3 Networking Success Stories

Recently, a steadfast non-believer in the power of networking challenged me to share three examples of clients who earned a job through networking.   That’s easy.  I’ll take that challenge any day of the week.  Many of my clients have gained introductions, interviews, and ultimately job offers through networking. Here are just three examples of how networking can lead to a new job!

Dreading the Conference Mixer

Tucker attended a three-day conference.  The first night he planned to skip the usual networking mixer. He felt an overwhelming urge to make a run for the exit.  Contrary to his urge, he stayed at the mixer long enough to circulate and meet several people.  Lucky for Tucker, he met Bobby. Fast forward four months; Bobby connected Tucker to one of his vendors looking for a new Project Manager.  The rest is history.

Most people dread conference mixers because they are not comfortable in a room full of strangers or confident about their communication skills.  The way to overcome that feeling is to rehearse some interesting questions to ask other people and develop a short explanation of the unique and valuable things that you do.  Planning often alleviates the stress associated with the unknown.  Plan ahead and don’t skip the mixer.

No Time for a Social Media Life

Sloan does not have time to call her mom, much less create a LinkedIn profile and post updates.  Finally, she made her LinkedIn debut.  She committed to the task – joining groups, posting articles, making connections, and liking posts.  One day she saw a connection asking for advice.  They talked offline. As the relationship developed, that connection connected her to a hiring manager looking for an environmental attorney.  Now, Sloan is the biggest advocate for LinkedIn and other social media sites.

If you are not on LinkedIn, what is holding you back?   If you need support, there are many coaches online that can help you navigate the waters.  Contact me, I would be happy to help you get started.  When done strategically, LinkedIn is an ideal way to network your way into a new job.

Keeping Your Career under Wraps

Carol was a human resource manager who had just received notice from management that the Plano, Texas manufacturing facility where she worked would be closing in two months.   After work, she attended her usual hospital guild meeting with a long face.  Some of her peers inquired.  The fellow guild members did not know Carol’s occupation until that night. One thing led to another and soon six people at the meeting asked her to email her resume because they knew someone who needed someone like her.  Of course, the guild members could vouch for her, having volunteered with her for years.  Ultimately, these contacts led to three interviews and one job offer.

How many times have you met someone and when you told them what you did, they said, “I did not know you were a fill-in-the blank!”  If you are keeping your career under wraps, it is time to unwrap.  You don’t have to talk about yourself to excess. However, it is wise to let your circle of friends and neighbors know what you do and provide them with your unique value. 

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that there are networking opportunities all around us.  Many times, these are our opportunities to lose.  Take advantage of every chance to meet someone new.  Not only will you enjoy making connections with others, you will also have a chance to support others’ careers and in some situations you may receive the support that leads to a job offer.