|
Return to articles
about networking
|
|
Networking to a New Life
By Cathy Goodwin
Research shows that talking to strangers -- not people in your comfort zone
-- is the single most powerful key to a creative career and business move.
Yet many people resist. Sometimes they don't understand the concept of
networking. At other times, they set impossible goals. Here are some
guidelines for network for your second career, home or life.
Create your own supporting CAST
C= Cover Story. When you're a midlife, mid-career transitioner, you can't
come across like an eager-beaver, bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed newbie. You
may not be comfortable calling to say, "I'm thinking of becoming a certified
beach blanket analyst. Can we talk?" Decide whether you're seeking
information, clients or both, and plan a positive opening that presents you
as a fellow professional, not a beggar.
A = Action. Begin anywhere! Talk to people -- even those who seem unrelated
to your dream. As you talk, you'll hear yourself refining your goal and
moving to truth. Start with the nicest, friendliest sources you know and ask
them for referrals.
S= Slow. It takes awhile to build a network. Begin before you need one, if
at all possible. If you're starting from scratch, don't rush. Desperation
drives away your best resources.
T = Target. Network to those who can help, not necessarily those easiest to
find. Sitting at a table with eight potential clients gets you started --
but choose a networking event with eight referral sources and you'll move
faster. Talking to ten sales assistants probably won't help you learn how
managers hire sales people.
"No way -- not me!"
When you truly resist networking, we have to consider that you're not
sufficiently excited about the goal to generate momentum.
You're happily settled in a comfort zone and need an anti-gravity rocket to
pull away.
You'd rather be boiled in oil than call and mingle.
You have unique challenges about the way you come across: you're too much of
a maverick or too "different" to be effective
You're exhausted just thinking about it.
I won't ask you to become a new person, although I encourage responsible
risk-taking and experimenting with new behavioral styles.
It IS true that the greatest rewards will go to those who can work a crowd
effectively. My former colleague "Xavier" could give a twenty-minute talk
and come away with at least three free-spending clients.
However, you can create an unconventional plan that builds on your strengths
and allows you have to connect with strangers. You might take or teach a
class, join an organization, promote your website aggressively and more.
Your progress may be slower than your friend the networking champ -- but if
you persevere you can reach your own goal without sacrificing your own sense
of self.
About the author:
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant,
helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career.
http://www.cathygoodwin.com.
"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change"
subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294
|
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™