Networking with a purpose - ideas from Joe Lavelle -

Networking with a purpose - ideas from Joe Lavelle - Yesterday, I shared a review of Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail. (You can read it HERE.) Today, I want to share more from Joe Lavelles book! Joe talks about Networking with a purpose. This is so important. I hear from people all of the time who insist that they have been doing EVERYTHING for their job hunt including networking. However, upon further inquiry, it is clear that they could be doing a lot more. Joe offers this advice, which I believe is right on target. (Points are his, commentary my own): Make meeting others a priority. So often, networking is something careerists only think about when it is time to look for a job. It should be something you do all of the time, no matter what. Joe suggests setting goals of how many people to contact in a certain period of time. It is key to focus on your networking, as we all know there are so many other priorities that take our time. Network with empathy. This is a great way to describe how to network. Joe reminds readers to focus on making networking a two-way street. What do YOU offer? This is not all about taking be sure you are also giving. Find a location. You can meet people in all types of groups and programs. Join groups both professional and personal, as you never know when or where you will meet someone who is a great match. Ask questions. A lot of times, job seekers focus on how to ANSWER questions. It is just as important to know what questions to ask! I always tell my clients to be sure to know what they WANT to know when meeting a great networking contact. It sounds obvious, but often, people go into meetings (or informational interviews) without a clear goal. Have a goal and great questions to ask. You wont be sorry. Listen for Clues. Good listening is so important. Ive written about this and cannot say it enough. Take notes. Personally, I write down everything I want to remember. You dont want to forget who you met, what they told you, if you should follow upThere is so much to remember! Dont miss an opportunity because something slipped your mind. Most people will be flattered if you make a point to write something down during a conversation! Read what Joe has to say in his bookA great read! What do you have to add about networking well? I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?   If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While youre at it, dont forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on FacebookId be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since were on the subject of doing something newAre you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers. photo by mag3737