Networking, what it is and is not…
Revealing the inconvenient truths about networking
When my clients have finished the FIT Method’s process and training, we always come to an uncomfortable point in the coaching process, which is their need to increase networking and outreach. Whether you’re an introvert or extravert, everyone dreads this part of the process. So, if everyone hates this part, why do I assertively and very un-coach-like, push them through it.
The reason is because 80% of jobs still come from your network and the hidden job economy. Blog 9 talked about this in detail. You want to tip the scales in your favor as much as you can and increase your network’s awareness of your brand, strengths, interests, and potential FIT.
Often the next thing that happens is people feel uncomfortable asking for help. I try to coach them through this feeling by using “Checking Account” example. It’s an example of what I truly believe about people and their underlying goodwill.
I believe people will help others, particularly those who are close to them and who have similar values and interests. If in your work-life’s checking account, you make more deposits than withdrawals, this is especially true. What do I mean by deposits? I’ll share some examples, in that you:
Refuse to settle for "good enough” and share your energy and interest to continually improve your performance and the company’s performance and resilience
Are always willing to help peers and mentor new or younger employees
Are a good corporate citizen by upholding, respecting, and demonstrating company values
Are willing to lead and take risks to move efforts forward, without wanting recognition
Are kind to other employees, and maintaining a perspective on their work experiences and priorities
Lead by example and inclusion, helping other employees to understand and value your perspective and letting them know that you value theirs
If you and your network believe that you give more than you take, you’re ethical and kind, and want to continually improve yourself and the companies that employ you, I believe people are happy to help by supporting you and your career plans.
So that’s a great philosophical foundation, but what are some practical steps.
LinkedIn, whether we like it or not, is the public face of your brand. Maintaining up to date and accurate information is essential, as well as maintaining an active site. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a reality of enterprise and personal websites, and you want to increase your activity and your brand’s awareness.
The reality is that you need to increase your SEO rating. Here are some ideas for increasing your SEO profile in LinkedIn:
Endorsements: Endorsing Colleagues and Friends and requesting reciprocal endorsements with an in-mail, which also states you're open to networking and employment opportunities.
Here's a template:
Hello [recipient],
I just endorsed the top skills you have listed on your profile. Would you be willing to endorse mine as well? The more endorsements we have the more LinkedIn promotes you and I’m on a mission to get as many endorsements as possible to promote my content/profile organically.
For easy look up, here's the link to endorse my top skills: www.linkedin.com/in/[Your_LinkedIn_ID]/details/skills/
Thank you for your support!
Name
Phone
Recommendations: Ask for a recommendation with a note and offer a reciprocal recommendation. This takes a bit more time, but it's a nice way to reconnect with past colleagues who you had a previous connection with and enjoyed working with.
If you don't have a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile, you can add it as a section in your profile.
Here’s a template for asking for a recommendation using the LinkedIn recommendation request form:
Hello [recipient],
I’ve always valued and appreciated you as a colleague. I gave you a recommendation, and I’d appreciate it if you would give me one. I’m currently working to secure a new position/changing the direction and focus of my career/looking to start my career in […].
Thank you again for your help and I look forward to catching up soon.
Name
Phone
Posts:
A great way to increase awareness of your interests and potential strengths is to regularly post on LinkedIn. Here’s some examples:
Post an article about a trend, adding something about your interest in the article or company, particularly if you are interested in working at the company.
Repost a post of interest, particularly if you’re interested in the company’s products and services.
Send a general post that you're open to network
Single left clicks our LinkedIn profile picture and aplly one of the available frames [#opentonetwork]
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I understand that these activities make most people uncomfortable. But you never know who will see a post and think, "I remember [your name], and they were great! I'll reach out to them for the position that just opened..." This is a volume outreach marketing play, not a curated single person play. Executing such a plan takes organization and discipline over weeks and should be part of your career change “Work Week”.
In closing, you may notice I put “Name, Email, Phone” at the bottom of LinkedIn messages. The reason is to give the reader every opportunity to call you right then or at least have easy access to your information if they go back to the message later.
Remember, Control What You Can Control! Your goal is to get a networking meeting with a decision maker who could be hiring or who might be able to recommend you to other peer in their network or at their company. Remember, the best type of meeting is live, perhaps over a coffee. But these days virtual meetings can be effective as well.
About the FIT Blog
The FIT Blog adds depth and understanding to the Launch Success FIT Method. Think of it as a resource to learn more about the methods before signing up with Launch Success. It’s also intended as a resource during and after you’re engaged in the process. We provide definitions and examples on some of the foundational ideas, like the FIT Mindset and explaining Your Vision and Balance. What the FIT Blog reinforces most is that you control more than you think and can have a path forward towards independence and financial security.
About Gary Ainsworth
With over 30 years in working in technology and worldwide operations, and nearly 10 years as a certified executive and career management coach, I’ve gained insights in how companies hire and how career seekers increase their probability of getting hired. I’m committed to helping younger, less experienced professionals understand and unwind what’s holding them back in their careers.
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