The Wooden Group

By: Randy Wooden

As I take on new clients, one of their most common concerns deals with networking.  Sure, there’s the “how to” part of networking most people fail to effectively master, but it’s the “I’ve burned through my network and have no where else to turn” issue I’ll address today.

If you feel you’ve burned through your entire network you have, essentially, three options.  The first is to revert to answering online job postings and forego networking for the most part.  Don’t do that.

The other two options include expanding your network and revisiting those with whom you’ve already made contact. 

Let’s talk about that last option.  First, why are we hesitant to “go to the well” again?  Fear?  Embarrassment?  Uncertainty about what to say?

I suspect it’s all those things, yet I find the hesitation can be largely overcome if we feel confident about our approach.  Fear and embarrassment tend to diminish once we’ve arrived at a realistic process. 

Consider yourself not as a beggar with your hands outstretched, hoping for someone’s kindness.  Rather, look at yourself as a solutions provider… a giver, not a taker.  Seek to help others first.

Next time you want to recontact John Doe to see whether he’s “heard of anything new,” why not instead present John with a link to an article of interest to him?  Or, find his company mentioned in an article and bring it to his attention.  Find something of value or interest to your contact.  I wouldn’t necessarily mention I’m still looking.

In fact, if you avoid mentioning your job search it’s likely your contact will ask you about it.  Then you can feel free to share your status and ask for additional input. 

I find people feel more comfortable and, possibly, compelled to help you when you try to help them first.  Look to be a resource first, a job hunter second.

Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.

STAY CONNECTED!