Network, Network, Network
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Networking for EVERYONE
Whether a person is an extrovert, an introvert, or a determinedly contented curmudgeon, every professional can and should network. Common sense dictates that keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities is essential while job hunting. Your chances also increase exponentially with even more eyes and ears watching out for you. Networking is one of those skills that pays off with consistent practice, even if you’re not currently searching for a job.
With enough connections, you never know when someone might happen across a great opportunity, think of you, and pass along the information. Word-of-mouth is STILL the best method of advertising for a multitude of reasons (knowledgeable recommendations, background information, immediacy, trust, etc.)
Before the massive capabilities of the internet existed, face-to-face networking was pretty much the definition of “networking.” By this old definition, the extroverted and socially gifted soared, but the introverts weren’t always comfortable “networking.” Now, there are MULTIPLE ways to network, even if a person is extremely uncomfortable interacting with others.
Know thyself. If you KNOW that you are an extrovert and are great with people, DO pursue face-to-face networking opportunities. There are still plenty of opportunities available. IF you are not comfortable with the traditional face-to-face interaction, you can now be VERY involved in online professional communities. Even if you are determined NOT to interact with others, believe it or not, you can still network, just by lurking around online communities.
For additional information, see the Network, Network, Network series of blog posts:
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