INTERVIEW: Networking from Scratch
I’ve been sharing this interview a lot lately with my coaching clients. It’s a conversation I had with a senior professional who found himself in a new city, with no network and unemployed. Michael had to build a trusted network from scratch – and quickly. In this interview, he explains exactly how he developed a strong network in short order that landed him an outstanding job…all without ever asking for a job! His advice – priceless.
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Listen to the interview and please share your thoughts and networking advice for others below. I’d love to hear what you think!
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I happen to see your thread in LinkedIn.
This is a great interview and really inspiring!!
Great interview Kevin, thank you. Michael had some great insight, all of which I agree with. What stands out for me is having a story, which is critical. Comparing your story to something that everyone can identify with is key, in Michael’s case talking about a chef. Also important is having your information together in the form of a job strategy to share with those you informational interview with, complete with a leave-behind piece. Not a resume, but a combination bio and addendum of what you want to leave that person with so they remember you. I have played with an actual brochure idea with my picture and just a bit about me, complete with my contact information. I have not yet completed it yet, but when my website is completed it will mirror the feel of my homepage. Almost like a large business card.
Very usefull indeed.
LinkedIn is not going to make it all. But this is the best tool to get started with a new Job Search Strategy.
I liked all of the advices: Know what you want, identify contacts, go out for meeting them, etc.
I am starting my search now, and got the feeling that I could save time and energy.
Michael did a terrific job by telling a simple story using the chef as an analogy to tell the recruiter why he was the perfect fit for the job. As a journalist I strive to find creative, unique and interesting ways to tell a story so we can capture people’s attention for as long as we can. Tell them why they should pay attention and care.
Michael’s story demonstrates that some of our professional skills can be applied in other areas: like the job search. There are probably hundreds or even thousands of candidates vying for the same positions but the story teller with the best story hits a home run. So the pressure is on to add that personal touch and stand out from the crowd.
I am looking for job as Regional Sales manager or Account Manager. I am good with Technical products and would like sell myself well in the interview and get the job compared to younger candidate with less experience. Need good to answers tough question.
Last fall my job as an Army contractor came to a very sudden end as a Civil Service employee from another state asked for a transfer into my job. With my contract renewing in just 3 days…I suddenly found myself
moving to another state very much as Michael had experienced.
The New job moved me to Cleveland, OH. It has been quite an experience, being sent to a remote site… where I’m the only manager for hundreds of miles. With my situation, I have responsibility for 22 employees divided between 2 locations in OH. My employees do a wonderful job but the upline management team is often unable to react to the needs of employees 600 miles away. The job is very challenging!
If anyone in the greater Cleveland area would like to network with another healthcare manager ….then please
contact me. I have 20+ years of service in clinical laboratories. I have a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development. I have served our soldiers, as Quality Manager with the Armed Services Blood Program. But what I’m missing is buddies outside of work who might want to compare notes on the everyday challenges of management….or better yet…..where are the hot-spots for those needed hours of winding down with like-minded people?
I have become a Cavs fan….I watch the Browns….I love sailing….and I have even grown to love Lake Effect Snow after having spent my first winter under the Lake. Please pass my info to friends in QA, HR, or clinical lab operations.
Thanks!
Jayne
Thank you for sharing Michael’s story. Very insightful and informative. He is so right about getting out there and networking. It ’s amazing how even going to a barbecue or a get together at someone’s house can lead to a job! Just this week – I’ve made 2 connections to possible employment!
One of the important points demonstrated here is how important it is to not lock oneself into a rut. How important it is to get out and keep the network active. What I did in February of this year is activate my network, which has paid many benefits downline. It has been 5 months and during that time I have had interviews, examined what I am doing right, what needs to be adjusted and made the changes necessary. Most important, I have kept in touch with my network and sought comment from time to time to insure I am going down the right path. Having an available network is worth it’s weight in gold, however the message Michael talks about is so important. You never know, that new network that Michael developed, just may benefit him downline.
Great advice in this interview. and a good reminder of what we should be doing. I found his last three pieces of advice to be particularly helpful: (1) Do a bio that answers who you are, (2) Have a good job searching strategy that you can articulate easily, and (3) keep a list of who you have met with AND who you yet would like to meet.
Robin,
I think this has to be one of my most favorite interviews. Michael has some great tips (like you mentioned) and he lays it out in an easy to use and implement fashion. In my opinion, it’s particularly useful for those who might be reluctant networkers, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Best,
Kevin
What does anyone think about a Life Coach, are they overrated? Can they really help and who qualifies for this title?