Recently we have been talking about social networking.   Social media is a marvelous way to build your network of contacts, but is it the only networking you do?  To truly make your job search effective, you need to use face-to-face networking as well.  Let’s review some of the key components to Networking “Live”.

Business people network all the time to build their client base, vendor base, or any other group that may help their business grow and prosper.  Dale Carnegie offers the basics of networking that can be useful to anyone who needs to network for business or job search.

The Networking Wisdom of Dale Carnegie in Five Easy Bullet Points.  

1. Smile: This is such a simple, basic rule, yet people just don't think about it.
2. Ask a question: Joining a group engaged in conversation can be awkward. The best way to do so is to pose a question to the group after getting the gist of the conversation.
3. Listen: If you can get people to discuss their experiences and opinions-and listen with sincere interest-you can have a great conversation with someone without having to say much at all.
4. Business cards: Always have them handy. They're an effective way for you to leave your name behind so that people remember who you are.
5. Say the person's name: People like to hear their own name. Doing so makes the other person feel more comfortable, like you really know him and he knows you. (This also helps you remember their name)

When you attend an event, having a positive attitude is imperative.  If you tell your network that you are willing to take anything and/or if you appear desperate, it will reflect poorly on your chances for new opportunities.  Be particular in the types of positions that you speak about when you are networking. The same principle applies to social networking as it does to live networking – it isn’t who you know, but who they know.  Ford Myers, author of Get the Job You Want Even When No One’s Hiring, suggests that instead of declaring “I need a job” that the conversation includes “I can solve problems for your business.”  By identifying your value, you build your self-esteem and confidence. An alternative tact is to ask your network “I’d like some career advice."  If they don’t feel put on the spot to hire you, they may be more likely to help you.

Often when attending a networking event, you may spend time chatting with your friends or people you know.  Break out of the mold and your comfort zone and introduce yourself to at least five new people.  If you are timid, there are usually ambassadors of the organization at an event who will help you by making an introduction for you.

Let’s talk about business cards.  If you are unemployed, you may not have a business card to hand out. Why not?  Any office supply store sells business card stock, or they often have a special order desk where you can order cards pre-printed.  (if you buy name brand card stock, it often includes the software to make business cards)  Buy or make some business cards for yourself.  Carry them with you.  Include all of your contact information including email address, cell phone, home phone and fax number if you have one.  For a title you could put your area of expertise i.e. Marketing Professional, Graphic Designer, IT Professional specializing in ….  Business cards are two sided.  Why not take advantage of the back side of the card and include your skills and talents and your career goal.  Work on branding yourself.  Leave room for someone to write a note on your card so they can remember where they met you when they call you in for an interview.

Do you have your 20 second commercial ready?  When you introduce yourself to someone new, you should be prepared to provide who you are and what you are about in the time it takes to ride in an elevator.  You can read two other KCDEE articles about this - Your Personal Elevator Pitch – Can you highlight your resume in an elevator ride?  and How Authentic is your Elevator Speech?Real or Rehearsed?

How we can help – We offer many resources to help you gain a new position on your way to a career.  The Employment and Training Representatives at Kane County Department of Employment and Education can help you find all the information you need to make your resume get noticed. 

Four Offices to serve you:

Elgin – 30 DuPage Court                        847-888-7900 x 230
N. Aurora – 2 Smoketree Plaza              630-844-6640 x 203
DeKalb – 1701 E. Lincoln Hwy.              815-756-4893 x 240
Yorkville – 811 W. John St.                   630-553-8304