How To Get A Job: Be A Black Belt At Networking

If you are looking for a job right now, expect that there will be 400 or more other applicants. A coaching client in Santa Monica, Ca reported that she is competing with 500 other applicants for a two week TV production job. When the competition is that stiff even for temporary work, you need to be a peak performer -- a Black belt.

Last week's post riled some with the suggestion to Burn Your Resume. If you are still clutching that single, antiquated piece of paper I am praying that you will check it out.

Heck, don't read my post. Check out the comments of other readers that are using the suggestions -- and getting jobs! Nicky D followed the post's advice. She customized her resume. There were 400 other applicants. The company called her -- because of her PPP resume.

Become a Black Belt
How do you step to the head of the job seeker line? One of two ways:

Your Resume or Knowing Someone
Now, more than ever it is essential that you become masterful at networking. Why? It is free. If you are a black belt in networking you are the best form of advertising and promoting yourself or your business. Networking generates ideas and makes whatever you are doing richer. Asking for assistance makes it easier to accomplish. In today's business environment only Black belts will survive and thrive.

Black Belt's Don't Whine
"Back in the day when I started recruiting, before email, the Internet, contact management software or even MS Windows, the only way to network was to make dozens of phone calls a day. Only the tough skinned, most persistent of us survived the process." Says recruiter Nicole Spicer.

Today you have hundreds if not thousands of passive ways to reach out to people -- there are no excuses not to network!

Four Basic Rules of Black Belt Networking:
1. Build relationships.
2. Engage as a "human being" not a "human doing." Don't treat others as a means to an end.
3. Consistently grow your network.
4. Do not wait until you need a network -- it may be too late.

If you do nothing else:

Give First
Look for ways to contribute to those with whom you are networking. Networking is a reciprocal process.

Follow Up
Call valuable new contacts within 24 hours of meeting them. I am a big believer in the power of a hand written thank you note. Stay in touch.

The World is Your Dojo
Now, you have the basics of being a Black belt of Networking. Please take this week to go out and practice. We will do it together. I am off to a networking lunch right now!

Here are the tips to put into practice:

Black belt Tip:
Treat everyone you meet as a friend.

Black belt Tip:
Black belt's practice.

Black belt Tip:
Always offer to help.

Black belt Tip:
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up.

Who:
Network with everyone. Help comes from the most unlikely people and places sometimes.
Network with colleagues, bosses, subordinates, vendors, recruiter, mentors, family, friends, acquaintances, supporting groups and strangers.
Network by using your Rolodex, contact list from work and play, company directories and networking websites.

When:
Network at any appropriate time.
Network all the time and consistently. Build a networking plan and work on the plan everyday.
Network specifically by reaching out to an individual, and generally by dropping it into conversations.

Where:
Network everywhere that is appropriate.
Network via email, IM, online, on the phone, in person, at job fairs, at church, on the ball field, at a party, at your kid's soccer game.
Network by using business networking boards. Join and utilize sites like LinkedIn.com, Plaxo.com, ZoomInfo.com, Jigsaw.com, BizWiz.com, PartnerUp.com etc.
Network by joining online groups and in-person groups. Locate and join groups like alumni from colleges, past employers, industry communities and users groups. Groups put you in a community with people who have similar paths and messages.
Network via Social boards. Join and utilize sites like FaceBook and MySpace.

How:
Network directly and honestly.
Network by telling others, you just might find your next mentor, employer, funder or partner.
Network by asking for referrals and offering reciprocal assistance -- immediately or into the future.
Network by building a bridge of people to enhance your current career or to start a new career.
Network by researching the companies you want to work for and find people within the company to correspond with.

What are your successes and disasters in networking? What are your tips and tricks? Please share a comment. You can receive notice of my blogs every Friday by checking Become a Fan at the top. Ask Eli a question at: [e-mail] or go to http://www.elidavidson.com/


Eli Davidson is a nationally recognized executive coach and motivational speaker. Her book, "Funky to Fabulous: Surefire Success Stories for the Savvy, Sassy and Swamped", (Oak Grove Publishing) has won three national book awards. Eli is a reinvention catalyst, who can transform your professional and personal life from Funky to Fabulous with her ten, trademarked Turnaround Techniques that create rapid and remarkable results. Check out her blog at funkytofabulous.blogspot.com

Comments

[FrancesAlford]

Hey Eli,

I think you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT about the networking thing. Remember to leave your business card in as many places as you can. If you are in sales, leave it with your tip when you eat in a restaurant.

Do you think we should wear a black belt when we go to interviews?????????

Frances Holliday Alford

[tradergirl]

Eli, I am a total believer of networking! In fact, when I was in the work field, most of my jobs were through my past coworkers, we just created this network hub, where we would help each other get into a company. Don't ever underestimate the power or networking...so much easier then trying to come up with a catchy resume. I am a daytrader now, so I do solitaire work, but I am a huge believer of networking. And your tips are right on!

Love and Light
Eva

[desthmoneses]

I am so glad I don't work in a business or office type field where "networking" is required. Just reading those tips and exclamation points made me feel like I was drowning in a sea of contrived gratitude and enthusiasm. I would die if I had to work like that, if this works for you guys more power to you, but for those who it doesn't know that this kind of BS doesn't exist in every field and some places still hire based on merit and experience.

[NicoleSpicer]

Desthmoneses:

Networking is a something many professional colleagues do to share ideas, experiences and references. I would not suggest you start networking when you are out of work but rather tap into your existing network when making a change – forced or voluntary.

This series is about getting a job in a difficult market. The suggestion is to inform your network, among many other techniques, when searching for a new job. One might have the “merit and experience” but if you can't get your profile to the hiring person you can't get the job. Networking can help you get your profile to the right person.

When so many good "merit and experience" people are out of work, it might take just an internal edge to get an interview.

Nicole

[desthmoneses]

All I'm suggesting is an alternative. If you dislike networking as much as I do, don't let it erode your spirit, there are alternatives, all you have to do is look. Not everyone is suited for networking, and I want my comment to be here for some who may feel at the end of their rope when faced with having to network on top of all their other efforts just to stay afloat. I'm sure it may seem far fetched to people like Ms. Davidson who is undoubtedly a master of networking and at reaping in the benefits with skillful ease, but not everyone can do what she does, not everyone is as social as she is. I don't begrudge her her skill and accomplishment, I truly admire her social skills and insight, but for people like me who can't do that, I only want to make it known there are alternatives, and not to feel hopeless about networking putting a stop in your life, the way I once felt. Hope for some is a brick wall for others.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

I just got off a networking call with several folks who "never network." The way I look at networking is that is it simply helping one another out. There is no BS. People helping other people...simple as that.

[desthmoneses]

I'm an abrasive person as you might have guessed, so I choose a career path that was recession proof, always in demand, and where pay and status are primarily determined by experience and results. I work in medicine, and I tell you, no matter how much you may like some one your always going to take the person with the experience who knows what their doing when it comes to your health, no matter how poor they are at networking. I guess it's not BS for other people, but I can't help but feel disdain over all this forced collaboration, not everyone wants to talk and constantly develop relationships to get ahead, not everyone can be enthusiastic about this. What's your advice for those people, the ones who work in an industry that requires networking, but who are not happy to be networking? I truly would commit suicide if I had to work in such a place. What would your advice be to me if I worked in an industry where I had to do just such a thing to mantain? I seriously doubt that I'm in an insignificant grouping with people who feel similar to the way I do. I know what my advice is, find a field where networking is unecesarry and recession proof, and in need of jobs and go to work.

[Shawn Drewry]

I definitely agree with everything that's said here :-)

http://www.ShawnDrewry.com

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Shawn,
I hope that you share this information with anyone that it will assist.

Please keep me in the loop, and let me know how I can assist!

Eli Davidson

[Paramendra Bhagat]

So very true. More true now.
http://technbiz.blogspot.com/2009/05/job-hunting-and-20.html

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi PB,
Thanks so much. I hope that you stay in touch!

www.elidavidson.com

[TakeSake]

There is something else that is very important if you intend to use your network to get a job: when you have a job, use it to let others know of jobs you know about.

For instance, does the company you work at have a job search page? Now, how many of the people you know and people that they know actually look at it? Probably very few. When jobs show up that might be of interest to people in your network, or to others they may know, then send out an email to let them know about those jobs.

Even if they're sent out only once or twice per year the offer will make a good impression. Now suppose that someone gets a job via that method - that is what makes brings networking to its full potential.

[NicoleSpicer]

TakeSake

That is wonderful and generous idea! Especially in this market, some households are facing devastating circumstances and might be frozen with fear. Others reaching out without being asked is the kindest act of all!

Good for you!

Nicole

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

What a great suggestion!

Are you doing this at your current job? Do you know of those who have done this? I would love to hear more about this!

Thanks again!
Eli

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Eli,

You rock, woman! I love the electric energy and passion of your writing. You are making such a difference because you walk this talk. That much is obvious. You are Mistress of Tips!

Keep on rockin, I love listening,
Judith

[cybermome1207]

Eli,

love the post...

do you see any challenges with us middle agers laid off and having to re invent ourselves??

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

More businesses are being begun by those above 40 than in any other age group. Here is a story from CNN about Baby Boomers leading in new business start ups.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/09/magazines/fsb/older_owners.fsb/index.htm

The biggest challenge faced by those over 40 is often their negative attitudes.

I just got off a call with Nelson Davis. He is the producer of "Making It" It has won 6 Emmys as the top show for small business owners.

It takes a great deal of grit to begin a business. 40 somethings have just as much grit as 20 somethings. However, over the age of 30 often folks begin seeing all the reasons that a business will fail. They tell themselves that it can't happen. they don't price their services to reflect the value they deliver,

For anyone starting a business I believe it is key to be part of a team. You will need to have support along the way. If you are like me there will be lots of areas that you know nothing about. I

There is so much great support of those wanting to reinvent themselves. SCORE http://www.score.org is an incredible resource. It offers free advice from successful retired executives.

[classicalgeek]

I have been actively networking since 2006 and own a small business. Until recently, all my best customers came from networking groups (my blog has since attracted several clients--but I wouldn't have started blogging without my network's encouragement and advice). I have also been involved with some people of the highest caliber and integrity I could ever hope to meet (for one thing, they have to stand up and face me, week after week). I also find opportunities that I otherwise would never have, simply because someone knows and can earnestly recommend my work. I've been introduced to people who are the leaders in my community, because I know their plumber, or their obstetrician, or their CPA.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear ClassicalGeek,
Thank you so much for sharing yur very inspiring experience with networking. It sounds like you are a Black Belt in this arena.

Do you have tips or best practices that you can share with other readers?

[zukervati]

Make sure you've got the "sheep skin" in the emerging technologies, especially healthcare and IT (certification in COTS products will do). That's REAL RE-INVENTION.
I recall needing anSME on TDMA/Frequency Multiplexing a while back. My search on the Monster yielded thirteen resumes, with only one US Citizen who had graduated from MIT back in 1969 (needed someone who could be cleared).
Don't waste time in seminars and networking events (especially if they costs money), only the unemployed­/desperate are there - a commiseration fest. Instead, rely on real friends and family (remember the movie Ronin, you go to who you know!)
Don't shy away from Government jobs, they may not pay well but they're steady and you get 60% of your salary guaranteed in retirement.
Be willing to "flip burgers" if you must, consider it biding time. I get that you were an AVP at some hot-shot Wall St. firm six months ago, but even you had suspicion that it wasn't real. Do what you got to do.
Never give up - I recall a photo-copied cartoon many moons ago of a frog stuck halfway in an Egret's mouth, with the frog's hands clutching Egret's neck - with the same caption!

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Zukervati,

What networking events do you reccommend?

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

As far as venues to network, I find that professional associations and the chamber of commerce of your local town are both excellent places to network.

[zukervati]

You've answered your earlier question, those are good venues.

[Jason Mannino - Huffpost Blogger]

I love the energy that comes through your writing! You cut right to the quick, which is so appreciated!

AND, clearly our intuitive synergistic vibes were at work again this week!

Love and light!
Jason

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Jason,
We are a Light team!!!

It is always a joy ot read your posts as we share our weekly inspiration.

Love and LIght,
Eli

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

I just got back from a ..networking lunch...If you are a job seeker take notes,,,

Craig H. is the managing partner of a very large law firm. Here is what he said:

"I am looking for two (not one but two!) paralegals. I don't have time to sift through 150 resume's. I want someone to tell me about good people.The last person I got from www.Monster.com had lied about his credentials. It was a waste of time."

In the last two hours I have found out about three jobs. Craig also told me that they are hiring another attorney. If you aren't networking you are missing the boat!

[BitterSpiritualist]

Dearest Eli!

Kicking ass and taking names. You are a Ninja Light Warrior!

Thank you!

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hey Bitter Spiritualist,
Have you found that great job????

It's always a delight to hear from you!

Eli Davidson

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear RB,
I couldn't agree with you more. This job market requires that you hit a home run any time you 'go to bat'.

A temp job has lead to a full time position for many. If you never interview those who you have met through networking, your company is in the very small minority.

Thanks again for your comment!

[vhs]

Networking: totally agree. So many times, it's WHO you Know and WHO knows YOU. Once again you are right on point!