December 2011
CareerTips
'Tis the Season for Networking!
by Myles Golden
 If you are unemployed, underemployed or contemplating getting back in the job market, the holiday season is prime time for finding your new career. Don’t fall prey to that old adage that at the end of the year employers are simply not hiring, that they are too busy taking last minute vacations and they are putting off hiring to the New Year. It is simply not true. In fact, most likely they are trying to firm up their new budget and looking for new hires. Think about it, the economy is getting a bit better, unemployment has had a slight dip downward and the most important component is that new positions need to be filled for the New Year and they want those new hires on board starting January 2, 2012. End results - they are looking now to fill those positions.
So here are a few tips to make the most of the best time of the year to be in the job market:
- The first rule of focused networking is to do it. Be there, know something and have a plan. You might give some thought as to which networking events can be the most beneficial. Hanging around your very best friends is certainly appealing during this time of the year, but getting out of your routine and meeting new people can be the most beneficial for your career transition. For instance, I attended a surprise birthday party last evening and did not know a tenth of the people there. However, several people found my business interesting and said they would more than likely be in touch.
- Fine tune your chitchat skills. Small talk always precedes developing relationships. You might even develop a short list of questions to ask someone of interest. While it is tempting to seek out a familiar face you might seek out a wallflower instead. I try to make it a point to do that and it’s amazing the relationships that I have developed over the years. About 50% of us are introverted and find it difficult to start up a conversation. In fact, most introverts do not like networking. Yet we all know that 80-90% of jobs are found through networking and about 30 – 40 % of jobs are created once the employer realizes the value you could bring to their organization. Starting a conversation with a complete stranger begs the question of just what to say? Observation and good listening are two of the most important skills you need to get off to a good start. You might compliment what a person is wearing or inquire about that pin they may have on their lapel. Listening to their response is critical while maintaining eye to eye contact. It’s been proven that the best conversationalist is the best listener. Try to be interested in them, not interesting.
- I have found that arriving a bit early gives me a chance to meet some early arrivals before the hustle and bustle of the event starts. I recall going to a big cooperate announcement and by arriving early had a chance to meet the C-level officers of the corporation. We even exchanged business cards which proved beneficial later on. And by all means have your business cards readily available. And ladies if your cards are somewhere in your purse, know exactly where they are so you can retrieve them quickly. I once took a client to an event and she handed me her drink and food plate while she commenced to empty her purse to find her business cards saying, “I know they are here somewhere.” Ironically her business card read “project manager with exceptional organizational skills.”
- Exchanging business cards is a skill. Personally, I do not like to offer my business card without an invitation. I figure if they are interested they will ask for it. To me, that is the ultimate test as to whether I have been effective with connecting with that person. And if they offer you theirs, make a note on the back that will serve as a memory jogger when you get back to your office. One quick email with your signature block and website, and LinkedIn address if you have one, can be most beneficial.
Dorsey Rezac, author of Work the Pond, says it best: “Networking is not about hitting on people for favors, it is more about values exchange.” Offering to help someone is by far the most effective way to build lasting relationships and to finding your best opportunity whether it is a new career or a business opportunity.
Helping Others Helps You Too ~ Volunteer!
Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Roper Mountain Holiday Lights! Volunteers are needed at the entry gate, directing traffic and in Winter Wonderland. Volunteers are needed NOW through December 30th. Contact Louis Redmond of the Rotary Club of Greenville for information: 864-422-6020 (office) or by email louis@weprint4u.biz
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
United Way agencies
Ready 4 Reading
Habitat for Humanity
Mauldin Miracle League
Greenville Literacy
Meals on Wheels
Greenville County Library System
American Cancer Society
Greenville Area Opportunities
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Recent Speaking Engagements & Sponsorships
GCS ~ Silver Sponsor for GSATC (Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Technology Council)
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