The Sandspur

Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: Holt News

Dear Marian:

I have been reading your column and you seem to continually make references to the importance of networking. Since I work full time and go to evening classes I do not have much time to attend networking meetings. I am also pretty shy and am not really comfortable talking to people. Any advice for me?

~Sandra '07

Dear Sandra,

Thanks for bringing up one of my favorite topics! You have highlighted some common misconceptions and I appreciate the opportunity to bring clarity to this valuable tool.

Many people cringe when I recommend networking. For some, it has a shady connotation resembling "used car sales tactics". However, at a basic foundational level, networking is about building relationships with others. It's an openness and desire to learn about other people and discover how interconnected or interrelated we may be.

So why do I preach the importance of networking in the job search? Statistics show that 3 out of 4 jobs are filled through networking. Think about your own career transitions. How many of your jobs did you get as a result of a friend or acquaintance telling you about it? I have informally surveyed Holt students and discovered that the "3 out of 4" statistic appears to be valid on our campus! .

To make "networking "more palatable", I encourage you to consider specific action steps:

Begin with the people in your classes!

The Hamilton Holt School is full of successful professionals. Take advantage of the group projects or class breaks to get to know your peers. I worked with one Holt student who credits her Holt peers for helping her find her last THREE jobs! (each with increasing levels of responsibility and pay) What was her secret? She took the time to get to know and build relationships with the other students in her classes. It is important to note that along the way she was also instrumental in passing on job leads to others as well!

Get over thinking that "networking means using."

Networking does not mean that you "use" the other person. It's about taking the time to get to know other people. Look for opportunities to offer ideas, suggestions or your expertise with others. Effective networking requires a reciprocal relationship.

"Fake it till you make it"

Some people find it difficult to walk into a room (even a classroom) and begin a conversation with "strangers". All it takes is a smile and genuine interest to learn something about the other person. Don't be discouraged and take it personally if you encounter someone who does not respond warmly. Chalk it up to a bad day and move onto to someone else.

Increase your confidence so that you'll be ready for the formal networking discussions.

Getting to know the other students in your classes will provide the foundation for more formal networking tools including the "informational interview". Action items for more formal networking might include:

Developing your 60-90 second intro

Identifying who you should be talking with

Uncover strategies to get in the door!

Sandra, hopefully these strategies have given you ideas on how to begin networking today. Remember that I am available to work individually with you if the obstacles refuse to budge! .

Do you have a question for Marian? E-mail her at mcacciatore@rollins.edu. She guarantees that all questions will be responded to individually or in this column.

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