First Step in Networking – How can I help YOU?
The confusion over networking continues to persist. No one knows what this nebulous thing called networking is but they know that they should be doing it. Here’s an easy explanation. Networking is always being ready to say:
How can I help you?
When you go through life realizing that every day you have the opportunity to help someone else and actively look for those moments, you will find yourself networking and building a network without trying.
Are you building a trustworthy networking reputation?
While the first step in networking is asking the question, how can I help you, the second step is building a reputation as a trustworthy person so people will be willing to accept your help. I am not going to be so willing to let someone help me who has a reputation as a scammer or spammer but if someone has a reputation as a genuinely nice person, I will trust their advice.
Don’t help just to benefit yourself or your network
When you help, you must realize that it won’t necessarily result in immediate payback. You have to feel you are networking without planning to get something back. This doesn’t mean that down the road, you won’t get rewarded, you just won’t get it back immediately.
Networking is an investment plan.
It helps that ingrained in me is a natural desire to help. I support small business owners who have products I love all the time not because I think will gain something from it but because as a small business owner myself, I want to help others.
As a career professional, using a proactive strategy of building your network by being willing to help someone out. If you do this throughout your career, you will have a network to reach out to if something does happen to your current job or you just want to move on.
If you are already in a position that you need your network, start thinking about helping someone else as you ask for help and then make it a lifelong practice.
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Julie Walraven
Professional Resume Writer
Here are ways I can help you land your dream job.
You may be halfway across the country or the world. When you work with me, we share coffee, laughs, and concerns. This turns the scary job search into creative, consultative writing and learning sessions.
Likewise, being willing to make yourself vulnerable to others when you need some guidance or information, by asking for help is a quality of strength and confidence. “I don’t know” a statement said with maturity not through inexperience. Most successful professionals are eager to provide knowledge or share experiences they have gained if they are doing so with another professional who is open to learning or discovery. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you, Lisa. Your offer to help made me feel less alone and frustrated. Hands across the internet makes us all better. Knowing your other talents also opens new possibilities.
Julie
This is a very thoughtful posting
I agree that most people need assistance
But will not take if they feel manipulated