179: Seven Strategies for Jumpstarting Your Networking

Seven Strategies for Jumpstarting Your Networking

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In episode #177, I talked about overcoming your fear of networking. Today’s podcast will be strategies that you may not have thought of to either jumpstart your networking, or to take what you are already doing to the next level.

Before I dive into the seven strategies, there are three points I want to make for the one millionth time:

1. Networking is how jobs are gotten

2. There is the Tommy Gun approach and the Bow-and-Arrow approach – I teach my clients the Bow-and-Arrow approach

3. Your goal with any networking is to give at least as much value as you get

Strategy #1: LinkedIn (the obvious choice)

– Set a goal of messaging X# of your contacts in LinkedIn each day

– Move to a Zoom meeting when appropriate

– Have a specific ask AND be open to ideas the other person has

Strategy #2: Meetup

– Find a few groups on Meetup that are active right now, and give them a try

– Join groups based on hobbies, passions, beliefs, etc.

– Let the other members know of your job search – in specific terms

– Meet 1:1 outside of Meetup as appropriate

Strategy #3: Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber meetings, etc.

– Google “Rotary chapters near me” or “Chamber of Commerce”

– Attend a few meetings to determine if you would like to join

– Take advantage of any opportunity to introduce yourself and let them know about your job search

– Move to 1:1 meetings as appropriate

Strategy #4: FB Events tab, Eventbrite

– Most things are still virtual, but there may be some live events in your area that you would feel safe attending

– Take advantage of any opportunity to introduce yourself and let them know of your job search

– Schedule 1:1 meetings as appropriate

Strategy #5: Your place of worship

– Determine your best opportunity for interacting with people – is it prior to the service? In small group meetings? Sunday school?

– Take advantage of any opportunity to let them know you are job searching

– Schedule 1:1 meetings as appropriate

Strategy #6: Your university alumni association

– Do your homework to find out what your alma mater offers as a member of the alumni association

– Get involved in ways that are appropriate and meaningful for you

– Take advantage of any opportunity to introduce yourself and let the others know of your job search

– Schedule 1:1 meetings as appropriate

Strategy #7: Create your own networking group!

– Decide how to proceed, based on your network and SM reach

– Make sure you have the proper technology, i.e. paid Zoom account or external camera

– Be very clear in your messaging – if this is not your strength, who could help you with this?

– Be consistent, follow up and follow through – everything you do in this regard will be a reflection of your professionalism and work ethic

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