You’ve heard the statistics before: 80 percent of jobs are obtained through networking. (According to some sources, this number is even higher!) How can you build your network in order to hear about great job opportunities? During this webinar, we’ll reveal several little-known ways for successful networking.

1. Little-Known Ways to Build Your
Network for Career Success
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3. Introduction
• The true definition of networking
• Little-known networking tips and techniques
• Common networking mistakes and how to avoid
them
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4. Introduction
• The statistics say 80% of jobs are obtained
through networking
– According to some sources, this number is even higher!
• Social media & online communities have made
networking across the globe easier for today’s
job seekers
• Having connections at various companies can
help you learn about unadvertised job
openings, get employee referrals & land a new
job quicker than other job search tactics
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5. What is Networking?
• The exchange of information or services among
individuals
• The cultivation of productive relationships for
employment or business
• Should be focused on creating mutually
beneficial relationships among individuals
– You need to provide value to your contacts before asking
for something from them
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6. Common Networking Mistakes
• Thinking the amount of connections you have
trumps the quality of each connection
• Going into a networking opportunity unprepared
or without goals in mind
• Thinking you have to be a certain kind of person
to be a successful networker
• Failing to follow-up after a connection is made
• Staying inside your comfort zone & missing
opportunities
• Not providing value to your contacts before
asking for something in return
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7. How to Avoid Networking Mistakes
• Practice, practice, practice – you’ll never get
better at networking if you don’t get out there
and do it
• Have confidence in yourself
• Be open to new opportunities
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8. Networking Tip: Start Small
• Networking isn’t always about cold calling &
attending events alone
– Instead, start with someone you do know & ask for an
introduction to someone they know
– Takes the pressure off for shy networkers
– Feels less awkward than reaching out to someone you
don’t know at all
– Don’t forget to provide value to the person you’re asking
for help from
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9. Networking Tip: Be Yourself
• Many people think of networkers as
“schmoozers”
– However, successful networkers are not in it just for
themselves, they want to help others
• You shouldn’t try to be someone you’re not
when meeting new people and networking
• Be yourself & be open to meeting new people
– It’s ok if you feel reserved or awkward, it will become
easier
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10. Networking Tip: Share Your Passions
• Talking about subjects you’re passionate about
makes you more interesting & engaging
• It will be easier to converse with others if the
topic is something you’re truly interested in
– Attending conferences/event pertaining to your interests &
industry can be a great way to share your passion with
others
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11. Networking Tip: Create a Goal
• If you’re attending a event, conference or
meeting, having a clear plan of action can make
you feel more focused
– Who will be attending?
– Who would you like to meet?
– What will you talk with them about?
– What value can you provide them (a networking contact,
business connection, etc.)?
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12. Networking Tip: Show Up Prepared
• Just like going into a job interview, a networking
event can be less stressful if you’ve come
prepared
– Think of ice-breaker questions you might ask others to get
a conversation going
– Have your elevator pitch ready
– Think about what you might be asked
• How will you answer questions about your current
career status, goals, etc.?
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13. Networking Tip: Follow-Up
• Follow through with your promises when you
meet others
– Did you tell someone you met you’d send them an article
you read? Email them as soon as possible with the
information
– Makes you look credible & reliable
– Additionally, gives you a chance to keep in touch with that
individual & continue building the relationship
– Keeps you fresh in their mind
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14. Networking Tip:
Not Everyone Will Want to Help
• Most job seekers fear of networking is meeting
people who are rude or unwilling to help them
– Accept that there are some negative people out there that
can’t or won’t help you
– People are busy
– Move on from rejection
– Don’t take it personally
• Remember that most people want to help others
because it’s human nature to do so
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15. Networking Tip: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Taking risks can propel your job search &
career much farther than staying inside your
small comfort zone
• Other people might be as uncomfortable as you
making the initial contact
– Remember that it will be worth it once you’ve made a great
new connection or relationship
• Try new things & be open-minded
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16. Networking Tip: Volunteer Your Time
• Volunteering is a fulfilling way to meet new
people & use your skills while job seeking
• You’ll inevitably meet new people & make
networking connections in a low-pressure
environment
• Increases your visibility
• Gives you something in common with others
you’ll meet at the organization
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17. Networking Tip: Be a Valuable Resource
• Help out others as much as possible
– Share contacts at companies
– Suggest business connections
– Share advice & tips
– Offer your expertise & skills
• Makes you visible
• People will be more likely to share information
with you because you’ve helped them first
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18. Networking Tip: Quality Over Quantity
• The amount of contacts you have (or make)
shouldn’t be the sole focus of your networking
efforts
• Instead of meeting dozens of new people, strive
for a few valuable relationships
• The better your relationship, the more likely the
individual will help you out, give you a referral,
etc.
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19. Networking Tip: Regularly Network
• Don’t just network when you need it – such as
during a job search or career transition
– You’ll be missing out on valuable opportunities if you do
this
– Instead, always be on the lookout for great contacts &
continuously grow your network organically
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20. Networking Tip: Listen
• Listening is an important part of relationship-
building
• Don’t just talk about yourself
• Pay attention to things others say & look for
ways to help them in their job search or career
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22. Thank you!
For more tips: blog.cachinko.com
Join us for our next job seeker webinar on:
May 19, 2011: How to Stay Organized in Your Job
Search Using Online Tools
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