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| Winning the game of networking
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Location: Blogs Neighborhood Newsletters |
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| Posted by: 23rd Street Association |
5/5/2009 12:00 AM |
Winning the game of networking
BY KAREN TINA HARRISON
Special to amNewYork
When it comes to getting a new job, whom you know is often the most important thing. Employment experts from NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) filled us in on exactly how to play the networking game.
Networking is a ‘fitness plan’
Networkin g is more than trading business cards at mob job events, or linking online. Networking can create a community of contacts who help one another get ahead.
“Networking is a fitness plan for your career,” said Dennis Garritan, chairman of SCPS’ department of leadership. “Regular networking — an hour a week, even when you’re employed — strengthens your overall career, not just your current job campaign.”
“Networking is intelligence-gathering,” said Garritan. “The goal is to accrue and trade information, contacts and introductions.
Rules of the game
“We all inhabit the same job market,” Garritan said. “Networking — sharing professional strengths and knowledge — provides a significant edge.”
Start networking by meeting potential contacts at job fairs and seminars, professional associations, alumni clubs and the like. “If you’re feeling shy, dare yourself to approach someone,” he suggested. “You can do it. Soon, talking up a stranger and exchanging
cards will be second nature.”
Garritan advised against networking with those vying for the same jobs as you. Instead go for someone on a higher level or for those in “partnered fields.” (For example, if you’re in education you can network with someone on the same level in social services.)
Once you’ve done the face-to-face networking, it’s time for the behind-the desk work. The next step is networking’s basic move: reaching out to the contact to say hello and share an intriguing industry tidbit or name. Garritan added that phone calls are warmer than e-mails.
Then, follow up once more. “A contact has two chances to respond. Then you move on,” he said. “But keep trading tips with fertile contacts.” Maintain a master list, and cull nonproducers annually, he recommended.
Form your own networking group
A win-win fix to the isolation of job-hunting is starting a networking group. Emily Westerman, SCPS’ associate director of career management, did just that.
“I joined forces with a neighbor. We brought in 10 non-competing professionals,” she recalled. “We met every other week in a Barnes & Noble, sharing motivation, contacts and
progress. Everyone had a job within six months.”
Source: amNewYork |
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