Networking and relationships are key to any successful business whether you are a job seeker, recruiter, business professional, or entrepreneur. Beyond.com goes beyond a traditional job board and allows for professionals to network with other professionals in an online location that is secure and specific to the job seeker’s industry and location. I like niche networks because they are targeted and specific for both parties and niche networks can help you cut through the clutter and establish and build real connections with industry leaders and recruiters.
And according to Beyond’s website they are the world’s largest niche network. Their 2010 Q1 report mentions that, 70% of Beyond.com job seekers are experienced with more than 5 years in the workforce. And because niche job networks are typically smaller they are also more affordable for employers to advertise their openings. In Q1 of 2010, 52% of newly registered companies on the Beyond network employed 50 or less employees.
To hear more about niche networking from Beyond CEO, Rich Milgram, check out this video below live from the 2010 SHRM Global Conference vendor area.
Thanks again to Beyond.com for sponsoring me and fellow SHRM Blog Squad member, April Dowling for part of our trip to San Diego.
Photo Credit by me, JMsquared of an Italian Window Niche.
So how ‘bout those informational interviews? They’re a fantastic way of intelligence gathering and getting your name out there for potential openings. They’re great practice for actual job interviews but without the crushing nervousness. You can ask for feedback and the interviewer won’t feel the pressure of having to hire. Heck, sometimes I just pick a name out of the phonebook and ask them to meet with me.
But let’s dig a little deeper into our bag of tricks and talk about something you may not have thought about. Rather than concentrating solely on mid to upper level people or managers consider reaching out to people just a few years out of college. They can be a source of great job search information, advice and encouragement. They’ll know the duties and requirements of entry-level positions and most will be happy to help someone close to their own age.
Use your network to find some names. Talk to your Alumni Association, frat/sorority or other student organization. Get it out on Facebook that you’re looking to talk to a recent hire. Go to LinkedIn, get into the Advanced Search/People area and start plugging in your criteria. You can direct your search in different ways but what you’re looking for are people you have an association with. Where you went to college, groups you have in common and friends or connections you share will give you a starting point. Any sort of commonality can help break the ice and make your contact more receptive to meeting with you. Regardless of how you find them make contact, ask for a few minutes and be polite if they say no.
Of course the rules of info interviews still apply: promise you’ll take no more than 20 minutes and stick to it, have your questions ready to go and be flexible if schedules get in the way. Make sure to confirm the day before and be cordial if they need to bump you, have some dates and times ready to go to facilitate a fast reschedule.
This is such a great way to network and polish your interview skills. But be a bit careful; don’t be too informal or spend too much time talking about other stuff. Yes, the new Vampire Weekend is great but get over it. Keeping it professional is still important, this connection may ultimately refer you for an opening and if they’re not one hundred percent confident you can pull it off you’re just somebody they met with and that’s where it ends. And people, do I really need to tell you to send a thank you note? I’m a throwback and prefer an actual piece of paper with actual ink, with actual thoughts and an actual signature. But however you do it info interviews are a great way to get yourself out there.
Vote for Lisa’s blog in the Job Search Blogger contest by casting your vote and leaving a comment. Contest ends May 11th.
Lisa Correu, Principal/Job Search Advocate has over seven years of recruiting both with a recruiting firm and within the largest employee owned ad agency in the US. I’ve seen thousands of resumes and most of them were bad. I’ve met hundreds of people who couldn’t tell me who they are and I’ve recruited people that looked great on paper but froze during their interviews. If you don’t know how to promote yourself guess what? No one else will. But it’s not that hard, it just takes some time and creativity. And when it works you’ve set yourself ahead of the vast majority of job seekers.
Leveraging your network is extremely important in your job search. Collaboration is no different. It’s essential in making your job search happen and with positive results. The job market is extremely competitive. Because of this, it is easy for companies and hiring manager’s to overlook qualified candidates because they are inundated with hundreds or thousands of candidates for one solitary position. Our friends and network can help make us stand out in a crowded market placing our name squarely and frequently in front of the eyes of the decision maker multiple times and multiple ways.
My friend, Bryon Abramawitz (The HR Technologist) feels the same way about the job search which is why we’re teamed up to bring you the 10 Most Creative Job Search Secrets (Guaranteed). Bryon lists his Top 5 Job Search Tips on his blog HERE and mine below.
1. Google Alerts. Set up a google alert for your name, common misspellings, and your target companies. Stay up to date on what people are saying about you and your company(s) of choice.
2. Use KnowEm. This service protects your brand and creates profiles for you on up to 350 social media accounts. There is a fee associate with this service, but I guarantee it is worth your time. You provide KnowEm with a profile picture and bio, and they do the rest opening and setting up your profile with just a click of a mouse.
3. Canvasing. This is a common practice among groups and Greek organizations in college. Build a guerrilla PR team and start canvasing helping to market yourself both online and offline. This could be in the form of offering free window washing services in the downtown area for executives or flash mobs at public areas or events if you are a creative. Online your PR team can promote you by recommending you on LinkedIn, commenting and promoting your blog, and singing your praises. Divide and conquer is an great strategy that will provide fantastic results in half the time.
4. Weekly Profile Updates. Update your CareerBuilder, Monster, LinkedIn and other job board profiles weekly (or twice a week) to keep them fresh, current, and at the top of the search results. This makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to find you.
5. Host Your Own Event. Host a cocktail mixer at your home or favorite classy bar. Invite friends & ask them to invite a friend. You control the guest list and will be sure to meet and welcome each new guest. Make your job search intentions known in a casual and fun atmosphere.
The job search doesn’t have to be a lonely and solitary place. By using our friends, colleagues, network we can have a little fun, differentiate ourselves in the competitive marketplace, and land a job that fits our experience and personality. Visit Bryon’s blog post for the remaining 5 Job Search Tips in our Top 10 Creative Job Search Secrets–Guaranteed collaboration.
Your business card is an important part of you and your company’s brand. It’s an essential part of the business networking process. A good business card can say a great deal about you above and beyond the basic website and contact information. Done correctly a business card can to elevate your status and make you memorable with whomever you come into contact with.
The first recorded use of business cards dates back to the 15th century in China seen as a visiting card or calling card among business men. While in Europe, this calling card was introduced in the 17th Century and was used as a form of advertising for trade merchants that often included a map and directions of where the vendor’s product or service cart was located. As printing became more popular in the 1800′s the business card finally reached the United States quickly becoming a popular form of advertising and networking among businessmen and the public.
As the business card gained in popularity, there became two distinct types of uses: visiting cards and business cards. In the 19th Century in the United States, visiting cards were used primarily by individuals as a way to establish social obligations. A stack of cards would be housed in the hallway and became a catalogue of visitors as an early form of “While You Were Out” phone messaging that we are familiar with today. Business cards were widespread among men and women and across classes. People were looked up on in poor taste if they visited or attended an event or made a social call without one.
As our lives have become more virtual and networked based, our vision and idea of the business card has continued to evolve. The traditional paper business card still holds true but the rise in popularity of iPhones and mobile devices has changed the way in which we exchange our contact information. Popular iPhone virtual business card applications like Hoccer, Bump, and others have begun to take the place of the traditional business card.
Hoccer.A free downloadable iPhone application offers the ability to exchange your contact information with a simple throwing gesture. The application must be opened by both parties who must complete a throwing motion to exchange their information.
Bump. With over 10 million downloads, Bump is one of the most popular iPhone contact exchange applications. Two people open the application and bump their iPhones with their hands. After only a short setup, all your contact information is easily transferred.
LinkedIn. With their most recent iPhone upgrade, LinkedIn now offers a contact information transfer service. Both parties must have their bluetooth activated on their iPhone in order to exchange their contact information. While in London, I was able to quickly exchange contact information by just sitting next to someone during a conference or dinner.
For non-iPhone users there are also alternatives to exchanging virtual contact information as well.
Business Card Readers. Blackberry and iPhone users can use a data capture application that takes a picture or scans the business card right from your mobile device. Another great application for this and other data capture purposes is Ever Note.
SnapDat. Create and exchange a virtual business card online with anyone. In a matter of minutes, you can create a very professional business card to exchange on social media networks and other online communities.
Pokens. Pokens are the social business card and aren’t we all about social these days? After selecting a poken and setting it up, you are able to quickly exchange contact information with other poken users quickly and are able to upload the contact information by inserting the USB from the poken into your computer. These are great for large events and conferences where you can connect with a large number of people very quickly.
My friend, @pokengirl has graciously provided a number of pokens as part of the promotion for my Tweet This! Launch Party last month and is also offering a15% discount to my readers. Visit her website at www.PokenGirl.com, purchase a poken, and use the discount code, Blogging4Jobs to receive a discount of 15% off your order. This offer expires on March 31, 2010 so don’t delay.
FTC Disclosure: All products and applications listed and reviewed in this blog post were purchased and paid by Xceptional HR. I did not receive them as a gift with the exception of the Poken.
One of the techniques often suggested as a good method to find an employment opportunity is networking. Some job seekers believe that the sole purpose of networking is to ask other people for employment opportunities or job leads. They view the process of meeting with people with a, “What’s in it for me attitude.” The question they are trying to answer is, “What contacts or people do you know that can assist me in my job search?”
However, I have a different view. Networking, at its core is about relationship building. By sharing each person’s unique blend of life experiences, beliefs, passions, and interests, the relationships are nurtured and as a result, grow stronger. By thinking of meeting with a person as an opportunity to learn something about the world, I learn something about myself. People grow through sharing experiences. Finding leads and contacts from people may be beneficial in the short term, but treating the individual as a person and not simply a resource will benefit your life in many more ways in the long run.
By treating each person as a teacher of life, and by sharing life experiences with each other, we change who we are as individuals. Rather than simply viewing people as a source for employment leads and referrals, it is possible to view each encounter with a human being but in the bigger picture, as a chance to change your perspective about who you are and the meaning of life. By taking this approach to networking, several people I have met with have become not only my connections, but also my friends. Life is a journey with many twists and turns, and by looking for something good in others, we find the good in ourselves.
A couple inspirational quotes:
“But giving to other people is what makes me feel alive.” Morrie from Tuesdays with Morrie
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
Jim Horrell is an inspirational writer who has an active interest in social (LinkedIn, twitter, and blogging), and a background in Information Technology. Jim believes by sharing who we are as people we can make a positive difference in the lives of the people around us and the world. Jim is seeking new opportunities to make a difference in writing, social media, or application programming. If you are interested in sharing ideas, experiences, or thoughts with Jim, please contact him via e-mail at jrhorrell@live.com or blog comment, and he will try to get in touch with you promptly.
Just like networking, obtaining speaking engagements involves a number of important factors:
Develop a Niche. It’s important to understand what topics you want to be an expert on and what you should discuss. This will determine where and with whom you speak.
Develop Relationships. Obtaining speaking opportunities is all about who you know. Never miss an opportunity to let people know you are available.
Adapt Quickly. Always be prepared and able to speak on short notice. I have served on panels with less than a day notice for conferences or filled in for someone on a topic while the speaker was stuck in traffic.
FREE. Everyone starts somewhere. Use organizations like Toastmasters, Rotary, networking groups, and industry organizations to speak for free. Offer your services and be prepared to pitch a topic in advance. Once you have developed an reputation are you able to charge a fee if you so desire.
Last week marked the two-month anniversary of my arrival to Oklahoma. After being in California six months, missing home and nowhere to use my degree in communication, it seemed best to go back to the 405.
Leaving California with just a pocket full of money, no job, and nowhere to live, I certainly had my work cut out for me. Prior to coming back to Oklahoma, I spoke to a friend about my job concerns. She told me her boyfriend was on a website called Linkedin and had success with it. Having never heard of the site, I dismissed the idea of checking it out.
Putting in applications at retail stores and call centers got old after a few weeks and I finally decided I needed to up my game and start thinking outside the box. On a whim, I decided to check out LinkedIn to see what my friend was talking about. Being an amateur on the site, I just browsed for a few days and slowly built my professional profile. I posted a message that I was looking for a networking event to go to in a group called Freedom Networkers. Frustration was starting to take over and I needed a different way to meet potential employers.
Members of the group emailed me a schedule of events. I attended my first event on a Thursday and before I knew it, I was a networking machine. During my first week, I attended nine events (four in one day!) and met as many people as possible. I began to tailor my pitch as far as what kind of job I was searching for and really began to build a rapport with the people I was seeing frequently.
Presently, I am working for myself as a Social Network Developer and met my first client while at an Oklahoma networking event. I also have contacts that refer their clients to me for their social media needs, all because of networking. They say it’s not what you know; it’s who you know and now I am living proof!
To learn more about guest blogger, Tess Mack, visit her blog and follow her networking travels in Oklahoma and Texas at Life on the O List. You can also check out Oklahoma networking events at Freedom Networkers.
This week’s webshow focused on preparing to network for the holidays. Yes, I said the holidays. At present there are 75 days left till Christmas which means plenty of opportunity to attend family events, holiday parties, and other networking events. For me, the holiday networking season begins with Halloween which is on Saturday this year. And as of this week, I have already received my first Halloween party invite.
Many companies don’t hire during the holidays outside of retail and call centers because businesses are looking to cut costs as they go into the fourth business quarter. However, holiday hiring does still happen, and even so, wouldn’t it be wonderful to start building relationships now in preparation for the improved economy and 2010? I say, yes.
Networking no matter with friends, family, professional contacts, or a business event can be lead to a new job opportunity. View my webshow to learn how and don’t forget to take a look at another blog post, “7 Ways to Network for the Holidays.”
And don’t forget to tune into to my show live on MomTV on every Sunday at 9 PM EST. Our next show is sure to be controversial as the topic covers physical enhancements to help you in the job search with a live botox injection on the show! Read the Botox & Your Job Search Press Release.
Companies and collegiate job seekers look to social networking as a way to attract and develop relationships online and offline during and after their college experience. Companies use blogs, social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace, and job boards to attract job seekers and develop an online brand and image. Affinity networking websites can offer companies a unique opportunities to build and solidify a personal relationship with students and alumni.
Online affinity community networking are targeted websites provide forums for job seekers to network with other job seekers within their university, geographic, or interest and also engage companies in a comfortable, controlled, and casual atmosphere. Businesses can use podcasts, YouTube videos, testimonials, and other tools to establish relationships and connections. Job seekers can create profiles similar to those on LinkedIn to connect with companies that are targeted their candidate search as well as establish or build new relationships with other affinity group members.
MyWorkster.com is a collegiate networking site launched earlier this year that allowed for interactive profiles that offer integrated social networking features that work with Bebo, Skype, among others. Companies can engage students and alumni within their designated university group or outside. University Career Service departments can promote the networking site for free for basic services while employer costs are subscription based. Alumni and students can engage others within the network using user profiles or community groups.
Another specialty affinity networking group that caters to current and former student is Career Athletes. Career Athletes provides companies a way to engage alumni and student athletes who have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and competitive behaviors that can easily be translated to the professional business world. Businesses can use videos, testimonials, and email campaigns to reach candidates using their athlete database or targeted university, community advertising, or by participating in their campus visit program. Student and alumni can build relationships with one another by participating in their mentor program as well as developing relationships on community message boards.
As social media networking platforms membership and popularity continues to grow, niche affinity networking groups will continue to be an important way to engage members with commonalities or of similar group interests or backgrounds. The courting candidate process especially for competitive industries continues to grow in importance as companies seek to gain a competitive advantage from a student’s freshman year and as an experienced professional and alumni.
I am one of the original creators to a networking group that is taking Oklahoma by storm. Our group is called Freedom Networkers. The concept is serious networking in a casual and informal atmosphere that is free and open to anyone to attend. Our groups meet all over and at times throughout the week during lunch, in the morning over coffee, and even after to work. If you are interested in learning more, please email me directly. You can also become a fan of our Facebook page and stay up to date on the latest networking events and information. Interested in starting your own Freedom Networkers group? Message me as well. The group has no geographic boundaries and will always remain free. So whether you are a job seeker, small business, consultant, or just someone who enjoys to network, Freedom Networkers is right for you. See you at the next event!
In the job hunt? Recently downsized or just looking for something new?
OKC Pink Slipped
Join us at the OKC Pink Slipped Party on July 8th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Network with other high profile professionals, recruiters, human resource professionals, career coaches, & more from the Oklahoma City area. Complimentary appetizers, drink specials, free resume critiques and interview tips are included while attending the event.
Wednesday, July 8th from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at Rococo’s.
Cost of admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Secure your place as space is limited to 100 attendees. Advance payment must be made via Paypal.
In these economic times, the best defense in the job market is a good offense. Building a solid networking base to draw from takes time, planning, and effort. Effective networkers develop and maintain relationships long before they become an aggressive job seeker.
Traditional networking is about getting back to basics and streamlining your networking in a creative and cost effective sort of way. My concept, Shoestring Networking is all about high octane networking and developing relationships for the budget conscious.
Conference Volunteering. Volunteering at a conference is a way to network and develop relationships with different professionals in an industry or location that is of interest to you. A close, personal friend of mine, who was recently downsized, volunteered to man the registration booth at the Oklahoma State Human Resource Conference. My friend, whose interests lie in the Marketing Industry had access to 400+ Human Resource professionals from throughout the state.
Local Coffee Shops. Frequenting these establishments is a great way to engage and interact with professionals across industries. Choose peek times to set up shop either at the beginning or end of the day. Ask the management staff if there are any networking meetings or groups that meet on a regular basis.
Summer Parties & BBQ’s. Not only are summer parties fun and a great way to enjoy the hot summer months, but they are also an effective way to develop relationships and network all for the cost of a few beers and a bag of chips. Perfect your elevator pitch, bring business cards, and a pen and paper to quickly take down a number.
Hair Salons & Spas. Your hair stylist and massage therapist can be a great resource for networking. Make sure to spell out your intentions and provide him/her several business cards to distribute.
Your Daily Commute. Those of us in metropolitan areas that use public transportation like the subway and other types of transit can easily strike up a conversation with a stranger leading to job leads, new connections, and other possibilities.
The Travel Bug. The airport is also another great place in which to engage in conversation. Several years ago, a co-worker returned from her vacation only to immediately resign. A contact, she met while in flight led to an amazing job opportunity.
Gym Rats. This is another great place to engage professionals in a casual atmosphere. Most gyms have great group classes or activities that are included in the cost of a monthly membership. Strike up a conversation with someone in your Spin or Yoga class by complimenting them on their gym bag or other fun accessory. Have you been recently downsized? Many gyms like the YMCA allow you to maintain your gym membership by applying for financial aid or scholarship.
Just like the Bermuda Triangle, it is easy for job seekers to get lost in the sea of applications, customized cover letters, and advice from experts and friends on how to successfully and effectively manage the job search. Throughout the job search, job seekers often lose their sense of direction mysteriously vanishing and falling victim to the Job Search Bermuda Triangle. However, with proper preparation and a good sense of direction, job seekers can navigate the seas of change.
Know your Destination and a Plan to Get There.For a job search to be effective, job seekers must have a marketing plan and strategy to promote themselves in this crowed market. Job seekers need solid marketing materials to effectively and creatively market themselves in these economic times. This includes eye catching business cards, customized cover letters, job specific resumes, and career portfolios. Job seekers also must consider both their online and offline brands. Candidates are strongly urged to pay close attention to those in the professional community and their perception of them in the every day face to face interaction and also online through social media networking platforms like LinkedIn as well as reviews and blog comments on sites including Amazon and YouTube.
Tune Up Your Engine.Many professionals fail to take a personal inventory of their skills and abilities while in the job search. Seek out mentors or advisers to provide you with guidance, advice, and direction. Your “Professional Tune Up” could be in the form of a career coach, community college class, or other recommended reading list. Find creative ways to fine tune your brand and experience through volunteering or serving on professional committees. Follow a brand and development strategy. Understand that a strategy or plan such takes time. New skills, abilities and experiences must be developed and cannot be rushed. Pace yourself and do your best not to over commit.
Working on Autopilot.The job search can be turbulent and sometimes their are even flight delays on your way to a new position or career. Do your best to understand and realize that the flight to your destination takes time and offers personal and professional challenges. Companies are now receiving hundreds of resumes for one open position. Because of this, it is easy for your luggage to get lost in the shuffle. Know when to led and when to follow. Your job search has many different layovers before your final destination. These might include the phone interview, the face to face interview, and the job offer and negotiation process. The art of balance is very important in these processes. Be confident but not overbearing, available but not desperate, and polished but not brash.
And with proper planning, preparation, and creative spunk, job seekers are sure to see clear blue skies ahead. . .
Since I work in the human resource field as a recruiter and HR professional, I am often asked by those in the job hunt how to approach individuals in my own field. Understand that those in the HR industry especially in this current economic climate receive hundreds of calls from would-be job seekers even without a single opening.
Catching a recruiter or human resource professional at the right place and the right time takes a little bit of luck and a whole lot of preparation. Prospective job seekers need to ensure their marketing materials (resume and cover letter) are top notch and specific to the position. My advice to job seekers who desire making meaningful connections with industry professionals, is that timing is everything and preparation is essential in maintaining a professional and polished front.
When approaching HR, do your best to walk in the mile of their shoes and make the most of the moment when doing the following:
Cold Call. As an HR Professional I get job inquiries daily. Prepare for two separate scenarios either talking live or via voicemail. Be ready for your fifteen second elevator pitch when inquiring about a vacant position. Be direct and to the point respecting the HR Professional’s time. If leaving a voicemail, speak slowing and leave a brief message. Make sure to leave your name at least twice, your phone number, and why you called. The best times to contact someone live is just after the schedule workday begins or just after lunch. These are times when I’m likely in the office just before or after daily meetings and other work-related activities.
Using Your Network. Email or call those within your network and make them aware of your intentions. Be clear about the type of position you are looking for, benefits, and other items like relocation. Ask for referrals and contact names of target companies. Don’t be afraid to follow up either by phone or email referencing your referral’s name.
Email. Just like a voicemail, your email to a human resource professional should be to the point and outline your intentions. Attach the necessary marketing materials including your resume and cover letter. Make sure to include your contact information including your email and phone numbers. Make sure to reference the person with whom provided their contact information in your email. I am happy to forward resume and job inquiries to a hiring manager contact if I have a good, personal relationship with the job seeker.
Networking and relationships are key to any successful business whether you are a job seeker, recruiter, business professional, or entrepreneur. Beyond.com goes beyond a traditional job board and allows for professionals to network with other professionals in an online location that is secure and specific to the job seeker’s industry and location. I like niche networks because they are targeted and specific for both parties and niche networks can help you cut through the clutter and establish and build real connections with industry leaders and recruiters.
Last week marked the two-month anniversary of my arrival to Oklahoma. After being in California six months, missing home and nowhere to use my degree in communication, it seemed best to go back to the 405.
This week’s webshow focused on preparing to network for the holidays. Yes, I said the holidays. At present there are 75 days left till Christmas which means plenty of opportunity to attend family events, holiday parties, and other networking events. For me, the holiday networking season begins with Halloween which is on Saturday this year. And as of this week, I have already received my first Halloween party invite.
Companies and collegiate job seekers look to social networking as a way to attract and develop relationships online and offline during and after their college experience. Companies use blogs, social networking sites like 
Just like the Bermuda Triangle, it is easy for job seekers to get lost in the sea of applications, customized cover letters, and advice from experts and friends on how to successfully and effectively manage the job search. Throughout the job search, job seekers often lose their sense of direction mysteriously vanishing and falling victim to the Job Search Bermuda Triangle. However, with proper preparation and a good sense of direction, job seekers can navigate the seas of change.
