You Can Make Networking Work

It is a proven fact that you can get in to see anyone in the world, if you have something worthwhile to discuss; something worthwhile for you and for that person you want to get in to see.

So I firmly believe that knowing how to network is one of the keys to your career and, yes, even life satisfaction.  It is a skill, believe it or not, that you use all the time as you ask questions to get information about almost any subject.  I like to call it H I S, the Human Information System, which operates in a world which has become phenomenally small because of the synergy of interests and the advancement of technology.  you need to be able to understand it better so that you can build and implement relationships that will put you more in control of your career and your future.

Ken Stewart, a senior corporate finance executive with whom I worked, was downsized by PVC Products Inc., a dreary manufacturer of plastic pipe.  At the time he was bored and, after the initial shock, glad to be out of there.  During his self-assessment and planning process, he realized that his very high interest in the performing arts should be one of three work options to be explored.  He identified, and, with a well tested agenda, talked to people in and around the performing arts world; producers, board members, investors, managers, performers, etc.  He started with people he know who led him to people that he didn't, probably about 60 in all.  In three months he landed a great position as Director of Finance and Administration for a major performing arts center in the Northwest.  The keys to Ken's success were that he knew what he had to offer, what he was looking for and how to communicate it.  His persistence led him to people in an organization that had a need for the values he could add.  Along the way he developed new relationships that he will always be nurturing.

As I review Ken's experience, my own and that of hundreds of other people with whom I have worked or heard about, the same elements of networking success keep coming up over and over again.

First of all, you will need to understand the Objectives of the Networking Process.  These are outlined on the next page, The Objectives of the Networking Process.

 

Click below to go to
The Objectives of the Networking Process

 

By:  Mac Walker, Principal Strategist, Career Mission Consulting
Phone & Fax (203) 857-4625
macmiss2000@yahoo.com