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5 Networking Secrets to Steer Your Career to Greater Heights! by Connie Hampton

By Lori, on June 3rd, 2013

Guest Post by Connie Hampton, www.networkpolishkit.com
Contact Connie at: connie[at]networkpolishkit.com
SECRET #1: Most open positions are filled through personal networking.

SECRET #2: Companies hire only if they have a problem they can’t solve with the people they already have.

SECRET #3: The person trying to solve the problem and do their regular job knows about the need before the VP, CEO or hiring manager does.

SECRET #4: When the boss realizes that they really do need to hire someone, the first thing they say is, “Dang, we have to hire someone! Who do we know?”

SECRET #5: If they don’t know the right person, then either it is sent to HR and HR posts it (about 10% are filled through postings) or a recruiter is hired.

You, as an interested potential candidate, need to be known by the person trying to solve the problem. And you need to know if they have a problem that you want to solve!

 

What STRATEGIES work best to do this?

1. Decide what exactly you want in your next job – down to the color of the carpet. You might not get everything, but at least you will know how close you are to the right spot.

(Lori’s Note: Be sure to list what you want to do in your job, as well as what benefits you want, what perks & privileges, as well as salary. Then group them in order of priority: Must Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and Fun-to-Haves.)
2. Decide what companies could provide this.

Who uses your skills?

Where are they?

Are you willing to relocate? If not, then get out the map and draw your commutable distance.

Who are the companies within your commute distance?

Which ones do you like?

Do your homework!

 

3. Network with someone at each of your top ten companies who is NOT the person with the problem and is NOT the person you want to work for.  The reason for this is that you need to get the inside scoop on the company to see if that company should stay on your top ten list.

  • Does the FDA like them? (Lori’s Note: or other relevant governing agency…)
  • Are they about to go bankrupt?
  • Or lay off?
  • Have they just hired the person to solve that problem?

 

4. If they meet your criteria, your next step is to ask the person you are networking with to introduce you to the person with the problem so that you can do two important things:

  • Find out what the problem is and if it is one that you would be interested in solving. You, as an experienced professional, have solved many problems and there is at least one or two that you hope never to see again. If this company has that problem, sympathize and move on!
  • Position yourself as an expert in that problem. Offer a “sample” of advice. Say things like:When I was at X company, we had a similar problem and they tried this and that did not work, so I suggested this (other option) and it did.

At the end of the meeting say, “It would be really fun to work on this!”No Oliver Twist!

No “Please sir, may I have a job?”

 

5. Then go home and put the company, the people you networked with and the person you want for a boss on http://newsle.com/  Every time something interesting comes across your desk from Newsle, forward it (or a congratulatory note and the link) to the people you spoke with.
Stay on the top surface of their minds so that when the boss says, “Dang, we have to hire someone!” it will be your name that comes up.

These people will be your career network. You will find them jobs and they will find you jobs. Keep it shiny!

If you send Holiday cards, these are the people you send them to.

If you are on Plaxo these are the people you send birthday cards to.

You are Friends on Facebook and you are certainly connected on LinkedIn!

 

Copyright © Connie Hampton.  All rights reserved.
If you found this information helpful, please let Connie know.  Connie’s email: connie@networkpolishkit.com

Lori’s Note: What is one action YOU can take from Connie’s secrets above?  I invite you to share them with me below!  And remember to connect with me on LinkedIn, if we’re not already connected.

Career Transformation, Job Search, News   , , ,  
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Client Stories

What did you need at the time you hired Lori?


I wanted to work in my industry and didn't know how to progress any further than I was. I knew I had much experience that could be put in the industry of my choice but not how to parlay that experience. I needed guidance.

What did you and Lori do together?


Many, many things. Overall, to get clear in my mind what I offered and really what I wanted in a work environment. Every week was another epiphany after another. One of my favorites was the "knowing your core values". Having had some experience on this subject I was all ready to dive-in. Core Values is key. Knowing your core values. 

Lori makes it so easy to pinpoint. One time we were speaking about something else and we both realized...OMG...that is a core value for me. I hadn't written it down before, but discovered later that if ever a core value fit me...it was the one I mentioned at that time.  Knowing that piece of information also answered a long standing question in my head.  One of the "why's" as to my constant upset with other places I had worked.

What were the results from working with Lori?


Many things. One is a great looking resume. I thought, wow, I look good and it was all from work I had already done elsewhere but didn't know how to say it or present it. Another is the clarity of knowing where I will feel good when I do work. What I really want and with the kind of people I really want to work with on a daily basis. This entire process is so valuable. The best money I ever spent and I am not kidding or exaggerating. I was only hoping it would be valuable and it really was valuable.< I know stuff and it has value and is marketable. Lori showed me those things and it gives me confidence.

Anything else you’d like to add?


Lori delivers above and beyond. The highest quality of exchange, 'more than you expected.' I told my friends this over and over: 'I wish I had her 10-20-even 30 years ago.' Every one, and I mean EVERYONE, needs a Lori. Her understanding,patience, how she problem solves, putting things in simple terms, was mind blowing. I wish I could that well. I present a problem and she could turn it around and yes...another epiphany.

Lori, is worth every penny. It isn't about a title. It is about enjoying everyday doing work you love with people you like and are like minded. You'll know what you are looking for when you interview.  I never say this, but I will say it here. Lori is a major key into the rest of my life doing what I always wanted to do. That is: Being happy doing what I do, everyday. Something I have been saying for years. Allowing Sherlock...to be Sherlock.  Finding my people. They are out there and now I know what I am looking for in that respect.

LORI ROCKS!!!!!!

Sherlock Ganz, Los Angeles, CA