Commentary: This is the ninth chapter in Orville Pierson's book highly effective networking in chapter by chapter review of his method. The last several chapters reviewed focused on various types of networking contacts and methodologies. This review focuses more on methods than actually tooling. However, these methods are generalized and will propel your effective networking much further.
Pierson presents these methods to increase the effectiveness of your search. He does not expect all of them to be applied except the first two presented; looping ahead and being systematic. Looping back is simply staying in touch in a meaningful way. Where as being systematic is being structured in your search. To some people this means being highly organized with charts, boards, contact list, and tickler files. To other people being systematic is the approach, style, or a natural internal logic. Pierson remarks that some level of organization is necessary and looks at some important activities. How one manages these activities is up to the individual.
Pierson also considers that one's Internet presence will affect the job search. Therefore, he looks at using social networking tools as an instrument in looking for work. He then looks at an array of other aspects of the search and explores methods to improve efforts in those areas too.
Looping back to move ahead
- Go back to people you already talked to
- Give them a progress report
- See if they have any further information or referrals
Effective job seekers talk to their contacts, a lot. At the end of your job search you'll find there was many conversations than contacts. Effective job seekers keep all their contacts well informed. They loop back time and time again. Pierson feels that it is just plain impolite not to loop back.
As you loop back with feedback the contact may have new information for you as well. Always emphasize successes and give gratitude. A second thank you is more important than the first one.
Be systematic about keeping records on:
- Your contacts
- Your conversations
- Targeted organization
Having hundreds of conversations during a job search is very likely. Most job searches are not short and require some level of record keeping because of the duration. The system you use is up to you. Pierson does discuss the information you need to track.
Record basic contact information: First, you will need to keep contact data on each contact. Of course, you will need name, numbers, email data and addresses. You will also want correct job titles and affiliations.
Keep records of what you both said: You will need to keep a record or history of contact. The closer to the decision maker the more detailed this record needs to be. If talking or the phone be certain the keyboard cannot be heard over the phone.
Keep a file on each target organization: you will need to keep a record of the organizational information you gather. This should be a separate file from the contact data even though in your contact notes you may jot down information given to you. This file will show the progress you are making on the target list organizations. Your method of tracking is entirely up to you and you do not have to be tech savvy.
Commentary: I have found that keeping a daily journal is the best basis for you note taking. I use a wheel book style moleskin and routinely carry it. Notes written in this daily can then translated in to your more formal system at the end of the day or when you get time. There are numerous products on the market to help you track information. The best solution is to keep it simple yet effective.
Your three most important internet activities
- Evaluate your Internet presence
- Use social networking websites
- Do internet research
Go online and Google yourself. Did anything show up that would preclude you from being hired? Employers will Google you in addition to doing background checks. If they find questionable stuff they will simply quietly stop talking to you. Some people will read the text and and look at photos of you. It is possible that some people on your social networking sites will be contacted. Be sure that everything up there supports a positive image.
If you have no presence then establish one using social networking sites. The principles are the same for all sites. Have positive career related message, be consistent, and be certain to remove any controversial, political, religious, or derogatory comments. If you are new to social networks, you will need to start talking and invite people to your site. Also select at least one site and use the most popular one first. You may want to start at least one blog but put the time into networking first.
Social networking sites are a networking tool: Some networking sites allow you to broadcast email large groups of people. Pierson says right idea but wrong approach. Broadcast email is too much like spam. You want to use your networks to locate people inside your target organizations and ultimately get introduced to the decision maker.
There is a temptation to do everything on the website and designers of websites want you to believe that. However, an effective job search means talking to people. The communication has to be personal. Far more information is communicated in terms of ones voice and body language.
Making the most of networking groups
- Pick the best one for you
- Take your target list
- Don't try to get everything done at the meeting
- Focus on information, not a job openings
The first step is finding a networking group you enjoy and supports your needs. Expertise and style vary wildly. Many job seekers are reluctant to attend job seekers groups thinking they are complaining sessions or just a bunch of unemployed people. To make the networking group effective, take multiple copies of your target list then exchange it with others. This is better than exchanging resumes. Arrange get togethers with some of the members to work on technical aspects of your search and help each other. Share information in these meetings. Use business cards to pass your contact information and core message. Develop and practice your elevator pitch. Write a marketing plan.
Some networking groups do not include any networking: If you have no connection to people in the group or the target base then you are in the cool zone and most likely in the cold zone of cold calling. You need to find groups where you have some connections and build relationships.
Out of town and international networking
- Make a target list for your planned relocation city
- Use your hometown contacts to reach people in your targeted city
- Look for useful organizational contacts in your hometown
- Visit if possible
The basics are to structure your search these geographic areas, resource connections and contacts in the target area, visit if possible. Use your current contact list, professional organizations, social networks, and target list companies to find people.
Consulting Strategy: Many people, especially executives, do consulting work while seeking employment. Find something you are good at, make business cards, put up a website, then resource a gig. The first gig is usually through friend at a reduced rate. This is a good means to reduce the stigma associated with long searches.
Combine Networking with the other six search techniques: The six other techniques are effective at some level for most people. Up to 75% of the jobs are found through networking. Responding to ads and using recruiters are effective up to 50% of the time. Effectiveness drop-off more with the other techniques. The techniques are; Walking in, Direct Mail, Cold Calling, Applications, Ads, Postings, and Staffing firms. Try all of the other six techniques and keep networking.
Commentary: This completes the decide-prepare-talk process and the discussion on networking that The Pierson Method promotes. In the second posting following this one, I will offer a check list approach to the Pierson Method. The intent is to fast track the method for the job seeker.
References:
Pierson, O. (2009) Highly effective networking: meet the right people and get a great job. Career Press. NJ.
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