Barack Obama has successfully been sworn in as the new president of the United States and the first black president of a major world power. There is optimism all around. Some even say it’s the beginning of a new world order. In Zimbabwe though things are very much the opposite. This year has seen an unprecedented number of retrenchments, shut downs and lay-offs. Everyday we receive literally hundreds of emails and phone calls from people desperate for work and wanting to be considered for positions on our books.
The sad reality is that most companies are not looking for staff. They are all looking to reduce their expenses and maximise (or make) profits. Right now companies consider an individual who can achieve these goals for them a Godsend. If you think that you can be a real asset rather than a liability to an organisation then networking may be your ticket to a new job. Here are a few things you need to know.
Networking is a key part of a successful job search. The purpose of networking is to meet contacts who can help you get a new or better job. This can be anyone, from former colleagues, recruiters, co-workers, supervisors etc. Keep an open mind. Your goal is employment.
The key to successful networking is giving to get. You have to share your knowledge, information and job contacts if you want others to share theirs. You also have to earn the trust and respect of the other members before asking them for contacts or referrals. This can take time so be patient. Don’t expect to attend one event or meeting and have an address book full of contacts or be getting called to an interview.
Meet or communicate with your contacts regularly to build familiarity and trust among them. Their confidence in you reassures them that they can safely refer you to a business associate or colleague. This is such an important thing because reputations have been damaged by bad referrals.
Networking is not easy. Learn the skill and improve gradually. Join a professional club or organisation such as Toastmasters or Rotary International. You will meet new people and you will get a chance to use your skills, expand your network and make a much-needed contribution. There are also special events that are purely focused on networking that can also get you jump started and out of your comfort zone.
Another way of networking for success is to spread the word that you are looking for a job. Off course don’t let anyone at your current job know. Think about the people you don’t know as well and find a way to get to know those people. Once you’ve exhausted your personal connections, its time to focus on meeting some new faces.
No matter what your occupation there is a professional organisation for you. Those would be the best places to start. Organisations linked to international chapters would be a boost for you. Open up your mind and look beyond Zimbabwe.
The other advantage of professional organisations is that you will be kept up to date on latest developments in your industry and this info could come in handy when you go for your next job interview.
Another idea is to take a class. Whether it’s professional or a hobby as long as it’s relevant to your career you’re guaranteed to meet a group of people who are also interested in your industry. As an added benefit the class can give you new skills to boost your resume and make you even more attractive to employers.
If you are still stuck, why not join your alumni association. Most colleges and universities have organisations made up of former graduates. Get involved, this will be a good opportunity to meet people from different occupations and industries. Take advantage of the fact that you have something in common with the other alums. It’s always easier to meet new people when you share an experience.
Prepare before you go, especially for day seminars, breakfasts etc. Create a short summary of your background and skills. It should be concise, confident and brief enough for you to share it with someone in 30seconds. Find out more about the members of the club, the presenters, their mission and focus. Then prepare questions for the members and guests you will introduce yourself to at the meeting.
When you are at the function take time to listen. This helps to take the focus off yourself and helps you gain insight as to how that contact can help you. It’s not about collecting the most business cards, it’s about collecting the right ones.
Keep in touch with whatever contacts you make between meetings. Email is an easy, non-invasive way to keep in touch with someone. However don’t send excessive or inappropriate email and make sure your contacts between meetings are relevant and pertinent to the business at hand. Lest you be seen as a nuisance.
If you take advantage of all that networking ahs to offer, and if you have joined the right networking group, you’ll find that people will seek you out and recognize you as a valuable resource. If you’re networking correctly, you’ll find you have more visibility, greater knowledge and a wider circle of reliable contacts and that you can leverage those assets to further your career or business goals.
