There’s More to Your Plan
Time to look past the obvious
You need a job. You’ve determined that networking is a solid strategy to help you get one. An astute choice to be sure. But, we trust, it’s not your only strategy.
You know that successful networking involves developing relationships – not just in your chosen area, but among people who can, directly or indirectly, help you pave the way to a new position.
In addition to friends and colleagues, you’re well aware of the fact that you need to reach out beyond your immediate circle of contacts to develop new contacts. And what better way to do that than by attending networking events. So…
Bring ‘em on!
But wait. Not all networking events are created equal. You can’t afford – especially financially – to waste your valuabe time going to events that are not going to help you, to meet people who are not going to help. So you need to ask yourself some basic questions before deciding whether or not you’re going.
Whoa! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There is a more basic question: Who do I need to meet? Who are the people who can most help me in my search? Granted, there are people out there who, on the surface, may not meet your criteria, but who can still help. Chances are that you aren’t going to know that until you meet them. That’s a separate issue. But who are the people who are “in the know.”
Once you have an idea of who can most help, then look at the event in question. Who is going to be there? What do I hope to accomplish by attending this event?
If you’re looking at a meeting of a professional society in your area, that’s easy. More likely than not, you’ll want to go.
What’s trickier are the general, non-specific networking events. How is one to know? Checking with friends and colleagues who may have attended or be aware of such events is a good place to start. Some events with online registration may list those who have already committed. That’s helpful. It’s immensely beneficial to have an idea of what to expect before you walk in the door.
Answering elementary questions such as these will save you time, money and effort in your job search. Let’s face it. You need to be as expeditious as possible in how you spend those valuable assets to secure your next job.
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