Networking Break

Unfortunately this title is misleading because a successful networker never "takes a break". But this blogger took a break and so I apologize for there not being a recent post. When moving to a new location, it is extremely important to maintain a professional relationship with those individuals that made a positive impact on your professional life previously. You never know when you may need to call on them again in your new position and it is nice to have kept in contact so you are not coming out of the blue. It also helps to maintain those contacts in case you ever go back to your previous position/place of employment.

True story- Most know that the earthquake affected much of the East Coast this past week. Our building shook and we were evacuated. While standing out at our rally point, I ran into an old co-worker who happened to be here for a conference. Turns out that although he works for a different "department", we each had mutually beneficial information for eachother. Had we not exchanged emails, that connection would have been lost, along with a lot of infomation that could be particularly important down the road.

Lesson- Just because you didn't like your previous job or the people in it, don't burn those bridges. It may not be what you think and you never know when your paths will cross again.

Cold Calling

Sometimes, despite your networking abilities, you must resort to the cold call. This is actually a good networking experience and is not something to be nervous or fearful of. In fact, it is networking that gives you the opportunity to cold call.

True story:

Found random Soldier in my office with combat patch from desired location. Asked about possible contacts in the area. Was given phone number, no name and proceeded to call.
Random Soldier in desired location answers phone. Asks me for my background etc. After explaining situation, takes my name, number and email address.

Will it work?? Who knows..and quite honestly it doesn't matter. The point is to get your name and what you are looking for out there. Perhaps my resume will pass through this person's desk, ringing a little bell and getting me an interview.

The point is that every single encounter should be looked at as a opportunity to network. Simply because it is.

Just getting started

Let's face it. If we are honest with ourselves and those around us, it's all in WHO you know. Unfortunately the days of what and how much you know no longer matter. This intent of this blog is to share with readers some insight on successful networking. This is a blog to help the average Joe achieve goals and get to the place they want to be by meeting and cultivating relationships with the right people. Everything written here is based on personal experience and I sincerely hope that you find it informative and helpful. I welcome questions and comments as well.