You Dont Like It, But Networking PAYS

You Dont Like It, But Networking PAYSYou Dont Like It, But Networking PAYSIt seems theres a gap between what people know to be true networking is the 1 way to your next job, and what people actually do sit on the major job boards for 2 hours each night and submit their great resume 100 times. So let me walk you through my latest networking experience, with a twist. Do what I did, and you can reap the benefits in your job search.I had been invited to and reminded about this networking event for at least a month, and I was eager to attend. However, shortly after arriving, I realized this was not my crowd. Everyone was in industries related to one another, like mortgages, title companies, and leistungspunkt repair. Then there was me. One of these kids was definitely not like the others. The only person I knew there was the person who invited me. So what to do? Blaze forward, but of COURSE Heres how to make the most out of a networking event, even if you think it may be a waste of time o r you probably wont get anything out of it1) Give before you receive. In introducing myself, I led with the statement that I guide people to land in the jobs they love. Instead of presenting an I-focused statement on what Im looking for, I focused on how I impact others. Though no one in this particular room was searching for a job, the statement was simple, and it resonated. Everything does not have to be a big, structured, knock-out intro. Many of the people there thought of someone who may benefit from connecting with me.Re-evaluate your elevator pitch. Does it center on what you want or need? If so, massage the wording to shift the focus onto how you impact your ideal audience. Doing so will be infinitely more interesting to the person youre talking to, and it is more likely to open the door to further conversation.2) Tell people what you believe, not just what you do. I believe that who you are is unique, and together, we are going to tell your story in a way that employers tak e notice. Thats a far cry from simply saying, I write resumes for people, which, by the way, is not even close to all that I do. Furthermore, instead of pigeon-holing myself by sticking a label in the other persons mind, I implied there are many possibilities when it comes to telling your story, because there are.Are you telling people youre a corporate attorney, vice-president of customer care, or director of operations? Change that, because you are more than your title. Talk about what you believe about the importance of what you do. For example, I believe that a customer experience thats excellent every time can be the lifeblood of a successful company, so I concentrate on making that experience happen.3) Set your mind on making friends, not just professional contacts. Adopting the right mindset can make a world of difference. When I realized none of these people were looking for jobs, I didnt turn right around and head for the door. I simply made it my mission to talk to some pe ople, eat some buffalo wings, and have a good time.Sometimes in job search, relaxing and going with the flow pays off. I believe one of the reasons people dont like networking and dont do it well is because they approach the situation thinking, I have to make a specific number of contacts, or, I really need this to lead to an interview next week. The badeanstalt news is people smell desperation. The good news is a good attitude and a nice smile invite everybody in.Networking is never a waste of time. Whether you think the people you meet can immediately help you or not, connect with them on LinkedIn the next day, view their LinkedIn profile, and send a nice note. Its not totally relevant who the individual is. Rather, its more relevant whos in their network. Thats what can ultimately pay off for you in a major way.Do you have any networking or job search related stories about turning lemons into lemonade like I did? Wed all like to learn from your experience, so share your story bel ow