Before we get into today's lesson, I'd like to invite you to this month's Six Figure Network event TONIGHT at 6pm. This networking event is specifically designed to pair six figure job seekers with employers who are looking to build relationships with top talent in the KC area in a relaxed setting.
At last month's meeting, I received the comment, "this event is better than 99% of all of the other networking groups I've gone to, because I really feel like I was able to tell my story tonight."
So, I'd love for you to join us if you're in the Kansas City area and are free tonight - to find out more info and to register, visit http://sixfigurenetworkkc.com . It's one of the EASIEST ways to expand your network, which is what I'll be instructing you on today.
The quick insight I would like you to walk away with after reading this post is that you get much better results when networking by being interested instead of trying hard to be interesting.
Most people have some sort of elevator pitch, or 30-second commercial, memorized. If you don't, and you want an effective recipe for one, reply to this email and I'll send you a copy of my Audio Business Card worksheet.
But many people do what I call "show up and throw up" - they spout what they're looking for in their next position and don't know how to ask questions to the person they're talking to. For these type of people, it's all about getting to explain what they want and then ask the person they're talking to if they know of anyone who is hiring, or if they can pass along their resume to their own HR department. Please don't be one of these people!
Instead, ask the person questions that get them engaged in the conversation. Questions like:
- So where do you work? Or have worked?
- What do you like best about what you do?
- Where do you see yourself in 1-3 years?
- What areas of your company or industry are growing?
- Where else do you network?
And then at the end of the conversation, after they've done 80% of the talking and you've done 20% (the ol' 80/20 rule), ask the magical question, "Who do you know that I should be talking with?"
You'll find you have endeared yourself to them so much more, and they are much more willing to help you out the best they can. You may get four names out of the quick conversation, like a current client of mine did.
For more information, you can access a free PDF manual about Informational Interviewing by visiting my website: http://careerresumeconsulting.
I hope this helps kick up your search a few notches this week, and may you have the most productive week of your search so far!
Warm Regards,
Tammy Kabell
Career Resume Consulting
(816)600-2478
