Orville writes that everyone uses networking to solve practical problems and live happier lives. The networking process involves comfortable and natural conversation. It is part of all cultures and part of normal social conversations. Thus, real networking involves authentic conversation based on common interests and results in an information exchange.
Authentic conversation means no hidden agendas or attempts to manipulate. It may seem obvious but so many people seem to miss this point.
The conversation is always based on a shared common interest. In this case, the common interest is the job hunt. In the ideal case it is a job opportunity.
The third element of real networking is the information exchange. Anyone can do this. It may begin with a common interest then shift to other shared interest.
Networking experts say that anyone one the planet can be reach within six degrees of separation. The job hunter is focused on the second and third degree. While the first degree is the strongest, the second and third degree are a little weaker but where the job is usually located.
Orville offers a clear definition for networking. He states that networking is a web of free- standing participants cohering through shared values and interests. He furthers that networking is people connecting with people, linking ids and resources.
Orville presents an idea called clustering. This concept involves the second and third degrees of your network. In the first degree you may know 10 people. Each of those ten people know another ten increasing the size of your network to 110 people. Each of the new 100 members also knows 10 people increasing the network to over 1000 people. Each of these connection groupings is known as a cluster. In your job search it become necessary to reach outside of your immediate network.
Orville stresses that he is teaching job hunters to be systematic in order to be effective. He points to a concept of "strength in week ties" that means the job hunter will connect more likely with a job through someone who he knows less than someone he knows well.
Networking inside a community is easier than from outside the community. These connections are stronger and can accelerate the process. People are predisposed to assist you in your search when in a community. A community is a network which is held together by not only shared interest but the relationships and shared values. Communities are not merely about information sharing. They are about fellowship and a sense of belonging that pulls everyone together with a desire to help one another. Thus, people are more apt to help you if even though they do not know you well.
Networking is all about natural relationships. You do not need to have strong connections or even share information extensively. The key point is about caring and trust. You do not have to ask for time if the relationship is right, you will get all the time you need which could be an hour or more. If there is no relationship you could damage your reputation.
Sometimes people have difficulty discerning the situation. Confusing the relationship wit those inside and outside a community or between communities that they are a member and ones they are not can create awkward situations and not be very productive. It is also not appropriate to go beyond an information exchange. The other person may go beyond the information exchange voluntarily. That is okay if they offer to help or assist in the search on a deeper level such as hand carrying a resume or vetting a situation for you. It should never be expected. If it is a community then the relationship is stronger and those kinds of activities occur more willingly.
In real networking the focus is information. Authentic networkers strengthen their reputation while networking. Job hunters go wrong when they ignore the principles. They behave in ways that are not authentic and sometimes in ways not consistent with their own values. They ask for favors or discuss things that are inappropriate.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment