Networking is an essential part of an effective job search strategy. In this episode, I cover the benefits of networking, how to work a networking event, and how to steer the conversation during a one-on-one networking meeting. I also talk about how much networking you should be doing for your job search depending on your seniority level.

Two of the things I hear more frequently about networking is: “I don’t know very many people,” and “I only know peope in my job function/industry, and that’s no help to me because I want to pivot.” These people are missing the boat in that a) they know more people than they think they do, and b) the people they know also know people - not all of whom are in the same industry or job function.

Far too many people think of networking as useful only when they are looking for a new job. In this episode, I talk about how to make networking an ongoing professional activity - so that your network is active when you DO need it, and so you can help others in the meantime.

Today, we’re talking about how to develop your elevator pitch. This is your 15-to-30 second “commercial” about yourself, which you will need for use in a variety of settings, including:

-Introducing yourself at a networking meeting

-Selling yourself to a potential employer

-Selling yourself, your company, or your product/service to a potential customer

If you’re not familiar with the concept, the idea is that you could say your elevator pitch while going from one floor to the next on an elevator.

Elevator pitches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on how you’re using them.

In this episode, I dig into Elevator Pitch do’s and don’ts, as well as 5 networking situations you may find yourself in and how to execute your Elevator Pitch in each.

When it comes to networking, it’s not about introverts being socially awkward. It’s about the drain on their energy. It’s about having to initiate a conversation (they generally DON’T want to do this). It’s about small talk, which seems pointless to them. I’d like to offer the flip side of networking for introverts, followed by 13 tips for you introverts to…if not love networking, at least not hate it so much. Maybe even enjoy it a little.

With so many people job searching right now, I wanted to do a deep dive on a particular aspect of the job search. We’ll start by comparing some networking strategies: “The Tommy Gun Approach” and “The Bow-and-Arrow Approach.” This leads us into a conversation about what might be important to you in a company while you’re job searching so you can set up tiers based on your non-negotiables. This strategy will help you be more intentional in your job search while also providing you a more organic approach to getting your foot in the door.

Today, we’re talking about the basics of networking. This is especially for those of you who a) avoid networking like a root canal, b) describe your networking skills as “terrible;” and c) those of you who think networking is not necessary to land your dream job or advance your career. Here’s a quote I used on a previous podcast: “The opposite of networking is NOT working.”

You have connections on LinkedIn – LinkedIn calls these 1st-level connections. The people you are already connected with. Each of your connections has connections – LinkedIn calls these 2nd-level connections. Why would you want to do this? Because it significantly expands your network. And, because these people are connected to someone you may know, you can reach out to your mutual connection and ask them to introduce you. So, today, I’ll be explaining this technique so you can leverage your connections’ connections.

Networking is a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. In today’s podcast episode, I share my top six tips for how to successfully carry out the right networking skills and approach.

Today, I want to cover my formula for how to network in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling like a barnacle. The people who listen to this podcast are brilliant people, so this episode is about brilliant networking for brilliant people.

In today’s podcast episode, I want to address the WHY of networking…why is networking so very important?

In today’s podcast episode, we’re going to talk about the way most people approach networking, and how my approach is different.

In today’s podcast episode, let’s talk about where you can network and the events or organizations that can provide significant potential benefit to networking for a new job.

All this month, we’re talking about networking. Today, let’s talk about quid pro quo. How to give as much value as you get when you’re networking.

Let’s talk about how to develop the perfect elevator pitch. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept, an elevator pitch is your 30-second commercial. The idea is that you could say it going from one floor to the next on an elevator. Your elevator pitch can be used as you introduce yourself at networking events, when you meet people by happenstance, and of course when you are on the elevator.

Today, I want to talk about creative networking strategies in the era of Virus Jail. When in- person networking events are literally against the law for many of us. Here’s the main message I want to convey today: You can’t put your career or job search goals on hold during Virus Jail. You can’t wait to exhale until this is over. As I keep reminding you: Your goals are still your goals. How you achieve them may change, but the desired result hasn’t. The most effective job search strategy, hands down, is networking. The most effective career advancement tool is networking. Your challenge, then, is to get creative with networking during Virus Jail.

You’ve heard this statistic: as much as 85% of jobs are obtained through the “hidden” job market. “Hidden,” meaning these jobs aren’t advertised. The vast majority of these “hidden” jobs are obtained through networking. Here’s what many people do wrong in networking…and how you can avoid these traps.

Today, I have a return guest – Mac Prichard. Mac runs the highly successful Mac’s List for employment opportunities in the Portland area. We're talking about networking secrets for job seekers. Mac talks about the most misunderstood concept job seekers have around networking and how to network during a pandemic. He also gives us his top 5 networking secrets.

Today’s episode is about overcoming the fear of networking. We’ll focus on one-to-one networking opportunities and then networking events.

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.