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Network your way to your next job

Mention the word networking and most Brits will be rushing for cover. Talking to complete strangers? Touting for work? Perhaps advertising your jobless status? Most people would rather bite off their own arms than have to endure a networking event!

Networking - why bother?

Well, dislike the idea as you may, networking is pretty necessary when it comes to finding your next job, building up a client portfolio if you're going to go down the consulting route or setting up your own business. Our American cousins seem to have little in the way of inhibition when it comes to such matters. They generally view our modesty and reserve with bewilderment. Still, you don't have to have your teeth whitened, your face fixed in a dazzling smile or change your nationality to be a successful networker, but you do need to have faith in yourself, what you have to offer and the goodwill of others.

Can I do it?

Most people can be very reluctant salespeople when it comes to something they don't believe or have pride in. However, when they find themselves needing to 'sell' or talk about something they like, feel passionate about, are proud of and believe in, then they're comfortable, animated, persuasive and generally successful because people know they're genuine and worthy of their trust. You probably recognise that scenario too, so start looking for something to sell positively - like yourself, your new employer's goods and services or your own new business ideas!  

If you hate networking ask yourself, "What's my problem?" Are you shy? Embarrassed? Lacking confidence? Once you can be honest enough with yourself about what the root cause of your reticence or reluctance is, you can get on with overcoming it and moving on.

Top Tips for successful networking

• You might need some help a friend or a trusted adviser to deal with your networking skills so make sure you line someone up to talk to and coach you. Sometimes you just need a bit of help summoning up your first spark of courage to make that first telephone call, write that first letter, make that first move.
• Once you gain some confidence, keep going until you start getting the contacts you need.
• Avoid being fake and avoid other fakers. Most people can smell insincerity a mile off.
• You can live off the warm glow a successful contact can give you for a while and use it to find others.
• Know what you want out of networking contacts. Stay focussed about getting it and don't be afraid to ask.The worst thing is that they can say no. It's not like asking for directions in your car!
• If one person can't help you, when they warm to you, they can often put you in touch with someone else they know who can help you
• Don't be afraid to say "Bob (or whomever) said I should speak to you" if he actually did!
• There are many network groups out there so you do need to be choosy - check out our selections in the listings below
• Try to go to initial meetings for free as a guest if you can, before you pay any subscriptions. You do need to try networking opportunities first. You will often reduce the number of groups you are a member of by half by the time it comes around to the renewal period
• Look carefully for what you get for your money - information services, networking opportunities, ads on their web site, the ability to post notices, a newsletter or magazine, cheap conferences, discounts you can use in your business e.g. insurance, social events etc, the ability to post some letters after your name such as MCIM, MCMI etc.
• Always remember to take plenty of business cards to networking events - hand them out and collect them. Then follow up on them!
• Even if you don't have a 'business' to put on your card, have some cards with your contact details and key skill areas on anyway to hand out. You can get them made very inexpensively on the internet.
• If you know of any more good networking groups or tips please send them to editor@newlifenetwork.co.uk 

Useful Networking Resources

You can download and read what Andrew Taylor has to say on the topic in the Aftershock archive or read some of our other excellent networking career articles below.  

Aftershock - Networking for beginners Dec 05 - 20kb Download this file

Aurora Aurora - online community and active network set up by Dr Glenda Stone to promote the careers of professional women . Sponsored by many of the big Banks, Consultancies and Corporate Employers....

BNI BNI claims to be the largest  business networking organization in the world.  It offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals ....

British Chambers of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce - useful for finding your local chamber for networking and business information. The BCC is the national body for a powerful and influential network of Accredited...

Career article: How to Network How to … Network by Hamish Davidson, Chairman, Rockpools Executive Search 1. What is networking? For a head hunter, networking is all about visibility and profile. If I don’t know...

Career Article: Maximising the power of networking Networking is a vital activity for entrepreneurs, job hunters, freelancers, consultants and managers alike.  Effective networking can help you find mutual support in your current role, locate...

Chairmans Network Chairman's Network - an exclusive, private member’s club of senior Chairmen, Non-Executives and CEO’s in technology. It sees itself as the ‘voice of the independent director’...

Confederation of British Industry The Confederation of British Industry is one of the UK's leading independent employers' organisation. Representing over 250,000 public and private sector companies - the site...

Ecademy Ecademy is an online Social Network for Business People founded in 1998 with over 100,000 members worldwide.

Institute of Directors Institute of Directors - Membership organisation for individual company directors with an impressive HQ on Pall Mall which is useful for holding meetings ,and other offices in Europe. One off fee of...

Institute of Management Consultants The professional association and networking body for Management Consultants, now part of the Chartered Institute of Management. A new Institute was created in April 2007, the...

Interim Connect Interim Connect - Networking group for Interim Management Professionals.

LinkedIn Online community and global networking resource. Find and link to colleagues and clients, create online CV's, give and receive recommendations for work, post and apply for for jobs.

MySpace If you think that MySpace is all Lily Allen blogs and pop promos - think again. There are also lots of alumni groups, entrepreneur and business networks online. We don't recommend that you compromise...

The Chartered Institute of Management The professional membership organisation for management - membership exists at a number of different levels, fees are moderate, includes a monthly subscription to 'Management Today', opportunity to...

The Chartered Institute of Marketing The Chartered Institute of Marketing is the official membership body for marketing professionals. Fees start at £130 pa, you can add the letters after your name, receive a monthly...

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations The Chartered Institute of Public Relations is the official membership organisation for PR professionals. Training, events, industry news etc.

The Executive Network The Executive Network is a forum for senior executives from all industry sectors, who want to develop or build businesses, contacts, careers, job opportunities and access information, through...

The Trade Association Forum The Trade Association Forum - Definitive guide to trade associations, federations and guilds in the UK, backed by the CBI, the DTI. Great for industry research and networking. They aim to...