You don’t like networking. That’s ok, it’s not my favourite thing to do either. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it is necessary. A recent study showed that 85% of jobs are filled by networking. But I don’t need a study to tell me that. I live in Thunder Bay. If a potential client or employer doesn’t know me or can’t connect me to someone in their networking circle, I won’t be getting the job. Networking is important in big cities and small towns alike. With more and more people working remotely, fewer face to face conversations happen. We build trust – or we have the opportunity to – when we meet face to face. Networking – purposely making an effort to connect with someone you don’t know – is essential in getting you where you want to be.
Recently I taught students at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law how to network. It was a great session that involved skills, strategies and of course, practice. The best part was that there was an actual networking event scheduled for later that day. Knowing that the very idea of networking created anxiety and discomfort for these students, I tackled their feelings first and tried to re-frame the term ‘Networking’ in their minds.
I shared finding in recent studies conducted by BMO Financial Group and Workopolis on how businesses hire. Surprisingly, only 3% of employers are focused on where you went to school, 8% care about your references and only 15% look at your previous related experience. What’s at the top of the list? Personality traits. Employers are looking for the right people – people who fit. Skills can be taught but personality traits generally don’t change. Here’s what employers are looking for:
- A positive attitude
- Communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- An ability to work on a Team
These traits can’t be a bullet point on your resume. They need to be demonstrated and the fastest and easiest way to do that is NETWORKING. With that in mind, here’s my definition:
NETWORKING IS:
Enjoying other people, communicating passions and connecting with others who share those passions.
In a nutshell, you walk into a room and say “How can I help?”
Without laying out my whole workshop, here are the basics: (Oh, and if you want the whole workshop, call me and I can run you through it!)
- Ask questions
- Listen
- Figure out what others need
- Help – without thinking about what you want.
Now remembering that we are all selfish individuals who are only motivated to try something new if we see a benefit for ourselves, here’s that benefit. When you network you not only help a potential employer by demonstrating how you might fit into their workplace, and you also identify how their workplace fits for you.
Networking works when you are being authentic. Authentic – and on your best behaviour, I mean. When you show people who you really are, you draw them in. Authenticity helps to break down walls and it brings people closer together. When you’re being authentic, it helps others to be the same. And then, by asking questions, listening, and figuring out how to give the person you’re talking to what they need, put yourself in a position where they need you.
Networking isn’t easy. The word ‘work’ is right in the name. And once you master the skills, you will learn to open doors that an email and a resume can’t.
If you want to talk more about networking, send me a message. I’d be happy to help.
