Sometimes it still surprises me to think how much my network has helped me to succeed in work and life.
But the truth is, creating the right connections, asking for and giving help to others is an essential ingredient to success. Many of my clients have found jobs via the hidden job market – positions that simply aren’t advertised, but have come through personal connections.
Sometimes, clients feel a little squeamish at what they see as ‘using’ their friends and contacts – they don’t want to be seen to be asking too much. But it’s not just about asking for help. An essential part of networking is giving help to others as well.
So how do you make the right connections for your job search? And how can you tap into the potential that your network can offer?
Mums often neglect networking as an essential part of their job search. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake One: Hanging out with the wrong crowd.
Yes, this is just what our mothers warned us about.
And whilst you may not be hanging out with delinquents and ‘bad influences’, if you’re spending all your time with people who just aren’t into what you’re into, then there is little opportunity for a leg-up career-wise.
Once you’ve found your direction, you also need to find your tribe.
I’m not saying you should drop your friends, but make sure you also begin to form contacts with people who are active in your field of interest. Join a professional association or interest group, go to events and seminars, volunteer in the industry, or seek out relevant work experience.
Don’t be afraid to talk to new people! Such conversations can lead you down very fruitful paths. And the exciting thing is that all of your additional contacts will have networks of their own, dramatically expanding your network.
Tap into social media platforms such as LinkedIn and even Facebook to identify and connect with people with mutual interests.
Create a coffee budget and get out and about to build relationships with people. It’s a bit like dating, it’s not very likely that your ideal connections are going to just going to rock up on your doorstep
Mistake Two: Losing Touch.
Motherhood can be very isolating, and sometimes it can result in a lack of confidence. We tell ourselves that others won’t want to hear from us. In most instances, this is not the case.
If you’re on maternity leave, keeping in touch with work colleagues can be a great way to smooth your transition when you return to work. Or perhaps you’re looking to re-ignite your career after a longer break – maintaining those workplace connections can still be beneficial. If you make a new connection, be sure to follow up on your initial meeting.
LinkedIn can be a great way to stay in touch professionally, so make sure you connect with others in your field. If you see an article or event that may be of interest to one of your contacts, share it with them by email or on social media. Be aware of your digital reputation – if you are using social media to connect with colleagues and potential employers ensure that you present a positive on-line image.
Catching up for a coffee with an ex-colleague, or inviting them to join you at an industry event, is also a way to keep in touch.
Mistake Three: Being reluctant to ask for help.
I love to help others, don’t you?
If you are one to go the extra mile for a friend, don’t you think that your friends feel the same way about you? Yet most of my clients are reluctant to ask their friends and family for help.
There are so many ways people in your network can help to get you on the road to your dream career: mentoring, providing job leads, proof-reading a job application or resume, providing introductions, being a referee, organising work experience, listening to your job or finance pitch, introducing you to others in their network, sharing your social media marketing… the list goes on.
People feel great about being able to share their expertise and contacts and having a hand in someone else’s success. It’s time to give your friends the gift of giving!
My advice to my clients is to make a map of their network including everyone they know from all circles of their life. Analyse this map with your career goals in mind. Is there someone that can provide a connection to your target industry? Going through the physical process of making a network map can help you to think about your friends and family in a different context, and make the most of your contacts.
So go on, it’s time to connect!