Job Search Networking: Questions to answer even if they don't ask

To get better leads from your networking efforts, be sure you answer these two questions for everyone you’re networking with–even if they don’t specifically ask! And interestingly, being specific will actually get you better results.

Job Search Secrets: Confessions of a Reluctant Networker

Just the idea of networking used to make me anxious; I even hated the word. But I finally had to admit that networking is the one thing we should all be doing whether we’re looking for a new job or have one we love already. 

In talking to successful business people to learn their techniques for networking success, in all honesty I was hoping to hear I could stop networking. Instead I learned that most seasoned business people understand the concept of networking and creating key connections. They know that what goes around comes around, and that everyone has to start somewhere. We all should remember those who had an impact on our lives because they took time to give us advice, guidance and information. That’s one debt that really can only be repaid by helping someone else. 

So now to wipe out excuses: You are never too young nor too old to start. It’s never too late or too early to start. Plan to do it for the rest of your life. It will pay off for you in ways you cannot even conceive of right now. And the value you will be able to add to other people will be incredible. 

Never let fear or self-doubt stop you from contacting someone. It’s easy to assume that today executives are too busy, uninterested or unreachable. My coaching clients tell me they almost always get a great reception when they call senior executives. 

How is that possible? Because I’ve learned techniques that allow you to network fearlessly—without using a single tactics that makes you feel uncomfortable. Interestingly, approached correctly (I’ll share those techniques with you in future posts) people are almost always delighted and willing to share their knowledge. 

So reach out and connect with someone today!