16 • In what types of companies, organizations or departments would you prefer to work? • Are there any special concerns to be addressed in your job search, such as a barrier to employment? 3. NOT MAINTAINING REGULAR FOLLOW-UP CONTACTS WITH THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NETWORK Most people, by their own nature, like to help people. What they don’t like is being used and forgotten. Don’t just contact someone to ask for help. Follow up with the people in your network on a regular basis. Let them know how you’re doing, what you found out and how your contact with them helped you. 4. NOT SHOWING UP FOR MEETINGS SET UP BY A PERSON IN YOUR REFERRAL NETWORK If you miss an appointment that someone helped set up for you, you have lost that network contact forever. 5. USING AVOIDANCE BEHAVIORS AND EXCUSES TO NOT NETWORK Many people feel uncomfortable when making network contacts. This results in excuses for not networking such as, “I’m not social by nature,” “I don’t have time to network,” and “I don’t know anyone in the field.” Networking shyness can be overcome with a little practice and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. 6. NOT MAKING NETWORKING A DAILY ACTIVITY Networking should become a part of life, not something done only when you need a job. At every social activity, try to meet a couple of new people and do the following: • Find out what they do and for whom they work • Let them know something about your skills, talents, knowledge, abilities and career goals • Ask them for the contact information of two other people who might be willing to talk to you • Ask them if it’s okay to use their names when making a contact 7. HAVING POOR NETWORK MANAGEMENT Documentation, organization and follow-through are essential for networking. When you are able, set up a spreadsheet or database to track your network efforts. 8. NOT BEING PREPARED TO ACCEPT NETWORK CONTACT REJECTION Rejection is a normal function of networking. Not everyone you want to talk with will have the time to talk or be interested in talking with you. Be understanding and prepared to accept rejection of a network contact politely. 9. NOT CASTING A WIDE ENOUGH NET Don’t limit your network by thinking someone won’t be of any help. Everybody knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone. 10. NOT SAYING, “THANK YOU” Say thank you verbally and in writing. Thank your network contacts for their time and any assistance that they have given you. You will be remembered by them and they will be more willing to assist you in the future. MAKE NETWORKING A HABIT Networking can take place all the time. You should make time to consciously meet, greet, listen and engage in conversations. Talk to people you do not know everywhere you go, including: parties, weddings, airports, supermarkets, sporting events, festivals and bookstores. • Learn to ask, “What do you do?” with comfort, sincerity and interest • Become a better listener; ask a question and then be quiet until you hear the answer • Keep a business card or other form of information about yourself on you at all times • Join as many networking clubs and associations in your field as you can – make yourself visible to influential people in the group • Keep in touch with people (for example: friends from college, your former coworkers or people in your field) using tools like LinkedIn and Facebook
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