Career Wellbeing: Networking in 2012
Work is an essential part of our existence. What we do, whom we report to, and most importantly how we feel when we work often determines in large part whether we thrive in life or whether we are constantly frustrated and unhappy.
Given the importance of work to our overall wellbeing, it is easy to see why being unemployed can be so devastating, and why discovering new approaches to finding a job is critical. By and large, technology and the sheer number of people looking for work have rendered old methods obsolete. If we hope to be competitive in the workplace of 2012, we’d better get up to speed.
This is true for those who are already in the workforce as well. A recent study on “Employee Discontent” by the Right Management, Man Power Group, reveals that as unemployment drops and companies begin to hire again, 84% of those currently working will actively look for a job somewhere else. This is good news for those unemployed people who may be able to step into the jobs being vacated. But given the large number of people seeking first time employment, re-employment, or a career change, how can anyone find a successful way to get that resume actually read, that first interview scheduled, that “foot in the door?”
One thing is certain. Growing a good network is essential. Research shows that up to 80% of jobs are secured through either direct contact or through referrals. It stands to reason then that the more people we have in our network and, more importantly, the better that network is maintained and proactively managed, the more it will expand and thrive.
But networking can be challenging, especially for those among us who tend to be introverted. Although nothing can completely ease that initial discomfort, the following scenario may prove helpful.
Consider this. The next time you attend an industry function, a meet-up, a partner luncheon, or a networking event, instead of canvassing the room and thinking to yourself that you really need to leave there with new contacts, just relax and just start talking to people. Be curious and spontaneous—it will enable you to connect with those around you on a much more human level. Instead of focusing on what you need, find out what they need, what their challenges are, what’s important to them.
What you’ll find is that something really interesting begins to happen. People open up. They talk about their businesses, their strategies, what challenges their organizations face. They also share opportunities and successes, and through that process they begin to see how you might fit into their future plans. If you have insights, suggestions, or ideas that may benefit them, share them openly and freely, but do so without expecting the other person or persons to reciprocate. This is important! Your actions must be authentic and without condition.
Then have faith. Thousands of years of experience have shown that “good Karma” pays off. You will find that people connect with you more and want to include you in their plans. Even better, they are moved to help you with your needs. Not all of them, of course, but many. And “many” is good! It is the way networks are born and the way they continue to grow and flourish. Not only that, but if your interest in the other people who make up your network is genuine, it may help you grow and flourish as a human being as well.
Given the importance of work to our overall wellbeing, it is easy to see why being unemployed can be so devastating, and why discovering new approaches to finding a job is critical. By and large, technology and the sheer number of people looking for work have rendered old methods obsolete. If we hope to be competitive in the workplace of 2012, we’d better get up to speed.
This is true for those who are already in the workforce as well. A recent study on “Employee Discontent” by the Right Management, Man Power Group, reveals that as unemployment drops and companies begin to hire again, 84% of those currently working will actively look for a job somewhere else. This is good news for those unemployed people who may be able to step into the jobs being vacated. But given the large number of people seeking first time employment, re-employment, or a career change, how can anyone find a successful way to get that resume actually read, that first interview scheduled, that “foot in the door?”
One thing is certain. Growing a good network is essential. Research shows that up to 80% of jobs are secured through either direct contact or through referrals. It stands to reason then that the more people we have in our network and, more importantly, the better that network is maintained and proactively managed, the more it will expand and thrive.
But networking can be challenging, especially for those among us who tend to be introverted. Although nothing can completely ease that initial discomfort, the following scenario may prove helpful.
Consider this. The next time you attend an industry function, a meet-up, a partner luncheon, or a networking event, instead of canvassing the room and thinking to yourself that you really need to leave there with new contacts, just relax and just start talking to people. Be curious and spontaneous—it will enable you to connect with those around you on a much more human level. Instead of focusing on what you need, find out what they need, what their challenges are, what’s important to them.
What you’ll find is that something really interesting begins to happen. People open up. They talk about their businesses, their strategies, what challenges their organizations face. They also share opportunities and successes, and through that process they begin to see how you might fit into their future plans. If you have insights, suggestions, or ideas that may benefit them, share them openly and freely, but do so without expecting the other person or persons to reciprocate. This is important! Your actions must be authentic and without condition.
Then have faith. Thousands of years of experience have shown that “good Karma” pays off. You will find that people connect with you more and want to include you in their plans. Even better, they are moved to help you with your needs. Not all of them, of course, but many. And “many” is good! It is the way networks are born and the way they continue to grow and flourish. Not only that, but if your interest in the other people who make up your network is genuine, it may help you grow and flourish as a human being as well.
