Of course if you are looking for work you are probably out there pounding the pavement, making connections and networking, this is especially likely if you are unemployed. Networking isn’t something that you should just be doing when you are looking for your next role but an activity that should be incorporated in to how you operate on a daily basis.
Bobby Umar is one of the top networking coaches in the world and as President of Raeallan he knows that networking is critical to his business success. When I asked him how individuals could improve their network even when they are not searching for a job, he shared the following 3 tips:
So be a mentor, give advice, show up, be responsive and be accessible. Your network will value this and your net worth will increase in value. Someday you can make your net work for you.
1) Always, always, always be building your personal brand: Whether you like it or not, your brand exists. It’s what people say about you or think about you whether in person or online. You need to keep managing it, growing it and building some though leadership around what you do and are passionate about. This includes social media or online, such that the moment you are thrust into ‘transition mode’ you have a solid base to leap from.
2) One foot in the door, one foot out of the door: When you get your foot in the door, you need to work hard to impress, learn, grow and deliver in your organization. But you also need to have another foot out of the door that is networking externally, investing in leadership development, involving yourself in causes unrelated to your employer. That foot in the door can stay there for 5, 10, even 20+ years. It doesn’t mean you have to leave. But too often people with both feet in only invest their time and energy within the organization and once they are let go, have to spend months building a pipeline of opportunity.
3) Help everyone across the same bridge: The basic idea here is to give back, as much as you can, to anyone and everyone that asks for help. You struggled to get where you are, sometimes getting help to cross a bridge. When that happens, why would you forget to help others cross the same bridge? There will be a time where you will need help and having invested in others will serve you well. So be a mentor, give advice, show up, be responsive and be accessible. Your network will value this and your net worth will increase in value. Someday you can make your net work for you.
For more tips from Bobby Check out Bobby’s new book How to Network Anytime, Anywhere, with Anyone on Amazon & Kindle. You can also follow him on Twitter – @raehanbobby. If you are ready for some face-to-face coaching on how to network you can join his “Authentic Networking Masterclass”, for more information visit www.raeallan.com.