The Power of One

Networking is still known as a great job-search strategy. Yet it eludes some individuals simply because they don't know how to go about it. Individuals also tend to shy away from networking because it's time consuming. Unlike online resume submission or folding a resume, stuffing it in an envelope, and adhering a stamp, networking requires far more time and dedication. The results, however, can be quite different than those experienced from traditional resume submission.

Your network incorporates everyone around you, such as your minister, doctor, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and/or fellow committee members. The object is to talk, ask, brainstorm, and seek the assistance of others who know of an opportunity or contact that you do not. Have you heard of Stanley Milgrim's theory of "Six Degrees of Separation"? His theory states that there are only 6 people separating you and someone you'd like to meet or get in touch with, such as a hiring or human resources manager.

MARKET YOURSELF
Treat your job search like a business. Businesses need 24/7 attention, so why run your job-search campaign any other way. Job searching is about marketing and selling you. "You" are your new job. If your phone isn’t ringing, you should be making calls. If you’re not getting at least one rejection letter per day, you’re not job searching hard enough. If you’re not hearing anything, your next "yes" is farther away. Seasoned sales professionals will tell you that in order to become successful you have to believe in your product and get comfortable with hearing the word, "no." Success results from passing by the no’s and getting to the yes’s.
The Universal Marketing Cycle applies within the LinkedIn model as well.
Filling the pipeline = research the companies you have an interest in working in or contacts you want to make.
Follow-up = Once you have made contact with a request, follow-up with a phone introduction and establish rapport.
Getting presentations = Being able to present yourself to key decision-makers is critical. Whether its presenting your resume to the HR manager or truly networking yourself directly to the hiring manager and selling yourself, either would ultimately be the best win.
Closing the sale = Being in that perfect situation to share your strengths and value you will bring to the organization is the end result of properly networking yourself in the final interview and convincing the selection team that the process is over and they have their next VP, CEO, CFO etc.

LinkedIn Network
http://www.linkedin.com/
LinkedIn is a great tool if you follow the above process. The analogy "plan your work; work your plan" applies with this strategy. LinkedIn has done a tremendous job creating a platform for professionals to network, connect with old business acquaintances, search companies, connect with people within a company to develop new leads, contacts, new business or new careers. Several tips from my experience that work are; take your time when creating your profile. Position yourself with your best foot forward, as your audience opportunity is over two million. Make sure you provide a taste of sample work, companies, projects, group affiliations or alumni that you are involved with. Use your key words wisely; the better key words in your profile the more hits your profile will receive. Be open to requests. This is my own personal bent on networking, as there are many different view points by some of the best networking professionals out there. I believe strongly in the power of connecting and contributing and that’s the power of one concept; you never know what one new contact will put you in the perfect situation. Keep your own request open for new contacts. Remember, What’s the end in mind? Hopefully to have a deep network where you can tap into great people. Lastly remember the golden rule and treat people the way you want to be treated. It works.


Brian Anderson Principal / Founder BA Search Group an executive recruiting, coaching and consulting practice in the Naperville, Aurora, IL market. www.basearchgroup.com