Networking: You are who you know

Career development Career development is a continuous process that is part of a professional career Exploration What’s out there? What options do I have? Would I prefer business, non-profit or public sector? What jobs fit my skills? What careers and industries use them? What organizations are a good fit? What do I need to be competitive? Who can connect me to these organizations? Focusing Job Search/ Action Plan Resumes, Interviews Networking, Researching What are my interests? What kind of skills do I have? What are my values? What is my work style? Self-Assessment Most people think finding a good job starts here, but actually it starts already down there. Bron: Peter S. Fiske (2010)

What is Networking Is making and maintaining contacts that can help you achieve a certain goal Sharing information or services between people Is give and take: others should have a win in it to Has 3 phases: know – like – trust Is also: networkmanagement: systematic, goal oriented and well-balanced maintaining your relations

Why networking ? Expanding your visibility: you will be/are/stay in the picture Others can help you reach your goal: Eg: 53% of Belgians find a new job via their network (study HUB, 2000) Know what it is you want to reach with your network (ST – LT) You can also help others to reach their goals (win-win)

How does it work ? Map your network + make an analysis of your network Principles in networking Goal-oriented networking How to expand, use and maintain your network Networking at events Networking on-line Personal branding: your profile Network labourmarket oriented

Who is a part of your network? Map your network Everyone you (have) know(n) and has a positive impression of you, is part of your network Make a list of names Sources: mobile phone, address book, business cards, memory, social media…

Who is a part of your network? Make an analysis of your network Structure in categories: family, friends, colleagues, class mates, bussiness relations,… Discover your network on the basis of your goal(s): Wich help can I get/give from/to who ? If I want to know X, in which category should I search ? If I’m looking for a job in sector X, who do I know in that sector ? Who do I know that knows someone who works there ?

How does it work ? Expand your network Find good occasions: Congresses, meetings, receptions Presentations or posters Publications (co-author) Trainings, courses Research department Communities Social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, your own blog/website …

Principles in networking First give, then recieve First sowing, then harvest Attitude of pro-actif and reactif giving without expecting anything Satisfaction and dissatisfaction= advantage – investment Make a list of what of great value you can give to others with a minimum of investment.

The ‘golden’ triangle of networking Offer Thank Ask

‘Written goals are dreams with deadlines’ (Brian Tracy) Resaerch at the American university of Harvard: Goal-oriënted people are more succesfull as others Only 15% of the students makes objectives Only 3% of them writes them down The 15% was in a 2X better financial situation than the other 85% The 3% was in a 10X better financial situation than the other 85%. (Source: Let’s connect. Jan Vermeiren) A goal helps you to oriënt your actions in a certain direction.

Goal-oriented networking Give yourself an objective and explore your network in regard to that goal. Step 1: formulate an objective Step 2: who is the most interesting person to reach your goal? Step 3: try to reach that contact person through your own network or the network of your network. Eg. If I look a job in sector X, who do I know that works in the sector? Who do I know that might know someone?

How to use and maintain your network It’s all about action! Examples: Exchange business cards Make pictures at congresses and send them Participate at the the social program on a congress Stay in touch via email or social media after a meeting Stay in touch, however short Ask concrete questions Don’t expext an immediate return: plant seeds

Tips for a good use of your network Keep contacts warm Thank those who did something for you Get also in touch when you do not need something Bring people in contact with each other Organise your own network occasions Use online networks Don’t stick around one conversation partner for too long Think about know – like – trust Keep your namelist up to date

Networking at events Enter the eventroom and make contact Start talking with people from the very beginning: the desk, the parking,…it brings you in the right mood Greet people, get them a drink or some food Look for common interests Ask others to introduce you Talk with the speakers Ask open questions, show interest Eg. What did you like about the program (at a congres) What aspect of your work do you prefer? What makes your organisation, project,…special?

Tips for optimal use of social media Profile picture Headline Activities Background Summary Experience Education Recommendations Endorsements Groups/following

Tips for optimal use of twitter Dictionary of twitter Follower/following PM/DM: private message/direct message RT: retweet Tweeps Tweet Hashtag: # Microfunding Twunch

Tips for optimal use of social media Easy way to access people and conversations Be aware that your account is accessible for everyone Principle of give and receive Use retweets Favorite: collect interesting tweets for you