I’ve been on a merry-go-round of networking events since spring because the cardinal rule of job hunting is: it’s who you know not what you know. Have I ever learned that connections are everything! I can respond to one job ad after another I find on the web, and my application will fall into a blackhole reserved for stray mittens and socks. On the other hand, when my resume gets passed along via a connection, I typically get a response within days. Thus the need to commit to ongoing networking every chance I get.
It’s easy enough to collect business cards. Introductions are made, small talk is had, cards are swapped. But to keep the connection going past the follow-up e-mail….there’s the challenge. Rather than look at networking as a way to help yourself, see it as an opportunity to help other people. Every person I meet, I look for a window — who do I know that would be a connection for that person or is there a need that I can help fill. The contacts that I can help out in the short term, tend to the be the people I’ll keep in touch with over the longer term. It makes sense, I most want to be affiliated with people who help other people and aren’t stuck in the Marcia, Marcia, Marcia line of thinking. The golden rule: do for others what you want others to do for you, gets you a lot further than just a “great meeting you” follow up.
PS. If you’re looking to work out the nerve to do some serious networking with or without alcohol as a social lubricant, check out these two books: How to Work a Room, Revised Edition: Your Essential Guide to Savvy Socializing
PPS. If your company isn’t coughing up the business cards or you’ve got a side gig, it’s time to buy your own cards. It’s unbelievable the number of people who don’t carry cards; every time you leave your house, you could cross paths with any number of people vital to your personal and professional development.
For under $25, Moo will print and ship you 100 mini-cards. Trust me (I just ordered a set), they’re conversation starters. You can opt to use their designs or can upload your own graphics. You can upload up to 100 images, 10 copies of 10 images, 20 copies of 5 images, 1 copy of 100 images on the back of each mini-card. Five rows of text on the front to make your pitch and spread the word.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on your calling cards, FineStationery is a great option. Just about every person I meets comments on the cards I bought through the site. If I had a nickel for every person I sent to FineStationery….
For some serious business card inspiration, check out this flickr album of roughly 500 ingenious business cards designed to make a statement.
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hey, these are really good tips/thoughts. thanks! and all the best for the interviews etc. hope you get what you’re looking for.
Great point about the business cards. I had them made up for my website when I finally got tired enough of searching for a pen and paper to write it down for people.