Orville Pierson decides to address the myth of networking before discussing the details of networking. These are repeated so frequently that people begin to believe them as truths. This interferes with effective job hunting.
Myth #1: You have to know a lot of people. Huge networks of thousands are typical of salesman, politicians, recruiters and the like. Most people are not like this. Sources for building a moderate size network at is effective for the vast majority of people are friends, professional organizations, and a host of other occasions. Pierson remarks the network becomes effective at about 160 people.
Myth #2: It’s about meeting Mr. Big shot or Madam President. Pierson points to the "six degrees of separation" in which anyone can reach out to anyone on the planet with only a maximum of 6 networking connections. The point here is that the connection closest to you is not a big shot. Going higher is not necessary when you need to talk to decision makers that can higher you. In your job hunt, two to three degrees is all you need to be effective not all six degrees. Do not waste time.
Myth #3: Power networking. Job search networking is not about bigger and more powerful networks or networks of people who owe favors. Job search networking is more or less about community and social interactions. People in your network help each without necessarily expecting returned favors. Although there is nothing wrong with rewarding those in your network in various ethical ways.
Myth #4: You have to be a used car salesman. Sales people often confuse sales with networking and often use networking in the sales process. Networking is not sales. It’s about sharing information and interest, it's friendly, it's not being pushy but making people in the network feel comfortable. Networking is an information exchange.
Myth #5: Networking is information interviewing. Networking is not information interviewing. Information interviewing is appropriate for recent college grads and people making a career change. Otherwise, it is not appropriate. The information interview is designed to give guidance and reveal contacts not otherwise available to people unless they are in the industry or field. Informal conversations in halls, at water coolers, and at professional association meetings are less structured and not the more formal information interview.
Myth #6: Networking groups are the only place to network. Not true. While networking group have increased more recently, networking activities are not limited to just the groups. These groups provide valuable support but networking is a person-to-person activity. It works the best when you know the people!
Myth #7: It's about making lots of new friends. This could be a side effect of networking. However, the purpose of networking is to get the word out that you are looking for work, share information, and make connections.
There are many more than seven myths. Pierson feels these are some of the more common myths he wanted to dispel. Job seekers need to take away the need to maintain focus on gaining information, making connections, and getting the word out that they are looking for work.
I will explore in the next several blogs Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job. Should you have any comments or questions please feel free to email me at james.bogden@gmail.com.
References:
Pierson, O. (2009) Highly effective networking: meet the right people and get a great job. Career Press. NJ.
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