Business Networking

How to develop and get in touch with your new network

Business networking is all about getting to know key people in your industry or sphere of work.

My Pages on why you need a network and creating a business network spoke about the essentials of building a network.. but how do you contact these individual?

This is quite simple for your family members and friends, a phone call will do.

It gets a little more uncomfortable when you are contacting the friends of your friends. However the following tips will help you plan for your discussions with key contacts and hopefully make the process easier and you more confident.

Business Networking by Phone

Many of us are uncomfortable picking up the phone and calling someone we don’t know. Please do not let your discomfort stop you from one of the most effective job search techniques. The best way to get comfortable is to just do it!

There are techniques that you need to keep in mind:

If possible, ask your friend/ family member that referred you to the new contact to let the contact know you will be calling,
Practice what you will say before you call,
Remember that you do not want to put your new contact on the spot. Ask if you are calling at a good time,
Always make sure to politely state the reason for you call.
Be bright and be brief!

An example of what you could say:

“ Hi Mrs Jolie, This is Spencer Tate calling. My cousin Shawn Tate referred me to you. Am I calling you at a good time? Good. I will only take 5 minutes of your time. Shawn told me that you are currently working as a financial advisor. I have recently graduated in that field and would like to know a bit more about the industry and how I can find a job at a leading company, like yours. Would you be available to meet with me?

Don’t be discouraged if the person prefers to speak on the phone or tells you that they do not have the time to meet with you. If this happens thank them for the time they have given you and ask them if they can suggest someone else in the industry who could be of help.

Remember that the more calls you make the more comfortable and confident you will be. Don’t let one bad experience keep you from picking up the phone again!

Business Networking by E-mail

I just recently copied an e-mail from a friend of a friend who was looking for a job. The person had been downsized from a company in a completely different field of work. However, his message was simple. He was looking for a job in X industry and he asked if any of his “network” could help or give him the name of a contact that could. Guess what- he had a job within 4 weeks.

E-mail is a simple and effective way to reach new contacts. And, since it is in writing you have the time to make sure that your message is clear and concise. You can send individual e-mails or a mass e-mail like the example above. The downside to e-mailing a contact: you have to wait for a reply that may never come. However, many people prefer this method since it allows you to clearly state what you are looking for and allows the new contact to respond at his/her leisure.

An example of what you could write:

Dear Mrs Jolie,

Shawn Tate suggested that I contact you. I have recently graduated in that field and am looking at starting my career as a financial advisor. Shawn mentioned to me that you are currently working in this field and that you would be a good person for me to talk to. I would like to know a bit more about the industry and how I can find a job at a leading company, like yours. Would you be available to meet with me?

You can contact me by replying to this e-mail or calling me at (111)111-1111. I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Business Networking in Person

There are at least 2 situations where you will be meeting a contact in person.

1- at a social or business gathering,
2- after having communicated with the person by phone or e-mail

It may be difficult to start networking at a social or business gathering but these are often excellent opportunities to network. Once you have been introduced to someone who could be a good contact, try not to ask for help right away. Instead state your interest in learning from this person and try to book a meeting time at a later date. The most efficient way is to ask the person if it would be alright to contact them. Make sure to get their e-mail address or phone number!

When you are meeting someone specifically to talk about finding a job in their industry, make sure to have your questions well prepared in advance. This may not be a job interview but make sure you are as prepared as if it were!

Some information contacts can provide:

i. Opportunities within their companies,
ii. Opportunities within other companies,
iii. Information on the company or industry,
iv. Suggestion and advice for your job search,
v. And... Names of other contacts!

Business Networking Online

The internet is a new and interesting place to network. Click here to learn more.

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