Networking as a Career-Long Practice

I want to preface this episode by setting the stage for networking – and by telling you what I’m NOT going to cover in this episode.

Networking should be a career-long effort – I think of it as a low-intensity priority. Think of it as a graph: If there is no activity for long stretches of time, then when you need your network (such as for a job search), there will necessarily be a large, prolonged spike in activity.

If, instead, you give your networking a steady stream of effort, then there will still be a spike when you engage in a job search – but not nearly as large or prolonged.

Think of it as ongoing car maintenance rather than waiting until the car needs to be repaired.

What I’m not going to cover in this episode is HOW to network…or how NOT to network. Rather, this episode is to get your brain thinking about the different environments you may already be moving in—or could easily begin moving in—where networking is not only allowed, but expected.

I’m also not going to talk about WHY you might be networking when you aren’t looking for a job…in other words, what other intrinsic and extrinsic benefits can be had from networking consistently throughout your career.

My rule of thumb is you can network anywhere that the music isn’t too loud and the people aren’t too drunk.

Here’s my list:

1.   Chamber of Commerce networking events

2.   Civic club meetings

3.   SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management)

4.   Non-profit fundraisers

5.   Affinity groups (Meetup, for example)

6.   Community organizations

7.   Alumni gatherings

8.   Community festivals or events

9.   Organized networking events

10. Church or other religious establishments

11. Professional meetings

12. Career fairs

13. LinkedIn groups

14. Recruiters (stay in touch and provide value)

15.Organizations you already volunteer with, or could begin volunteering

16.Sporting events (everything from Little League to pro)

17.“Wait-Time Hubs” like airport lounges, hotel lobbies & bars, and dog parks

18.Fitness facilities

19.Co-working spaces, such as WeWork

20.Continuing Education classes (can be for professional or personal development)

21.Hair salon/barbershop

22.Kids’ activities (gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, music lessons)

23.Gallery openings/exhibits

24.Specialty hobby shops (high-end bike shops, wine cellars, etc.)

25.Online communities that are centered around a hobby or interest area you share

In addition, here are specific people you might not have thought of:

The key with many of these is to decide on a cadence and keep track of that cadence. Does it make the most sense to reach out quarterly? Bi-annually? Annually? There is no right or wrong here.

1.   Hiring managers you’ve interviewed with but didn’t receive an offer

2.   Existing networking contacts

3.   Mentors and career coaches you’ve worked with

4.   Former coworkers

5.   Former bosses

6.   Past clients or customers

7.   Vendors you’ve worked with

8.   People you’ve helped professionally

9.   Colleagues from professional associations

10.    Fellow Alumni

11.    Family & friends

12.    Service providers, such as your hairdresser/barber, mechanic, housekeeper, pool service person, personal trainer, life coach.

13.    Neighbors

14.    Parents of your kids’ friends

15.    LinkedIn connections, especially those who are very active

16.    Your banker(s) or loan officer that you have personal connections with

17.    Your real estate agent

18.    Former teachers/professors

19.    Childhood or high school friends

20.    Your spouse’s/partner’s network, i.e. holiday parties, retreats where spouses are invited

21.    Your accountant or CPA

The Document & Coaching Package is designed for current job seekers who want world-class marketing documents, a targeted, proactive job search strategy that gets results, and skill-building around how to network, interview, and negotiate compensation. To schedule a consult: https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2