The Right Way to Network Online
A Spearmint #2020 Strategy Paper
2020 has found many young professionals pondering their future as work has shifted to a remote setting. As the professional and academic world has gone online, it is crucial to consider the enhanced importance of networking and of taking advantage of available contacts and resources - even if the way to connect has shifted to a different format.
Here's some guidance on the right way to connect successfully:
1. How to start?
“My Mom/college career office/neighbor/Gary V. suggested I give you a call…”
Even if you don’t say it out loud, your ambivalence comes shining through with this perfunctory and generic way of asking for advice. And any person who is a rock star in their industry has heard it often. When conversations start this way, there's no way for the person whose time you are taking to know exactly how to help you. Or how long it might take!
2. Start with a positive tone.
The way you initiate the conversation is everything. Shift the language to a positive tone: “I’m very excited to be starting my search for a job in rocket science and know you’re an expert so I’d welcome your insight about…” When in doubt I recommend: "I'd love your advice." No frills, friendly and simple.
3. Identify the exact type of advice you're seeking.
Immediately address the topic of your problem in the form a question. In order to craft a question with great precision, ask yourself:
· What kind of advice am I seeking?
· What does my problem involve?
· What are my desired outcomes?
4. Are You Looking for a Single Decision?
Are you hoping for a recommendation in favor of - or against – a specific option, such as “Should I start my career in finance in a formalized training program or at a smaller company which offers experiential learning?”
5. Are You Looking for Wise Counsel?
Are you hoping for guidance on how to approach a complex or unfamiliar situation or a process for how to navigate that situation, such as ‘Where do you see the Real Estate markets going over the next 3-5 years and where should focusing my efforts?”
6. Are you hoping for Mentoring?
Are you looking for opportunities, guidance, and suggestions from someone with whom you have worked and/or you believe could help you build and sustain professional & personal effectiveness and career advancement? Someone you could ask questions like: "How would you suggest I position myself to get more exposure for my resume at Company xyz."
7. Come prepared with specific details about your situation, problem, or goal.
Simply put, don't come into the conversation empty-handed. Put realistic "guardrails" on the conversation - clear expectations about time and topic - and include any essential background information that your advisor might not be familiar with. That way you are more likely to get the results you want. Providing specific details also keeps the conversation pleasant and interesting.
8. Remember to ask the right person.
Several studies have shown that advice seekers are more likely to ask for guidance from people they feel comfortable with, like a close friend or family member. I encourage you to look farther. Think creatively about the expertise you need. Who will bring in the most valuable insight? Who has the most knowledge that's relevant to your problem?
9. Network online.
If you don’t have a large network of your own to tap into, consider participating in – and networking at - online summits, like those currently being offered by Riveter or Luminary. And check out local organizations and Chambers of Commerce, many of which are also currently offering virtual networking opportunities.
When it comes to networking over Skype or Zoom rather than meeting in person, it is entirely possible to make a good impression and display your personality well by bringing the same level of professionalism you would bring into a physical meeting. Dress well and groom accordingly and make sure you have a neat, quiet, spot at home for your computer that is free of distracting elements. Close all other windows on your computer screen, put your phone away, and make eye contact by keeping your eyes on your computer’s camera.
10. College Career Services Centers are a great secret weapon!
If you’re in college, don’t be shy about contacting your college career services center and taking advantage of their free resources, including Vault. Many colleges still make these resources available to recent or not so recent alums as well. Most college career centers have a huge networking database you can tap into and a staff that are there to help you succeed.
Your best chance for success.
The fact that online job application submissions average only a 1.2% return is a clear indication that the internet is not an efficient means of getting you noticed and landing a job. Networking is three times more likely to get you a job than applying directly without an inside referral.
There’s no doubt that networking can be an uncomfortable, awkward and insecure process. I can assure you however that most of the experts you are looking to connect with have been just where you are. They appreciate that mentoring, championing, and offering wise counsel is an important part of leadership and will be happy to help you. Following the simple suggestions above will help make it easy for them to do so.
Remember, be sincere and authentic as you network and recognize that, while each contact may not lead you straight to the job you are looking for, you will learn things that will help you grow professionally and personally. As Dorie Clark, author and Duke Business School professor, has said:
“The best reason to build a professionally diverse network… isn’t about what you’ll get out of those relationships. It’s to fulfill your personal curiosity and develop yourself as a person. Professional or monetary ROI is a happy coincidence.”