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Subject: News from Career Crossroads
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| Career Crossroads Newsletter
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June, 2008
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Hello Readers,
Recently, while attending a conference on the business
climate in Sonoma County, I struck up a conversation
with a consultant new to the area. Without knowing much
about who I was, she launched into a monologue about how
difficult it is to meet business people in this area compared
to her former "cosmopolitan city". She handed me her
card and left the room. No surprise to me (and hopefully,
you!) that she experiences networking problems with
that approach. There's a lot to learn about networking,
but it really starts with a positive attitude. Let's
continue where we left off last time ..... Enjoy! Susan
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Common Networking Myths You Need to
Know - Part II
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You know networking is the right thing to do -
sort of like getting exercise and watching what you eat
- but you still don't want to do it. This
is, in part, because you might not know what
it really is and how to make it work for you while
enjoying yourself (yes, introverts, you too!). It's
not about admitting to someone you're unemployed (ugh) and
struggling. It's about forming relationships which
can become mutually beneficial.
Networking is too time-consuming
Association meetings and meet-and-greet
events aren't the only places to network. In fact,
some of the best networking takes place when you're going
about your daily activities - waiting in line at the supermarket,
taking your dog to puppy training, or during
a fun night class. Valuable contacts can come from
any number of places. Initiate the conversation
with a common topic with your setting.
Ask your dog training neighbor if she likes her veterinarian
or knows of doggy parks. The point is to stretch
yourself. When a client of mine was at home
after a layoff, she mentioned to the UPS driver she was
recently unemployed. After learning she was a software
engineer, he mentioned that her neighbor down the street
was a VP with a start-up software technology company.
Two months later, she was working for her neighbor!
Set a goal for your week of talking with 3-5
new people. You'll be surprised whom you might meet!
Networking is really for extroverts
If you cringe
at the prospect of making small talk, you're not alone.
Most introverts think small talk is disingenuous, but
it's really just the social stimulant to get conversations
started. Remember, 98% of the population is just
as anxious as you are to make good connections and learn
something new. To get started, instead of thinking
the weather is your only topic ice breaker, try something
new. The next time you're standing next to
a stranger at your local Starbucks, think of something
you'd genuinely be interested in learning.
Ask about the new restaurant in town or which menu
selections are best. If even this is daunting, prepare
a script or have a few questions ready as conversation
starters. If you're attending a networking event,
ask what they thought of the speaker or why they came
to this particular event.
Of course, you should always be ready with your couple-minute
profile (infomercial) when they ask about you.
Make sure you speak naturally and passionately
about what you love to do. Your passion can be
the bridge from small talk to a relationship.
Remember, the majority of people love to talk.
All you have to do is ask some questions and let the
conversation go from there. Your good listening
skills will impress them, and who knows where the conversation
will lead!
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For speaking engagements or
individual consultations, please contact me at ..
707 542-2420
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Success Story
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Susan,
I can't thank you
enough for all your help and advice. It's been so
long since I've been in the job market, I thought the
first step was to update my resume!
When I learned your system, I was relieved to find it was
so fun! Yes, I was nervous, especially when starting
to network, but your encouragement was invaluable.
Actually, your coaching saved me from wasting my valuable
time and resources.
Really, if it wasn't for you, I don't think I would
have had the courage to get out there again.
Nancy C., Director,
Social Services
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Career Action Plan
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If your career search isn't yielding
results, your focus is unclear, or you don't know your value
or worth in the job market, don't put off scheduling a CAP
session. This initial session gets to the heart of
any career problem, identifies what's working for you, what
needs attention, and establishes your next steps.
In addition you'll receive:
* "The 12 Biggest Mistakes
Job and Career Changers Make and How to Avoid Them"
* An audiotaped summary of
session results
* Written summary of session
* 45-minute RECAP session
For more
information
707 542-2420
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| Save 20% |
If you are interested in a Career Action Plan (CAP) session, either
for yourself or a friend, please mention you saw this offer on my newsletter
to receive a 20% discount.
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| Offer Expires: June 30, 2008 |
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