By Sunny Simon
Stopping to enjoy the ocean view Nicole pulled into a juice bar, removed her helmet and parked her bike. Grinning broadly a stranger walked up admiring Nicole’s flashy Royal Enfield Bullet, a motorcycle reviewed as “an icon in its own right.” The two immediately engaged in a conversation about motorcycles and the crystal clear southern California day.
While enjoying the banter Nicole began to look for an opportunity to do some networking. Several weeks ago her job at a major technology firm was eliminated due to a merger. She gracefully steered the conversation to the subject of careers and made her move. It worked. Before leaving the trendy cafe her new acquaintance requested she send him her resume acknowledging he would forward it to a colleague.
Nicole proudly told me that story in our last coaching session. She was aware that surveys report about 80-85% of jobs, are found through networking. In fact, more positions are filled before they are ever advertised. Nicole, on a quest to get people on her team, was quickly reaping the benefits of using every opportunity to network. She was offered the opportunity to interview as a result of her chance encounter.
Whether you are looking for a new job, a new home, client or business opportunity, networking is key to developing a broad category of contacts. If you think networking is only something you do at a job fair or trade conference, think again. Savvy professionals like Nicole know it is possible to turn any situation into a networking opening by being personable, authentic and ready with a verbal resume or elevator speech.
Do you have a verbal pitch ready to deliver at a moment’s notice? If not, create one. Begin by determining exactly what type of help you need from your network and package it into a concise statement. Share your strengths and your capabilities. It is part of your personal brand.
After creating your verbal pitch, use it often and everywhere. You can network on a plane, while waiting in line at the DMV or the post office. You may feel uncomfortable in the beginning but do it anyway. Before long your comfort zone will expand and your network will increase.
A final word of advice, once you’ve laid the groundwork, do the follow up. Send your resume, exchange business cards or set a coffee date for further discussion and then return the favor. Networking is a two-way street.
Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com
