Build Your Network Before You Need It
Posted by Jeff Lu on February 26, 2009
by: Keith Ferrazzi, Tahl Raz
Guy Kawasaki is great at writing insightful and easy to understand “how to” articles. He wrote another good one earlier in the month titled “Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job“. He actually gave 11 pointers in this article and I thought the 11th was the best:
“Build your network before you need it. As a last tip, no matter how the economy or your career is doing, having a strong network is a good form of job security. Don’t wait until times are tough to nurture your network. The key to networking (or “schmoozing”), however, is filled with counter-intuitiveness. First, it’s not who you know—it’s who knows of you. Second, Great schmoozers are not thinking “What can this person do for me?” To the contrary, they are thinking, “What can I do for this person?” For more on schmoozing, read “the Art of Schmoozing”
This advice might seems obvious but it’s hard to implement. It’s natural to only want to network when we need something from someone, or when we are out of job.
Keith Ferrazzi wrote an excellent book on art of networking and provides a solid guide for people who don’t know where to start. I’ve been quite busy recently and haven’t had time to finish the book but from what I’ve read, I would definitely recommend the book. Some of the best advice that I’ve read so far is to:
1. Be intentional – Map out where you are now and where you want to be. Find out who’s at the top of your career end goal and who’s on the path of getting there. Figure out ways you can contact them or run into them with the intention of building a relationship and learning from these people. Have specific networking goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable.
2. Be humble – All people naturally care, generally above and beyond anything else, about what it is they do. If you are informed enough to step comfortably into their world and talk knowledgeably, their appreciation will be tangible. Add value to every relationship by thinking of how you can help them rather than how they can help you. This will help you build you personal brand and will pay dividends later.
3. Be personal – Beyond building a career network, you should be building a network of friendships. Treating your relationships as friendships can go a long way. Remembering people’s names, birthdays, their hobbies, etc. can really go a long way. Never underestimate the power of being liked… it can be the most potent, constructive force for getting business done.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll be traveling a lot the next few days. Not sure how much Internet connection I’ll have this weekend so this could be the last post this week. Thanks for following my blog!
