In this tough job market, no one has to tell you how important it is to
network. If you don’t know that, you are either independently wealthy and don’t
ever need to work, or you’ve been hiding under a rock for the bulk of your
career.
What a lot of people don’t recognize, until they are faced with a job search,
is that it pays to stay networked --particularly in good times, when you don’t
feel the need as much to keep in touch. Staying networked on a regular basis
will put you steps ahead of everyone else who has not remained connected when it
comes time for a job search or getting the information or resources you
need.
While most people are happy to help you by either taking time to meet with
you or spend a few minutes to chat on the phone, their time is limited--and no
one likes a fair-weather friend, acquaintance, or colleague. It is uncomfortable
for both parties to become reconnected only when one person needs something from
the other. This may work once, but it rarely works twice.
Aside from the obvious efforts to join industry associations or attend alumni
events, there are some simple, yet highly effective, ways to stay connected and
build stronger professional relationships.
Let others know what you’re up to. This can be done easily by e-mail
or in a holiday card, for example. By letting someone know things like “I
recently relocated to Chicago to do strategic planning for XYZ Corporation...,”
you are also letting them know that you’d like to keep in touch with them. Most
will be flattered that you kept them up to date and won’t be as surprised to
hear from you if you do call them in the future for a favor.
Go to lunch. It’s easy to get consumed at work or in your daily
activities and just inhale a sandwich at your desk. However, by making a point
to go to lunch at least once or twice a week with a friend or colleague who
works at your firm or elsewhere, you can not only stay in touch, but you can
also find out what’s happening with other people and other companies.
Call classmates and colleagues when you are traveling on business. Not
only does this beat eating a cold deli sandwich in your hotel room, it is a
great way to stay in touch and find out what’s going on with friends and
colleagues. Be sure to reciprocate the invitation when they are in your city on
business or holiday.
Give others something they need. This is best done unsolicited, but is
just as important when someone asks you for help. Whether it is putting people
in contact with a potential employer, client, partner, etc., or giving them
information that could be useful for them, they will remember your generosity
and return the favor. For example, by sending people information on an upcoming
conference in their field that they may not already be aware of, with a note
attached (“I thought you might be interested in this…”), you remind them of your
presence and demonstrate your willingness to help them. Once again, most people
will be flattered that you thought of them.
Take leadership positions. Whether is it at your church or synagogue,
leading a task force at your company, or planning an event for your alumni
association, assuming a leadership position gives you the ability to (1) meet
diverse groups of professionals, (2) be seen and known by others, and (3) call
members of these groups and ask them for information, help, etc.
Connect others. By putting other people in touch and helping them to
broaden their networks, you are helping them expand the realm of people that
they can, in turn, put you in touch with. They will also remember the favor and
return it one day.
Help others succeed. If the saying goes, "It pays to know people in
high places," then help others attain these high places, so you can know these
people.
If you stay connected on a regular basis, people will start to come to you as
a source of information. People will say, “Call Jane--she knows everyone.” Or,
“Call Bob, he always knows what people are up to.” When you’ve achieved and
maintained this level of connection with others, your call to them will seem far
less of an imposition than it might have if you hadn’t made these ongoing
efforts to stay connected.
