Holiday Networking

Tis the season. . .for shopping, and caroling and spreading good cheer. And. . .if you’re in the job market, ‘tis the season’ for networking. For getting out there and talking to people. The hustle and bustle of the season, including holiday parties and festivities, provide perfect opportunities for “running into” friends and family you haven’t seen for awhile, as well as meeting new people.

Accept invitations to holiday gatherings. Introduce yourself and shake hands with people who may have forgotten you and people you’ve not met before. Spend a little time getting acquainted or reacquainted. Listen and show genuine interest in folks and in what is going on in their lives. And, when they ask “So, what do you do?” or “What are you doing now?” you can tell your story.

Don’t be so bold as to ask for jobs. Make your goal instead to build rapport. It is appropriate to ask if you can call later for advice or to hear more about a particular person or organization. Take time and make the effort to jot down names and titles of people you talk with so you can follow up with a note saying how nice it was to meet/talk with them.

Take the challenge. Meet new people this holiday season. You never know when you might make a new friend . . . or meet a future coworker or even a future boss.

Happy holidays!

Young Professionals of Wichita

My last post featured Suzie Finn, Executive Director of Young Professionals of Wichita. The information which follows includes Suzie's answers to questions I asked regarding the Young Professionals of Wichita organization.

How do people join YPW? Just go to the website and click “join now”.  http://www.ypwichita.org/

What does it cost? Membership is free for WSU Students because WSU is a corporate sponsor. Membership is also free for alumni if they work for any one of the corporate sponsors.

What age people belong to YPW? Age 21 – 40. The junior or senior year in college is the ideal time to join. However, there will soon be a new initiative – Nexus – that will focus on helping students make connections earlier.

What happens at a typical YPW meeting? Some meetings are social events and held at restaurants/bars. Most are free. There is a charge for “ultra mingles” -- for example, baseball games.

It sounds as if YPW is primarily a social organization. We typically host 3-7 events every month. One of those is a purely social event; the rest have some sort of education, professional development, or service component that is the focus of the event. While there is always time for networking/socializing at events, there is much more to YPW than that.

Are there ways to be actively involved? Yes, be part of a team. Teams meet monthly.

What are some of the teams? Teams include a team that plans events, a team that plans lunch and learns, the professional development team, and the community relations team that plans community service.

What are some of the community service projects YPW participates in? The Kansas Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters. The largest community service of the year is ENHANCE through which YPW members work on the exteriors of homes for people in the community who need help.

What is the best way to get involved in YPW? There is another team --the leadership link team. It is probably the best team for college students to get involved in. This team focuses on political awareness and gives team members the opportunity to meet with elected officials in Wichita and Sedgwick County.

Why should WSU students/alumni join Young Professionals of Wichita? YPW provides the opportunity to network with other YPW members and also more experienced professionals in the community. It also gives people the chance to meet HR representatives from many different organizations in Wichita.

Are you still asking “why join YPW?” I would ask why wouldn’t you?

Networking and Success: Interview with Suzy Finn

The first thing I noticed when I met Suzy Finn was her smile. She was a great smile. And, she wears that smile all the time. . .or at least whenever I see her. Suzy Finn, newly named Executive Director of the Young Professionals of Wichita, is -- appropriately -- a perfect example of a “young professional”.  After graduating with a degree in Public Relations from Marquette University, Suzy began her career as a graphic designer in Washington D.C.
 
Although she grew up and went to school in Wichita, when Suzy returned to Kansas after working in Washington D.C., most of her friends had relocated. Looking for a way to connect with other young people in the community, she joined YPW. We could say “the rest is history”. Her involvement in YPW helped her land a job at Wichita State University. Her job at Wichita State University, selection for Leadership Academy through YPW and her previous commitment to YPW as a volunteer helped her land her current job. It is easy to understand why Suzy is a big believer in networking!

When asked about her success, Suzie said “I grew up with a successful business person as a parent. I decided early on that I was going to be successful. Throughout college and my career, I’ve done whatever I needed to do to be successful.”

Suzy would tell current college students to try different things and get involved in organizations. She said: “The key is being excited about what you do. Find a piece of something that excites you in every  job you have.”  

Networking

Wasted Opportunities

Networking is probably the best job search tool you could use. It is through networking that you connect with someone who can help you connect with someone else who can help you connect with someone else. . . . ultimately resulting in you connecting with someone who can point you in the direction of a job.

It’s wise never to take contacts for granted. If someone you trust offers you the opportunity to talk with one of their associates or connections, appreciate that offer. Thank them graciously. Follow through. Above all, do not say you will talk with that person if in fact you have no intention of doing so.

One of the things about networking—and, in fact all of life, is you just never know who you are going to meet who can have a tremendous influence on you. Why would you not want to take advantage of that opportunity?

 “The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.”

~ Robert Kiyosaki

6 + 4 Reasons to Use LinkedIn

According to Ruth Harper, a communications student and blogger, here are six reasons to use LinkedIn (See full article at http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/blog/why-you-should-use-linkedin-before-graduation) 

LinkedIn offers an easy way to break the professional networking ice.

1. LinkedIn contains fewer 18 to 24 year olds than other social networking sites.
2. LinkedIn makes it easier to find internships or jobs while in school.
3. LinkedIn helps students build and maintain professional networks efficiently and effectively.
4. LinkedIn provides students an opportunity to prove themselves professionally through     authentic discussion.
5. LinkedIn allows students to promote themselves professionally online. 

Four more reasons to use LinkedIn:

1. It’s a great way to promote your blog or personal website.
2. It can be an especially effective way to connect to professionals in different locations throughout the United States or the world.
3. LinkedIn has a job search feature and more and more employers are using it.
4. It’s a great way to research a company before a job interview. You might even be able to find the people who will be interviewing you.

Networking Guide

Networking Guide - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

This contains great information regarding networking. I encourage you to take a look!

More on Networking

Just two more days until The Art of Networking.  So here come a few ideas you might use as objectives  for the evening – and for other events that offer the opportunity to connect with people.

Set a goal to talk with two or three people. This works! As an introvert, going to meetings with the objective to meet three people makes all the difference in whether I actually walk up to people and start a conversation – or run for the door as soon as the meeting is over.  I have met some incredible people I would never have met if I hadn’t pushed myself a little (or a lot) to take the initiative to meet them.

Turn off your cell phone. Yes, completely off.  If your phone were to ring it would be embarrassing—and that funny little sound it makes when it vibrates is louder than you think.

Do not head immediately for the hors d'oeu·vres-no matter how hungry you are. The people you meet are more important than the snacks.  

Smile. Sounds so simple but sometimes hard to remember.

Since we’re on the subject of mouths, remember your breath mints. Note: I didn’t say gum which is way too easy to start chompin’ and poppin’ when you are nervous.

Keep a distance of 18 inches or so between you and the individual you are talking with. Any closer and you might find that person backing away.

Look everybody you talk with in the eye and genuinely listen as they speak with you. You just might be surprised what you learn.

Ask for business cards. If you have business cards of your own, put a few in your pocket but don’t offer one unless the person you are talking to asks.  Important note: put the business cards you collect in a different pocket than your own business cards. 

Don’t dominate any one person’s conversation. Talk with a person and learn a little about them. Give your 30 second commercial. Tell them it was nice to have met them. Ask for their business card. Move on to another person.

Send each person you meet a note the following day telling them it was a pleasure to meet them and thanking them for the opportunity to talk with them. 

Networking. . .that's what it's all about. 

Get a job!

~jan

“The way of the world is meeting people through other people. “  ~ Robert Kerrigan

Networking

If you’ve been anywhere close to our office, or website, you’ve heard the term networking. In fact, you’ve probably heard it more than once. So, what is the big deal about networking?  

Networking is crucial to your job search. So much so that it is how 65% of people find jobs.

Networking is about connecting with people. And, reconnecting.  And, building relationships.  And, maintaining those relationships.

We heard a great networking success story last week. One of our WSU Alum landed the job he wanted out of state. How? He contacted a connection at WSU to say he was job hunting. That person told her staff. One of her staff had a connection . . .who  had a connection at the company our Alum wanted to join.  Bottom line: our alum has been in his new job a couple of months now.  

Anywhere people are gathered is a place to network. Another of our former students got a job through a lead he heard about from someone he met in line at the grocery store.  Another through a connection he learned about from his barber. A few years ago, I found a great job through a tip I received in an elevator.  So, really "What's not to like about networking?"

We believe in networking so much we’ve organized a special event. The Art of Networking will be from 5:30 – 7:00pm Oct. 26 in the Ulrich Museum of Art. Take advantage of this chance to have fun as you enjoy horde ours and learn more about networking in a relaxed setting. 

Don’t wait. RSVP now to jan.mead@wichita.edu or 978-3435.  

Get a job! 

~jan

Jan Mead, Assistant Director, Wichita State University

The Art of Networking

You've heard us say -- more than once -- in fact, lots and lots of times -- how important networking is to your job search and your career. Heck, networking is important in all of life. So, here's your chance to learn how. Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7:00pm, Lauren Brunner-Jenkins, who works in Human Resources with Emprise Bank, will be here to walk you through the technique of networking. As if that wasn't enough, you also get the chance to practice with local employers. Call me today at 978-6834 or email jan.mead@wichita.edu and reserve your place for The Art of Networking, to be held in the Ulrich Museum of Art on Oct. 26.

Get a job!

~jan  

Network with Training and Organizational Development Practioners

Information follows regarding a great opportunity to network with training and organizational development practioners, as well as learn new techniques useful in the workplace.


July Lunch n’ Learn – July 21, 2011 over lunch
Dealing with Drama in the Workplace: Opportunities for Training and OD Practitioners
Speaker: Nate Regier, Ph.D., Partner, Next Element
Thursday July 21st@ Butler CC (715 E 13th Street in Andover)
12-1PM (Meal/drinks provided), networking begins at 11:30 AM
$15 for Members (local or nat’l)/$20 all others
RSVP to sherry.alexander@wichita.edu

Roughly ten percent of daily workplace interactions qualify as effective communication. The rest…Drama. In this entertaining and eye-opening presentation, Dr. Regier outlines the dynamics and roles of Drama, how people recruit others to join them, and the predictable consequences for productivity, morale, and engagement. The presentation will finish with strategies and implications for trainers and OD professionals. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
• Identify the three roles of the Drama Triangle
• Identify the three roles in the Compassion Triangle
• List behavioral indicators of invitations into Drama
• List three strategies that trainers and OD practitioners can implement in their work with clients.

Hope to see some of you there. . .

~jan

Get out from behind that computer

Get out from behind that computer and meet some people!

A great way to meet people and learn more about careers and jobs is to conduct informational interviews.

Important to remember is that an informational interview is not a way to get a job or job leads. An informational interview is to get information only: information regarding the other person’s job, career path, education.

Why would you want to talk with someone regarding their job, career path, education? To get ideas for your own job, career path, education, of course. And, to have the opportunity to add a person to your professional network.

Why would someone want to take time out of their already hectic schedule to talk with you about their “job, career path, education”? I don’t know for sure, but my assumption is people like to talk about their work and want to help other people – especially people just starting out.

Know someone working in a job that sounds interesting to you? Give them a call. Ask for 15 minutes of their time to come in and visit with them about their work. On the day of the meeting, dress nicely in professional dress, arrive on time, leave when your 15 minutes is up, and send a thank you card.

Or, have an interest in a career but would like to talk to someone actually working in the field? Call WSU Career Services (978-3435). We’ll help you find someone to talk with. And. . . we’ll even give you sample questions for your informational meeting.

Until next week --

~jan

LinkedIn

One of your classmates has had great results using LinkedIn as part of her job search.

What did she do?

She registered on LinkedIn
She posted a comprehensive profile.
She joined groups, including the Wichita State University Alumni group, professional groups pertaining to her field of study, and employer groups.
She got recommendations from professionals who could speak to the quality of her work.
She started discussions with her groups, asking questions that “made her sound smart”. (She is smart by the way—very smart.)

And, the result? She has received lots and lots of advice and good information. Even better -- an employer discovered her on LinkedIn and flew her out of state to interview last week.

Don’t know about LinkedIn? It’s an amazing online professional network of over 100 million professionals.

Check it out. What are you waiting for? http://www.linkedin.com/

Advice from a May Grad

Earlier this week I had a conversation with a May graduate excited about his new job. The conversation went something like this:

Me: “Congratulations! How did you land your job?”
MG (May grad): "I talked to everyone I came in contact with for the past 2 1/2 years."
Me: “So, networking huh?
MG: "Oh, yeah – lots and lots of networking."
Me: “Sounds as if you're good at networking.”
MG: "I am. Do I like it? No. Did I do it? Yes -- I wanted a job. This is my life. And, the alternative to getting a job was going home, with my master’s degree, to live with my dad."

Beyond Monster Job Search

The four panelists of " Beyond Monster" one of the many great events of Business Week, gave lots of heartfelt advice regarding networking, based on their own individual job searches.

One panelist said "Strike up a conversation wherever you are. No contact is too minor. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I’m looking for a job’."

She continued to suggest: remember your friends have parents. Those parents have friends and neighbors. Everyone you know has their own network so anytime you talk with just one person you have the potential to reach lots and lots more people.

She gave a personal example of a conversation she had recently with her food server when dining at an upscale restaurant. As their conversation ended, the server said “This is what I’d really like to do. May I give you my name and number?” The server had given excellent service and our panelist remembered her. She made sure to give her a job lead when, a couple of weeks later, she heard of a position she thought the server might be interested in.

Networking works! What are you waiting for? Get out there and talk to people!

Becoming a Leader on the Job (Search)

A Washington Post article by a member of the class of 2009, this provides a different spin on "job searching as a job."

Becoming a Leader On the Job (Search)

Like thousands of young people across the country, I am a little over a month away from graduating from college -- and entering a downright hostile job market. It would be an understatement to say I feel panicked, in spite of having worked hard for years to build an impressive resume for future employers. No one envies the class of 2009.

Although job searching is exhausting, I've realized my search may actually be teaching me some valuable leadership lessons -- perhaps more than any entry-level, "real" job ever could. Read up on the five ways that looking for a job is making me -- and can make you -- a better leader.

1. Venturing out of your comfort zone
Sitting around and waiting won't make jobs come running your way. The past few months have forced me to be more "social" than I've ever been. Once I got over the initial fear of emailing an alum, calling up a potential employer, or sitting down with a supervisor at work, the boundaries of my comfort zone expanded infinitely. Here are 12 different ways of using social networking to land a job.

2. Managing panic and staying positive
One recent evening, I sent out no less than 30 emails to alumni in the journalism industry. "Dear Mr./Ms. _______, I am interested in hearing about your experiences in journalism...." Almost a dozen alumni responded that same night, but to my dismay, almost half of them said they were no longer at their previous jobs. "I'm not in a position to offer any advice to you," one alum wrote to me. "Maybe we can talk again when the financial crisis eases off." It occurred to me that I needed to cut myself some slack: This recession's hitting everyone, no matter how good their resumes. Not everything is under my control.

In her article "High Spirits + Energy = Better Job Search," career coach Diane Costigan advises, "You need patience to play out the waiting game; perseverance in the face of rejection and bad news; persistence to keep moving forward when motivation may wane; and, perhaps most important, a positive perspective to keep your motivation high."

3. Evaluating your next boss
I am beginning to see just how easy it is to get completely consumed by the "Please, hire me!" attitude. This is especially the case now, as times are difficult and being extended even one job offer seems like a bounty of opportunity.

But (as I am being reminded by a few wise adults in my life), a job search is very much a two-way process. Not only are potential employers evaluating you, but you too, must evaluate your next boss. As a Washington Post writer pointed out, "few things have more impact on your happiness at work than the person you answer to every day."

4. A process of self-discovery
Four months ago, I wanted to land a job that would allow me to write about news and politics. When this quickly became much more difficult than I had ever expected, I had no choice but to rethink my strategy. What are the things that I am really good at and how can I put these skills to use? How can I best "sell" my best qualities to employers, without completely compromising the things I care and feel passionate about?

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Claire Bonilla, who took a roundabout path to get to her current job, said: "When I was younger I had an interview question that asked what color I'd choose to describe myself. I chose black because it's made up of the entire spectrum of colors. I believe that every person is made up of different components -- skills, talents and facets. With any job it really comes down to understanding what talents, or colors, you will pull out that align with that job." My goal now is simply to find a job that connects with one aspect of my interest and skills, rather than all of them at once.

5. Helping others, especially when times are difficult
So many people in my life -- from professors, alumni and supervisors at work, to the parents of an adorable two-and-a-half-year-old boy I babysit for -- have blown me away with their willingness to help. Their gestures range from buying me coffee and offering me career advice, to putting me in contact with people in the journalism industry.

I feel inspired to give back in the same way someday. I cannot wait to get that first phone call or email five years down the road, from a soon-to-be-graduate asking me for career advice. And if they are worried at all about the job search, I will reassure them that they will be okay, because after all, I was class of 2009 -- and I survived.

By MJ Lee April 8, 2009; 11:23 AM ET