Career vs. Business Networking?
A friend recently asked me:
I started a new job recently. I am now interested in networking for business, not employment. Is that part of what occurs within ETP?
I responded:
Quick answer: we focus on teaching career networking especially as part of job search skills.
Real answer:
Networking is a matter of developing relationships. The more solid the relationship, the better potential for productive outcome, no matter what you are using your network to accomplish.
One of the best ways to create and nurture a relationship is to help connect a person to someone who can move them closer to their goal. The most successful “career” networking groups have a mix of job seekers and job holders. The job holders are continuing to develop their circle of trusted relationships. The most successful job seekers are those who come to a networking meeting with the goal of helping at least one or two people create connections.
By connecting a new contact with an old contact the networker (you) gets to make a new connection for yourself, and strengthen an old connection, thus strengthening and expanding your network. This is worthwhile in and of itself. If you also find someone at the meeting who can connect you to someone who can move your agenda forward, so much the better.
I always leave our meetings impressed by the scope and depth of skills and accomplishments represented by the attendees. It is rare for attendees to leave the meeting without having accomplished some aspect of strengthening their network; a network they can use for multiple career purposes depending on their situation. The exception is the attendee who views networking as something that is JUST done to find a job, and views the people in the room as unpaid advocates who might know someone with an opening.
We’d love to have you attend, no matter what your goal in developing new trusted relationships.
About the Author
Aaron Cohen is currently Chief Technology Officer / Chief Administrative Officer at Financial TrackingTechnologies , CTO Consultant at Ehrenkranz and Ehrenkranz, and Networking Group Leader at Empowering Today’s Professionals (ETP).
CentralNJNetworkingGroup[AT]gmail.com Tel: 908-759-9069
Aaron,
Excellent article written from the heart of experience, with proven networking tips that work. You gave me a little food for thought with your analysis of networking groups have a mix of job seekers and job holders. I learned a new perspective. You and Laura have been doing an awesome job as CNJNG Faculty Leaders.
Keep up the good work!!
Carl E. Reid, CSI
Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today’s Professionals
Aaron,
An excellent article. I would like your permission to re post your article on ETP Charlotte blog (www.etpcharlotte.blogspot.com). There might be a member in the ETP Charlotte Networking Group that had the same question.
I know the members are always looking for value information.
Thank you,
Amanda Sherman, Events Specialist
Charlotte Faculty Leader
Empowering Today’s Professionals