Breaking the Networking Stigma - 4 Tips to Network with Confidence
I’ve been open about my nonlinear career path, the “corprenuer” route I’ve decided to take, and my corporate job search process. The perspective and advice I’m sharing today is a culmination of the experiences I’ve had over the last 3 months in hopes that if you are embarking on a job search, or you have been impacted by layoffs, or you are seeking a something new in your career – this will serve as a helpful resource and starting point for you.
I’m going to make a bold statement here - and I hope I’m wrong - but the traditional job application route is on it’s way to distinction.
Traditional job applications are an unproductive way to spend your time.
Sure, applications will still be a “formality” to obtain basic information (like your name, email, phone number, all that jazz) but I don’t believe that blindly submitting traditional resumes and cover letters into an Applicant Tracking System (also known as an ATS) will be the process of finding jobs in the future.
In fact, I don’t think it’s been this way for a long time.
And yes - there is absolutely a conversation to be had here about the inequities of acquiring talented and deserving candidates without a formal application process. BUT in a world where we either get played OR we learn how to play the game… I’m here to make bold statements and then follow those bold claims with some tactical advice that will help give you a competitive edge in the professional world and in your job search journey.
We are working way too hard to be overlooked and undiscoverable by an automated system. We are deserving candidates who need to find a way to “get our foot in the door” and increase exposure to others on our value and capabilities.
When you’re fed up with the traditional route of searching, applying, and getting automated rejection emails, I suggest creating a networking playbook you can follow to start gaining traction in your job search where you can create valuable connections and meet your next career opportunity.
And before we jump into the dreaded topic of networking, let me just say that I know networking gets a bad reputation (for good reason). It has largely been portrayed and carried out as awkward small talk over an alcoholic beverage with a stupid lanyard nametag around your neck. So before I get into the networking playbook, let’s also redefine networking.
Simply put, networking = connecting through conversation
Networking is an opportunity for you to be in community with other people both socially and professionally. It’s an avenue to learn new ideas from different people. And it’s a way for you to contribute your gifts and talents to help others around you.
Take the pressure off of the old and awkward way of networking and challenge yourself to redefine what networking means to YOU.
Here’s how to create a networking playbook, from a workplace communications expert.
Redefine networking and craft your story
You won’t be able to break the networking stigma without redefining what it means to network. How do you want to define the act of networking? And then ask yourself what you can contribute to the conversation. Because YES you have gifts and talent to offer - even if you are “entry level”. Your life experiences are unique to you, and you can use your experiences to help others.
2. Create a target list of people you want to meet
These can be people you’re already in relationship with, people you know of but haven’t had to the chance to meet yet, or even people you don’t know.
Add your friends to this list and instead of gossiping around the rumor mill, ask them about their jobs and the work they do! You’d be surprised how many of your friends are doing fascinating work in extremely interesting industries. We just miss it because we weren’t asking the right questions (questions like the ones outlined in step #4 below)
Add colleagues or people you know of in your company or across your industry. Sure, you haven’t met them yet but that can change with one simple outreach (see outreach templates below)
Lastly, add people who you WISH you could get to know. Someone you follow on social media? A leader you look up to? Authors?
3. Start meeting with people!
Target to meet with 1 person each week. These can be virtual “coffee chats” or you can challenge yourself to ask for an in person meeting if time and geography allow. Below I will provide templates to help you start reaching out to people and having effective conversations to help you build your network
4. Come to the conversation prepared
Without being scripted, it will be important to be prepared for these types of conversations. It will allow you to be more confident meeting with someone new and it will go a long way to show the person you are meeting with that you value their time. Conversation topics you can bring to the conversation could include,
Curiosity about their career path
Seeking information about their specific job/industry/company
Asking how you can help them in any way
Communicating appreciation for their time
Below are some templates to save and use for when you’re ready to get to work networking;
For when you want to ask a friend to network -
“Hey xx, funny how we’ve been friends for so long and I still have so much to learn about your job and the work you do. I’m currently [on the job market/exploring new opportunities in my career]. Any chance we could get together soon and talk about our career paths?”
For when you want to network with a coworker or colleague -
“Hey xx, we haven’t worked together closely up until this point but I have always admired the team you work on/the work you do. Would you be open to connecting so we can learn more about each others role and I can see how I could possibly lend a helping hand?”
For when you want to ask someone you don’t know to connect and network -
“Hi xx, A friend of mine sent me your information as she knows I work in xx industry doing xx work. Im not sure if you're open or available for "coffee chats" but if so, would we be able to connect for 20 minutes or so sometime in february to meet and connect?”
For when you want to thank someone for their time -
“Hey xx, before the day gets away from us, thank you for giving me some of your time this week. I really appreciated it and enjoyed [insert takeaway from the conversation]. Thank you so much!”
When in doubt - lead with your personality and your own communication style. Take the pressure off professional networking and see how many impactful relationships you can create!
Networking is the act of connecting through communication and I hope this blog post served as a resource to help you ask for and prepare for those conversations.
