Connections are the strongest form of induction into a newly opened job opportunity. People are the sole contributors to hiring for new positions and control who is placed where in the company, alongside the hiring manager. In general, there are two factors in deciding if you have a job: The human resource recruiter and the hiring manager. If either of these two decision makers hears of interest for a job through their network, those applicants get first shot at interviewing. The closer the connection between the decision maker and the applicant, the better chance for successful job requisition fulfillment. I consider this “The Strength Model” of networking because your network is your strongest bridge into the job market. To better explain this, view the model below.
This model suggests that family is the strongest connection, where a hiring manager has a son or daughter that is looking for a job and it is filled almost immediately because of the network strength associated with the relationship. For example, if your father was a Director of Marketing at Proctor and Gamble and there was an entry level job opening in the marketing research department, you would have first pass at that opportunity. Referrals are the next strongest segment to this pyramid because an applicant is usually referred to a hiring manager, based on some level of expertise or job fitting. Referrals could be acquaintances that have been further developed by the art of networking or keeping in touch with an individual (establishing a relationship). You could be referred to a hiring manager by previous work such as an internship or by a family member. Finally, acquaintances are the weakest form of networking, because hiring members would rather hire an individual that they are closer in ties with, rather than someone they just met for the first time. You have many acquaintances throughout your life, many will soon forget you over time, but you never know if one might follow through one of these days.
If I were to rate your chances at each level of the pyramid I would say…..
- Family: 90%
- Referrals: 50%
- Acquaintances: 5%
Remember: Meet as many people as you can because you never know who is connected to whom in each others networks. You should strive to build relationships with your acquintances, in order to convert them to referrals, but family members are always the strongest!
1. Strategies for Expanding Your Professional Network
Expanding your professional network is crucial for career growth and job opportunities. Here are some effective strategies I’ve found:
- – Attend industry conferences and events
- – Join professional associations related to your field
- – Participate in online forums and discussion groups
- – Volunteer for projects or committees in your organization
- – Engage in informational interviews with professionals you admire
- – Use alumni networks from your educational institutions
- – Attend local meetups or networking events in your area
Remember, quality often trumps quantity. Focus on building meaningful connections rather than just collecting business cards.
2. The Role of Social Media in Modern Networking
Social media has revolutionized networking in the digital age. Here’s how you can leverage different platforms:
- – LinkedIn: The primary professional networking site. Optimize your profile, share industry insights, and engage with others’ content.
- – Twitter: Follow industry leaders and participate in relevant conversations using hashtags.
- – Facebook: Join professional groups and use it to maintain more personal connections with colleagues.
- – Instagram: Particularly useful for visual industries or personal branding.
While social media is powerful, it’s important to use it judiciously and maintain a professional online presence.
3. How to Maintain and Nurture Your Connections Over Time
Building a network is just the first step; maintaining it is equally important. Here are some ways to keep your connections strong:
- – Regular check-ins: Send periodic messages to stay in touch
- – Share valuable information: Forward articles or opportunities that might interest your contacts
- – Offer help: Be proactive in offering assistance when you can
- – Celebrate their successes: Acknowledge and congratulate your contacts on their achievements
- – Face-to-face meetings: When possible, meet in person for coffee or lunch
- – Be genuine: Authentic relationships are the most lasting
Remember, networking is about giving as much as receiving.
4. The Importance of Reciprocity in Networking
Reciprocity is a cornerstone of effective networking. It’s not just about what others can do for you, but what you can do for them. Here’s why it matters:
- Builds trust: When you help others, they’re more likely to help you in return
- Creates goodwill: People remember those who’ve assisted them
- Expands opportunities: By helping others, you often create unexpected opportunities for yourself
- Strengthens relationships: Mutual support deepens connections
Always look for ways to add value to your network, whether through introductions, advice, or support.
5. Networking Etiquette and Best Practices
Proper etiquette can make or break your networking efforts. Here are some best practices:
- Be respectful of people’s time
- Follow through on commitments and promises
- Listen more than you talk
- Show genuine interest in others
- Be prepared with an elevator pitch about yourself
- Always thank people for their time or help
- Don’t ask for favors immediately upon meeting someone
- Be professional in all interactions, even casual ones
- Follow up after meetings or events with a thank-you note
Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just exchanging information. Approach it with authenticity and a long-term perspective.
