Effectively Managing a Network Meeting
Once you have arranged a networking appointment, you should spend a few minutes determining what your goals for the meeting are. For example:
- “Connect” with the person and make a good first impression
- Determine their willingness and ability to provide you with assistance and/or information
- Learn of any employment opportunities with their company (especially those that may be available but not publicized)
- Identify people or employers they think may be interested in your talents and skills
The list below provides some suggestions for your networking meetings.
- Dress similar to how your contact dresses for work (e.g., business formal, business casual, jeans and button-down shirts, etc.).
- Consider inviting them to lunch or coffee. A more casual atmosphere will make you and your contact more comfortable.
- When talking to somebody you have not met before, it is important that you help him or her feel comfortable. Do not directly ask for a job. It will pressure them and they may dismiss you as quickly as possible.
- It is far better to say you are looking for some help and advice with your job search. If they have a current vacancy and you make a good impression, they may mention it during your meeting.
- Remember the worst that can happen is they are not prepared to help you - big deal! Just cross them off your list and move on to the next name.
- If you know the person well, just start talking to them as you normally would.
- Talking to someone for the first time can be more difficult. Be prepared with a few work-related topics to discuss. Do not use much small talk; get to the subject of your job search fairly quickly.
The questions you ask will depend on if the person is working in your field. The following is a list of questions you might ask:
- If you know the person, ask how their job is going. Always show interest in the person you are talking to – listen to them.
- Is their company/department doing well? (There may be a job opening for you if they are growing/expanding)
- If their company is not doing well, can you solve any of their problems? (There may be a job for you with the company if you have talents or training in the right area).
- Is their market contracting, expanding or stagnant?
- Are there any new emerging markets?
- Is their company expecting a large order or contract? (They may need to take on new people to handle this.)
- How well are their competitors doing?
- Do they know of other people within their company or in another company who could help with your job search?
Ask for referrals to other people or companies. This will increase your networking list. Feel free to take notes at this point, rather than relying on your memory.
If the person you are speaking to is not in your field/industry, do they know the names/addresses of people who are? It is generally best to contact people directly rather than letting your contact ask for help on your behalf - that way you stay in control. However, if they agree to set up a meeting for you it might be a good idea to accept their offer. What you do not want is for them to call their contact and say "Do you have a job for Christopher Jones?" You need to talk to this person to obtain new contacts as well.
When you are networking with people, be a resource for them as well. If you can help them with a problem - they may repay the favor in the future.