Quick Recap: I’m looking for flexible working. A well-paid, part-time job, to be more precise. I want to share my journey and hope my story will help you, if you are looking too.
Please see my previous posts on the start of the journey, to give you some context, and the one on practicalities (tips on CV writing).
Networking – Lessons Learnt
Networking – Lessons LearntSo here are some tips on networking – hope they are useful.
Don’t Be Afraid To Network
Not sure about you but networking doesn’t come easily to me, at all. In fact, it’s one of those things that I fear! I feel awkward, self-conscious and usually start talking drivel (why does that always happen)?
But I know I need to get over this. So start picking up the phone, connecting to people on LinkedIn, sending emails, meeting people for coffee. It gets much easier with practice.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask People You Know
Talk to your friends, talk to your partner’s friends. If you have kids talk to other mums and dads in the playground. Ask if they know of any opportunities or people who would be great contacts for you.
My faith in human nature was restored when I realised how willing people were to help me. One of the mums at school – who I hardly knew – said that her husband worked for a local company who were looking for people. The dad of a friend of my son’s put me in contact with someone at his work which led to an interview.
Don’t Be Put Off By Fancy Job Titles
These days, every one seems to have an important job title – Director, Manager, Executive, Head of, CEO, CTO, COO. And in truth, it can be rather off-putting.
But people are still the same as they used to be. So don’t be put off by fancy titles or scary looking job specs.
Once You Start, It Becomes Easier
When I was looking for work a couple of years ago, I used to get nervous talking to recruitment companies. Now I just think how silly! Over time and with practice, conversations became much more natural for me.
What’s The Worst That Can Happen?
Initially, I was unsure of who to contact and how to approach them. Then I just thought what’s the worst that can happen? and sent that email or made that phone call. If someone ignores you or says no, you’re no worse off than before.
Some People Do Ignore You – Don’t Take It Personally
However, I did find it amazing (and quite rude) that some people do completely ignore you. You send them an email and you never hear back from them. Ever. I used to check my outbox – did I actually send the email? And I had.
The lesson here is to not take it at all personally. Move on. People can be rude. Their loss, not yours.
And Some People Are Really Helpful
At the opposite end of the scale to those above, are those who are immensely helpful and go out of their way to offer advice, connect you to the right people etc. Just be thankful to them and return the favour some day.
Face To Face Communication Is Better
People respond much better when they meet you face to face rather than over the phone or over email. It’s much easier to build a rapport.
Get out there and start meeting people. If you feel awkward, just try to be yourself. After a few minutes of meeting someone, the awkwardness tends to melt away.
Don’t Over Think It
I used to waste time thinking should I contact this person or not? What happens if they don’t respond? I’ve learnt not to over think things. Generally, I’ll contact someone, after all, what’s the worst that can happen?
Go To Networking Events
A friend suggested that I go to a local networking event but I made up some excuse not to go. Going to an event where I know no-one, is quite low on my do-to-list. But then I thought about it, what have I got to lose?
I chose to go to a women in technology event – one that Red magazine had organised. I rocked up, grabbed a coffee and went and sat down next to a lady who I thought looked approachable. And she was! I made some great contacts that day.
Be Yourself – Be Honest, Open, Friendly
Try to be yourself. I’ve found that if I’m me, people respond better, more positively. When you are yourself and are open and honest, it’s much easier to make a connection with someone. And when you find common ground with someone, it helps build a relationship.
Listen To People, Ask Questions
I have a couple of friends who have this amazing ability to make you feel special. When they talk to you, they make your feel like you are the only person in the room. It’s a great skill to have. They look you in the eyes, they ask you questions about yourself, they nod in agreement, they smile at you.
Listen, ask questions, smile, take an interest in the person you are talking to. Give them your undivided attention.
JFDI
No, no typo. An old boss of mine used to say JFDI (Just Flipping Do It – ok, that’s the polite version). Remember you are in charge of what happens to you. This is your career. Get out there – get talking – get connecting. JFDI.
Thanks
Lou
