Connecting or Networking? What’s the Difference March 1, 2012
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Connecting, Networking, Networking Fears
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I ran across this article a while ago and thought I would share it with you.
I never really thought about it but there is a big difference between connecting and networking. Aside from the differences pointed out in the article one thing that struck me is “connecting” is much more difficult than “networking.” While I think we should all strive to be connectors it may not work for everyone. This type of activity like writing a cover letter or resume is not a one-size-fits-all approach, you have to tailor it for your needs.
My favorite quote from this short article is:
The willingness to reach out to someone you don’t know is crucial to the art of connecting, and especially important in uncertain economic times. Those who are in mid-career and may have worked for one company for years should learn connecting skills before they need them.
Until next week….
Informational Meetings 101 February 2, 2012
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Appointment Setting, First Impressions, One-On-One Meetings
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I recently responded to a discussion question in the August Group LinkedIn Group related to Informational Meetings. The person asking the question wanted to know “…if people do them and what process they follow”. I thought I would share my response as this weeks blog post, it seems like a good fit.
In a word these are VITAL to your job search.
My method:
- Email explaining who, what, when, where, why and asking for the meeting. I include a day in which I plan to follow up via phone so they are expecting my call.
- Phone call on the date referenced in the email reinforcing the content of the email and asking for a convenient time and place to meet.
- Meet and talk, ask how YOU can help THEM. Obtain additional referrals.
- Email thank you, that same day or no longer than 24hrs later.
There you have it, no magic, just four simple steps.
What process do you follow?
Until next time….
Keep it Warm for Improved Results January 26, 2012
Posted by robewanow in Job Search, Marketing Tactics.Tags: Managing Your Network Contacts, Networking, Networking Strategies, One-On-One Meetings, Referrals, Relationship Management
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Whether you are searching for a job or looking for customers, warm referrals are a goldmine. Nothing help builds credibility and open the door to a productive conversation easier than saying “Joe Smith suggested I contact you.”
Here is a real live story of how this works.
Before I started at Gleason I had one week off so I decided to make some sales calls in support of my business venture Photo Booth Fun. I had an early morning appointment with the General Manager of a local golf course/country club, a friend of mine. After the discussion of how we might work together concluded I natrually asked who else he would suggest I contact.
He gave me a couple names and I was off to some other appointments.
The next day I was driving by the club my friend recommended, so I decided to stop by. Note this was a “cold” call as I had no appointment which in a sales situation is ok but NEVER in a networking situation. For networking you should always reach out via phone or email first and set up an appointment.
As I entered the clubhouse I could hear the general manager “Steve” on the phone. Once he hung up I poked my head into his office and said “hi Steve, my name is Rob Ewanow and I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.” He quickly looked up from his desk with a look of who the heck are you and why are you here, until I continued “General Manager Jim gave me your name and said I should contact you.”
Talk about a 180!! I was invited to sit down and talk becuase General Manager Jim is a good guy, he wanted me to tell him I said hi. Suddenly an opportunity was before me. Needless to say at the end of our conversation I had an invitation to participate in a bridal show he was planning at the club, which I propmtly accepted.
Would I have got this opportunity without the warm referral? I will never know for sure but one thing I can tell you is the referral instantly changed his attitude and body language.
Make sure you are getting as many warm referrals as you can, they make networking for any reason much more efficient, profitable and less stressful.
Until next week….
A New Start January 5, 2012
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Focus, Follow Up, interviewing, Job Offer, Job Search Strategies, Job Search Tools, Motivation, Personal Branding
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After 3 months of screening interviews, phone interviews, in-person interviews, numerous follow up calls and thank you letters I have landed a fantastic position with Gleason Corporation.
I will be leading the Global Marketing Communications efforts for their industry leading gear production machines. This is yet another new industry for me to learn which is nothing new to me. Each time I have landed somewhere new its been in a new industry. Starting with high tech banking with Unisys, to high tech health care with Dawning Technologies, to industrial gaskets and pump packing with Garlock Sealing Technologies then on to Retrotech which was an engineering/consulting firm focused on the warehouse and logistics market. All along though, the same principles and tenants of marketing apply, some where used more than others but all were applicable.
I am thrilled to be back in the manufacturing industry. Gleason has long rich history (born in 1865) with Rochester and has experienced dramatic international growth over the last few years. I remember how cool my time at Garlock was, working for a company over 100 years old and an industry leader. When you walked out to the manufacturing floor there was always a “buzz”. When I toured the Gleason floor that same “buzz” was there, even if it was the Friday after Thanksgiving and it was a company paid holiday, people were still there working, smiling.
Why am I sharing this? First because I am really excited about this new chapter in my career.
Second because it proves that what I discuss here in this blog works.
Just look at last weeks post 12 Ways to better networking in 2012, 2 of the items on that list dominated my thoughts during those three months.
- Stay positive – positive thoughts produce positive results
- Stay focused – avoid distractions as much as possible
Looking back at some other posts I can point to 3 Ways to polish your image
# 2 and #3 were huge for me. The recruiter I worked with helped me immensely with telling stories (#3). I would practice in the car while driving, in the house when everyone was out, during lunch time walks. Telling effective and succinct stories is not easy but it is very effective.
In the end, my pursuit of this job followed remarkably like my post titled The World Cup and The Job Search.
So what am I saying? Be open minded, seek advice and keep at it. The job/client you want is out there, sooner or later you will find him.
Until next week….
12 Ways to better networking in 2012 January 5, 2012
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Focus, Group Networking Events, Networking, Networking Fears, Networking Strategies, Online Networking, Rewards, Time Management
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Why not follow along with the crowd, even if its a bit late.
Here are my 12 ways to better networking in 2012.
- Get out there
- Be seen! Doing #1 above is not enough, you have to more than show up
- Stay positive – positive thoughts produce positive results
- Help others before you ask for help (pay it forward)
- Stay focused – avoid distractions as much as possible
- Don’t eat alone
- Buy lunch for someone who is out of work, ask how you can help. It may be as simple as listening or perhaps buying the previously mentioned lunch.
- Find balance between online an offline networking – I’d say tilt the scales more towards offline its too easy to spend an inordinate amount of time online (See #5)
- Feed your network, share articles, humor, jobs, etc
- Celebrate success
- Have fun, laugh
- Make time for YOURSELF and your FAMILY.
Until next week….
4 Great Year-End Tips December 22, 2011
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Networking, Networking Strategies, Schedule, Time Management
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Here are four great tips to improve your networking. Think about how you can use these in 2012.
My favorite is - set goals.
I also like the quote “You’re there: do your job and go home.” This is an interesting way to approach networking and if I combine it with setting goals it may force me to be more efficient than I currently am and get the results I need.
What’s your take?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Until next YEAR….
Random Thoughts and Tips December 15, 2011
Posted by robewanow in Uncategorized.Tags: Random Thoughts
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This post is not an original idea, I was inspired by a recent Seth Godin post and thought I would take a crack at my own list of thoughts/tips.
Here it goes…
- At your next networking event introduce yourself to the person standing alone in the corner or seated at a table
- Introduce people, make connections
- If you know someone is at an event by themselves make it a point to facilitate some introductions – ask them who they would like to meet
- Smile when you greet someone or pass someone in the hall, its amazing how it makes both of you feel
- Volunteer/Donate – every little bit helps, often times more than you know
- Be a sounding-board don’t offer advice unless you are asked, sometimes all people want to do is vent
- Laugh
- Be thankful for what you have for many have far less than you
- Think positive – it can help shape your future
- Show gratitude
- Ask for help if you need it, we all do from time-to-time
- Ping often
- Try to change one “bad” habit
- Tell your children you are proud of them
- Tell your spouse you love him/her
Until next week….
Build Meaningful Relationships December 1, 2011
Posted by robewanow in Job Search.Tags: Relationship Management, Research, value proposition
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This is not as easy as it sounds. I am as guilty as anyone in failing to do this as well as I think I should, maybe I’m just hard on myself.
Attribution Some rights reserved by sarniebill1
Anyway, we all know this time of the year is prime networking time and that will be the theme I try to carry out for my posts this month. I’ve gotten off my regular schedule due to the holidays and spending much of my time promoting my new business. (shameless plug 
)
Now with all that out of the way on to the topic at hand.
Start building your network early. For example the day you start your new gig start looking around to see who you should connect with on a work (peer) level and on a personal level. I’m not suggesting you start sending LinkedIn requests to everyone around you, instead scope out landscape for a while.
Next, make a list of those people who you feel you should reach out to, what positions are they in, what is there background etc.
Do a little research. Determine how this potential relationship could benefit both parties then decide if its worth while. Connecting with someone just to connect and increase your stats on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook is meaningless and a waste of time for both parties. If no immediate benefit is apparent don’t give up, either file the information away and revisit it later or schedule a brief “get to know you” meeting.
Finally make the connection and work to make it a meaningful one for both parties. “Following” or “friending” is not a true connection. A true connection is where you share information about yourself, what you want to do and how you are ready to help. Once you accomplish that the rest falls into place.
Until next time….
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