Career Networking-the 80% Rule By Robin Ogden, FiredUP Careers

80% find new jobs through networking

Yes, it really is true – 80% of job seekers find their positions through networking.  We all know that networking is powerful, yet many of us neglect it not only on a daily basis, but also for months or even years.  Then we find ourselves in the midst of a career transition and feel as if we just don’t know anyone anymore.  As if we were caught up in a time tunnel and thrown out the other side with know one in site.  Ugh… an ugly feeling indeed.

So, just how can you go about keeping your network humming?

Get back in touch:  First off, if you’ve ignored your network for a while you will need to re-ignite it.  You don’t want to wait until you ‘need’ something to start this process.  Believe me that is a bad idea, so start now.  If you’re not a member of LinkedIn then signup – this is a great way to get things rolling again and you’ll be amazed at how many people will join your network.  If you’re already LinkedIn then send out a message to your network – subject:  Checking in after a long hiatus… (you get the idea here – let them know you recognize it’s been a while).

Stay in touch:  These days it isn’t hard to stay in touch and just a quick email can do wonders.  But, don’t rely on ‘mass’ messages to your network to be the only link you’ve got.  Plan to send ‘one’ email a day to someone within your network.  If you follow that basic idea you’ll touch base with 30 people a month, nearly 100 people per quarter.  Maybe you’ve got more people than that in your network, but hey – how often are they hearing from you now?

Plan ahead:  Make sure that networking is something on your ‘to do’ list.  Perhaps you’ve got to move something over to do that (i.e., washing the car, mowing the lawn or sleeping in…maybe we’ll skip that one!).  But, be sure that it floats to the top of your list.  You never know when you may send out an email needing to know whether someone knows the person you’ll be interviewing with, or perhaps want some inside scoop on a sales pitch.  Networking is important – just like exercise, you’ve got to do it to stay ahead.

Fill a need:  Change your mindset around networking – how can you help?  If you think of networking as a tool that you use only when you ‘need’ something then you are missing the most important ingredient – connection.  Make it about how you can fill a need and you’ll be amazed at how many of your own needs are met.  It’s the old adage “you get what you give”.

Be a resource:  Pass on useful information and tips that you believe may be helpful to others.  I’m not talking about spamming here – your contacts don’t need a tip of the day from you.  I’m talking about meaningful information that you come across that has helped you in some way and you believe it may benefit others you know.

Remember – people want to help:  When you do have a need or require information let your network know.  Although, this should not be the way you introduce yourself to your network, or recharge your network it is a beneficial way to get your needs met too.

There is so much more to say about networking and what a terrific resource it is.  Did you ever see the movie Field of Dreams?  Then you’ve heard “build it and they will come”.  The same goes for your network.  Start now, join LinkedIn or Ryze and have some fun watching how many will come your way.

About the Author

Robin Ogden has spent her career helping people build meaningful careers. It's a passion she feeds through tireless action on behalf of every professional she coaches.  Both an experienced entrepreneur and senior HR business partner, Robin is a proven team leader in the navigation of the winding roads of today's corporate environments. An authority in the high-tech recruiting sector, for more than 20 years Robin has teamed with executive management of successful high tech startups throughout the Silicon Valley, helping to build organizations in these rapidly growing, dynamic environments. She draws on her experience to deliver enthusiasm and confidence to all of her clients as they search for a better way to work. 

Robin is a co-founder of FiredUP careers, a career coaching company focused on providing career products and services for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do.

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