Five SMALL Tips to Become a Better Networker
In today’s turbulent economy, more and more Americans are looking for employment, while jobs are becoming harder to find. Although mailing a cover letter and a resume to Human Resources may have worked in the past, today’s job market requires a new approach. Generic is out, personal is in. For job seekers on the prowl, networking is more important than ever and we can show you how to harness the power of small to get things done:
Unplug. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all great resources for networking and job hunting, but we still find that nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. So, next time you message one of your online friends, ask them if they would like to get together in person. Even a quick, fifteen minute coffee run can prove much more valuable than a month’s worth of wall posts.
Pay attention. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old acquaintance, take note of the small cues people send you in their body language and facial expressions. Careful observation can help you guide your conversation in the right direction. While you’re at it, make an effort to remember the little details they reveal, such as a favorite hobby or a beloved pet. Next time you see them you can ask them about it.
Get personal. Email is great for quick correspondence, but who doesn’t love getting a note card in the mail? Let your connections know you are thinking of them by jotting down a quick note and sending it the old fashioned way. If you saw an interesting article you thought they might like, clip it out and stuff it inside. Next time you run into each other, it will give you something to talk about.
Ask questions. In today’s tech-obsessed culture, we’re all a little starved for conversation. So, give the other person a chance to talk by asking questions. Your curiosity will be rewarded by the positive impression you leave.
Go the extra inch. The best way to make your mark on someone’s memory is to do a little more than is expected. If a colleague mentions a project they are working on, offer them your expertise… free of charge. You’ll not only help them out, you’ll have a chance to showcase your skills. And, you’ll have an extra reference for future business opportunities.
Simple but often incredibly intimidating, networking is one of the most powerful skills women in business can possess. The key to success is to start small. If you are naturally shy, dip your toes into the water and little by little, wade into the deeper waters. Before too long, you will be swimming with the big fish.
Linda Kaplan Thaler is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Kaplan Thaler Group. Her new book, co-authored with Robin Koval is THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, available online and in bookstores nationwide.
Unplug. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all great resources for networking and job hunting, but we still find that nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. So, next time you message one of your online friends, ask them if they would like to get together in person. Even a quick, fifteen minute coffee run can prove much more valuable than a month’s worth of wall posts.
Pay attention. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old acquaintance, take note of the small cues people send you in their body language and facial expressions. Careful observation can help you guide your conversation in the right direction. While you’re at it, make an effort to remember the little details they reveal, such as a favorite hobby or a beloved pet. Next time you see them you can ask them about it.
Get personal. Email is great for quick correspondence, but who doesn’t love getting a note card in the mail? Let your connections know you are thinking of them by jotting down a quick note and sending it the old fashioned way. If you saw an interesting article you thought they might like, clip it out and stuff it inside. Next time you run into each other, it will give you something to talk about.
Ask questions. In today’s tech-obsessed culture, we’re all a little starved for conversation. So, give the other person a chance to talk by asking questions. Your curiosity will be rewarded by the positive impression you leave.
Go the extra inch. The best way to make your mark on someone’s memory is to do a little more than is expected. If a colleague mentions a project they are working on, offer them your expertise… free of charge. You’ll not only help them out, you’ll have a chance to showcase your skills. And, you’ll have an extra reference for future business opportunities.
Simple but often incredibly intimidating, networking is one of the most powerful skills women in business can possess. The key to success is to start small. If you are naturally shy, dip your toes into the water and little by little, wade into the deeper waters. Before too long, you will be swimming with the big fish.
Linda Kaplan Thaler is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Kaplan Thaler Group. Her new book, co-authored with Robin Koval is THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, available online and in bookstores nationwide.
posted by Professional Women's Network at 5/01/2009 01:04:00 PM
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