It is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of all jobs get filled by people who heard about them through word of mouth. Getting as much mileage as you can out of the professional connections you make is the key to successful networking. The larger your personal network, the more likely it is you'll find out about positions when they become available.
Successful Networking Tips
- Tell friends, colleagues, business associates and peers that you're seeking a new position or consulting project. Be specific describing your ideal position.
- Develop a 15-second sales pitch to tell people you meet who you are, what you're looking for and how they can help you.
- Attend professional association meetings, civic, social or alumni events, and bring plenty of business cards.
- Always let the people you call or write know early in the conversation or networking letter that you're looking for help.
- If you're calling someone for the first time that you have no personal connection with and receive voice mail, call back later instead of leaving a message.
- If you accomplish nothing else from a networking source, try to obtain at least one or two additional names of people to contact, and permission from your source to use his or her name as a reference.
- Always send a short thank you note or e-mail to everyone who gives you time in person or on the phone.
Things to Avoid In Your Networking Campaign
- Calling people you don't know at home -- unless you have been instructed to do so.
- Putting people you are talking to on hold for more than a few seconds.
- Using the name of someone you don't know or you haven't received permission from as a way of making a connection to someone.
- Getting surly when people don't give you the help you asked for.
- Placing pressure on the people who work for the person you want to speak to.