the Internet by email, on the phone, by fax, letter, meeting people at events, by mobile texts, video conference, and by chance!
Networking is all about asking others to help you access information which will help you - or others - get to where you need to be. After all, you won't necessarily do any more with the information you get other than consider it, and apply it to the people and circumstances you're dealing with, rather than the person giving you the information.
Don't forget that networking is a two way street. When people help you, see if there is anything you can do to help them. And thank them.
Open-mindedness and generosity is crucial if you're to network successfully. In a sense, you really do create your own luck and forming networks.
Recommended Reading:
The Luck Factor, by Dr Richard Wiseman, Century 2003 at
www.amazon.co.uk
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