Holiday Networking for Introverts Part I

December 4, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

It seems that the road to success is networking.  It can be career suicide if you fail to network in this day and age.  Everyone is doing it and needs to do it.  But for many, networking is more painful than anything imaginable.   For introverts, shy people and/or socially challenged, it doesn’t mean the end of the world.  With the helpful tips found here, you can build a network to match any extrovert.

Before you go to the event, prepare and practice.   Having done this ahead of time will take some of the pressure off while in the situation.  You will know what to say, how to say it, and when to quit.

  • Prepare:
    • Write 3-5 open-ended questions that are appropriate for everyone in the room.  Such as questions about the venue, food, weather, upcoming holiday, etc. act as ice breakers as a lead-in to a conversation.
    • Know what’s going on around you and the world so that you are can keep up with conversations by reading the newspaper, listening/watching the news, and other current events.
    • If possible, find out who will be there ahead of time.  Do a Google/LinkedIn search on people you are interested in meeting.  When you have some background information, you can prepare questions and have some knowledge about the person so you won’t be at a loss for words.
    • Assemble a list of goals you would like to achieve at the event.  Find a reasonable number of people you would like to connect with at the event.  You don’t need to talk to everyone, but having a number will keep you focused on continuing the networking.
  • Practice:
    • Ask family and close friends to help you prepare for the event by allowing you to practice you questions, body language that is welcoming, friendly and social, and general chit-chat.   Ask them for honest feedback and take their suggestions for improvement.
    • Go over your elevator speech many times so it comes out sounding natural and not over-rehearsed.
    • Practicing while you are in a safe environment will give you confidence.  The more you practice the better and more self-confident you will become, which makes networking so much easier.

My next post will help you when you are at the event and what to do after the event.  In the meantime, start preparing and practicing.  It’s never too early to be ready.

How can I help you in your job search?

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Five Things You Should Know About Networking During the Holidays

December 2, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

It’s the best time to be looking for a job.   It’s a highly social time of the year. Everyone is hosting a party to celebrate a holiday or the end of the year.  Due to the nature of the holidays, people are in a givlaughing at a partying mood.  Attend as many events as you can and meet as many people as you can.

Here are five things you should know to make this holiday season’s networking successful for you.

Networking isn’t about getting the job.  It’s about establishing relationships with people.  It’s about being giving and taking with you doing quite a bit of giving while establishing the relationship.  Give with a sincere and generous spirit instead of I’ll give now but you will have to give later.  That’s a one-sided relationship.  While networking in this way, you need patience.  Things will not happen overnight.  But you are laying foundations and planting seeds that will pay off in the long run.

Know how to start conversations.  People are not going to events looking for you.  You are looking for them.  Before the event, take a look at the news to see what people are talking.  Some good starters are the weather, the venue and the refreshments, event sponsor/host, local sports teams.  Avoid hot topics such as politics and religion.

Follow up.  Building a relationship requires contact after the first conversation.  Remember to continue the relationship after the holidays. During the conversation, note the things that interest them or some problem they want solved.   When you follow-up, include where you met and a little about your conversation.

Some tips. 

                      Dress—you don’t want to be remembered for the “outfit” you were wearing.    Keep your apparel festive but conservative.

                      Food—don’t over indulge at any one party.  It’s a long season with delicious, tempting food resulting in holiday weight gain you will regret in the New Year.

                      Alcohol—avoid alcohol, stick to soft drinks or club soda.  You reduce your inhibitions and run the risk of not remembering the people you spoke to and what you said you would follow-up on.  Not to   mention embarrass yourself.

                      Business cards and resumes—bring plenty of business cards with you; you don’t want to run out when you meet “the” person.  Wait for a request for your résumé before sending it out and don’t give it at networking events.

Final thoughts.  Your mindset will go a long way in determining how successful you are during the holiday season.  People like friendly, positive people.  They will be more willing to help you if you are a likeable person.

The holiday season is the best time to build your network.  Family, friends, companies, schools, associations and clubs celebrate at the end of the year.  Be prepared to meet people and add to your network.  Enjoy yourself, be positive and a new job will be waiting for you in the New Year.

How can I help you in your job search?

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Five Things You Should Know About Networking During the Holidays

December 2, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

laughing at a party

It’s the best time to be looking for a job.   It’s a highly social time of the year. Everyone is hosting a party to celebrate a holiday or the end of the year.  Due to the nature of the holidays, people are in a giving mood.  Attend as many events as you can and meet as many people as you can. 

Here are five things you should know to make this holiday season’s networking successful for you.

Networking isn’t about getting the job.  It’s about establishing relationships with people.  It’s about being giving and taking with you doing quite a bit of giving while establishing the relationship.  Give with a sincere and generous spirit instead of I’ll give now but you will have to give later.  That’s a one-sided relationship.  While networking in this way, you need patience.  Things will not happen overnight.  But you are laying foundations and planting seeds that will pay off in the long run.

Know how to start conversations.  People are not going to events looking for you.  You are looking for them.  Before the event, take a look at the news to see what people are talking.  Some good starters are the weather, the venue and the refreshments, event sponsor/host, local sports teams.  Avoid hot topics such as politics and religion. 

Follow up.  Building a relationship requires contact after the first conversation.  Remember to continue the relationship after the holidays. During the conversation, note the things that interest them or some problem they want solved.   When you follow-up, include where you met and a little about your conversation.

Some tips. 

                      Dress—you don’t want to be remembered for the “outfit” you were wearing.    Keep your apparel festive but conservative.

                      Food—don’t over indulge at any one party.  It’s a long season with delicious, tempting food resulting in holiday weight gain you will regret in the New Year.

                      Alcohol—avoid alcohol, stick to soft drinks or club soda.  You reduce your inhibitions and run the risk of not remembering the people you spoke to and what you said you would follow-up on.  Not to   mention embarrass yourself.

                      Business cards and resumes—bring plenty of business cards with you; you don’t want to run out when you meet “the” person.  Wait for a request for your résumé before sending it out and don’t give it at networking events.  

Final thoughts.  Your mindset will go a long way in determining how successful you are during the holiday season.  People like friendly, positive people.  They will be more willing to help you if you are a likeable person. 

The holiday season is the best time to build your network.  Family, friends, companies, schools, associations and clubs celebrate at the end of the year.  Be prepared to meet people and add to your network.  Enjoy yourself, be positive and a new job will be waiting for you in the New Year.

How can I help you in your job search?

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Black Friday is Like Job Searching

November 29, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley

Iamnee black friday - Copy

Well Thanksgiving is over.  It ended when the first store opened for the Black Friday sale.  It’s interesting the day the country has set aside for being grateful for what we have, many are eager to go get things they don’t have.  It’s similar to a job searcher who is grateful for all the wonderful blessings received during the year, but is looking for one more—a job.

Black Friday shoppers do some of the same things job searchers do to find their best deal.  Such as:  

Everyone wants what you want, and they want the one with the most bang for their buck.  They are willing to travel great distances and wait in line. You will find many job searchers are looking for the job that meets their needs and has the best pay and benefits.

As long as you know what you want, you will be in the right place at the right time because the stores are advertising their deals before Thanksgiving.  Companies are advertising their open positions on the popular job boards to attract the best candidates.

However you have to do research on the item and the store.  The item you want may be out of stock by the time you finally get in.  You should have picked out an alternative product that is similar to the one you went for.  Research will show you how it compares and contrasts with the item you want. 

You will have to check the policies of the store if the event the gift is given and not what the recipient wanted.  You want to know about the warranty on the item and do they carry the necessary accessories. 

A job searcher does research on the company to find out if it is one they want to work in. He will research the hiring manager and anyone he can learn as much as he can before an interview.

Even though the job searcher has done all the right things, when she gets to the store, the product is sold out.  So it’s back to the research to see who the competitors are and see if they offer the same thing or something similar.    The job searcher knows the feeling well after she didn’t get the job.  Now the job searcher has to go look again to see what other companies have similar openings.

Some shoppers wait for Cyber Monday to do their shopping and some job searchers only look online for jobs.

 

How can I help you in your job search?

Image:  freedigitalphotos.net  Lamnee

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Coping with the family: Unemployment + holidays + family = stressed to the max.

November 27, 2013 | Author: Arleen Bradley
Family the sweetest pleasure.

The family may look sweet.

In a parody of seasonal favorite, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” one of The Twelve Pains of Christmas is facing the in-laws.  Well, it isn’t just the in-laws that can be a pain, but your own family, as well.  Whether immediate or extended, your family has your best interest in mind.  The holiday season is likely to do one thing:  bring everyone together, the in-laws and the outlaws. But you can make the season less agonizing.

One of the conversations is sure to be your lack of employment.  You can expect advice, criticism and lots of questions.  As someone who is searching for a job, you can take steps to prevent attacks and make attending holiday gatherings enjoyable.  Planning ahead a little, instead of dreading it, will make family gatherings better for you.

The key is to take the initiative and bring up the situation.  By doing so, you take control of the situation because you have determined the ground rules beforehand.   And you will follow your own rules regardless of what others do or say.  Stand firm this is a commitment to you.

Step 1  In the days leading up to the occasion, decide what you want people to know.  Because you know them so well, you can predict what comments they will have.  Write it all down.

Step 2  Look at what you have written and take each statement one by one.  Write down how you want to respond.  Rewrite, tweak, then practice, practice, practice your responses. You should be able to deliver them without missing a thought or idea.

Step 3  Pre-arrange a sign with a trusted ally.  This signal should be subtle and discreet—remove your glasses, tie/scarf, or tug your right ear. It can be a life saver. You won’t have to leave the gathering, just that person.

Step 4  When you arrive at the event, you get to choose the time and place to use your prepared statement.  Say what you have planned and don’t allow anyone to interrupt you.  When you finish, show that you are not interested in discussing it further.  It’s a party! By all means stay, calm and respectful.  One more thing:  Remain alcohol-free when you do this. It adds to your credibility.

Step 5  Enjoy the rest of the event!  You will enjoy the rest of the event if you continue to stick to the promise you made with yourself.

Gathering for the holidays is meant to be fun and enjoyable for everyone.  But every family has ways of pushing buttons.  Sometimes, it is all in good fun; other times, not so.  This can be hurtful for the person on the receiving end, even when comments are intended to be in good fun or to be genuinely helpful.  With a little planning and lots of patience, the holidays with family can be the happy times they are meant to be.  Enjoy the holidays and your family!!

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