Blog Post: Are You a Powerful Networker?

You need to be a POWERFUL NETWORKER, but more importantly, an EFFECTIVE NETWORKER.

Yes, your marketing tool is your resume, but you can't just sit home and wait for a job to magically appear.

I am a big advocate of community service and volunteering, so that is a great way that I network, maybe you can try it too.

Back to the point of checking to see if you are a Powerful Networker.

While reading the South Florida Business Journal, I noticed an article about this topic written by Great Schulz, so I felt that it was great content and wanted to share.

Here are 12 keys, she says, are great to utilize in becoming a powerful networker!

1. Don't try to sell... Well, as a job seeker, you are selling yourself, so, with this in mind, try to find out about the person and take an active listening role...You never know who they know.

2.Give before you get...Again, some of these tips are for business individuals as well, so this refers to giving referrals, but again, if you listen to what they are telling you, you may be able to refer them too, even though you are looking for a job.

3.This is one of my favorites in this article...Understand that it's network...WORK!!! Yes, you actually have to work, think, how can you help someone, who do I know that I can introduce them to, etc.

4.Be interesting. If this is hard for you, make sure you are up to date on your current events or have a great story lined up.

5.Set goals. Know how many people you would like to target...she says if new, start with two.

6.LOVE THIS ONE.... KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR MINE...Throw a Rolodex party....for job seekers you can do this with job leads....help each other out.

7.HAHAHA.... Be interesting... she said this was so important, she listed it twice!!!

8.Make it easy to refer you.... Again, some business tips here, however, job seekers you know that you need to have a elevator pitch or commercial.

9.Play Matchmaker....self explanatory.... "Giver's Gain" (that is my BNI mind talking)

10.Say thank you

11.Test alliances quickly....again business

12.Have a system!!! This is HUGE!!!! If you just go and collect cards and do nothing with them, you just wasted lots of time and energy...for what? Have a system in place and make sure to follow up!

I learned something new in this article and I will implement one of the tips today! How about you?

You too can be a POWERFUL NETWORKER...DON'T FORGET YOUR POWERFUL RESUME!

Have a great weekend!!!

P.S. Halloween is a great time to network!!!