Is there something that you want to get from your networking efforts? What is it?Occasionally people will complain to me that they’re not getting what they want from their networking and relationship building efforts. But when I ask what it is they want their answer is either too vague or too broad.Saying that you want more clients, or a new job is just not helpful. What kind of clients? Exactly, what type of job. Often when asked these follow-up questions I get further general statements that aren’t really helpful. Read more »

It seems I've been speaking an awful lot lately (that's not a complaint, as I love speaking). Last night was a new experience. I spoke to a group of about 60 students at Texas State University's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Somehow this was the first time I've had the opportunity to speak with students. What a blast! They were hyper engaged, asked great questions and hopefully really learned a lot about what networking really is and how it works in the real world. Read more »

More than likely you'd like to find new ideas, new opportunities and great resources through your networking efforts. Why else invest the time and money in building better relationships if you're not going to see some type of improvement in your life and those around you, right? Read more »

With our Get Hired! event coming up tomorrow I thought it only appropriate that I write a post about Job Networking. Networking isn't just what you do at mixers and job clubs. It's really a part of every conversation and activity you're involved with; since you never know where that next opportunity is going to come from. We all have certain strengths and abilities. Often times we discount the value of these abilities especially when they come really naturally and with almost no effort. They're just part of what you do. It's important to remember that these talents of yours have value. Frequently a lot of value. But you don't always get to demonstrate these skills as part of your regular job searching activities. Maybe if you're in sales, but I digress. For so many reasons I think it's important to somehow get involved in something you're deeply passionate about outside of your job search. You should be doing things like this when you have a job, so why wouldn't you do them when you're looking for your next gig? This is easiest if you start with something you absolutely love. It might be a favorite non-profit, your church, your kids activities, a favorite sport or hobby. It really doesn't matter as long as it's an organization you care about. Approach one of the organizations leaders and tell them how you'd like to help. Make this easy for them. Don't just ask to help, which creates work for them to figure out how they can use you. Instead figure out a way that you can really demonstrate some of your highly valued skills and offer to do that for them. That way they can just say yes, they don't have to think and you get to show your stuff rather than getting stuck doing some menial task that you can't get excited about. So now you're probably thinking. Why Scott? It's really important that I find my next job, and I need to focus on that and you want me to spend 5-10 hours a week volunteering my time? Yes! Looking for a job can be really difficult work. It sometimes leads to depression especially in our society when you may define yourself by what you do. Besides, sending off a few more blind resumes probably isn't going to help you anyway. The psychological boost you'll get from making a difference will be invaluable during your search. Your attitude is so important and you impact your attitude most by what you do. Why not do something really worthwhile? It also will help you develop and deepen new relationships. Don't do this work in isolation, get out and be visible about it. Talk to people, tell them about the things you're doing and how much you enjoy it. Let them know that this is the kind of work that you love doing, and you're looking for your next opportunity to do it full time. Not only will you be demonstrating your skills, you'll also be keeping them sharp. It'll make interviewing easier as you'll have current examples you can point to in a positive light. I'm yet to meet anyone who's sorry they took on this type of project. It may or may not directly lead to your next position, but it sure can't hurt. Usually I think most people already have some ideas of where they want to be involved and how, but if you need some additional help there are a bunch of great resources to help you find this type of work. Here are just a few: Hands On Central Texas AustinProBono Volunteer Match Oh yeah, and this doesn't have to have anything to do with a job search. If it's a good idea when you're looking for work isn't it also a good idea when you're not? Happy Networking! -Scott Ingram NetworkInAustin.com