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Blind networking ... ?
How does everyone feel about being reached out to for career advice or guidance? I'm wondering if this is something better suited for the work place? I'm currently furlough and most likely will get called back to work, but I've been looking to change careers. I've been trying to break my own comfort zone and reach out and network with complete strangers just to get some insight, even just indulge in conversation over the field but it seems many are cold towards it. I'll maybe get one generic reply and the conversation is ghosted.
So my question is, do people not appreciate blindly networking through this forum? Am I just reaching out to the wrong people? Or am I just weird for reaching out to people at all ...
Kristin Withers
Expert in brand content messaging & strategy.
47
06/18/20 at 5:54PM UTC
I agree with Amy here that it just takes one win. I try to come from a place of easiness like making new friends in a business area that interests both parties.
Amy PetricekI streamline processes through training!
25
06/17/20 at 4:52AM UTC
When I think of networking or blind networking I try to remind myself that it just takes ONE! You might get 9 no's or 9 avoidances. But maybe that 1 response is the 1 you need to move forward on your path. Keep trying for the 1!
Jennifer A
968
06/16/20 at 7:59PM UTC (Edited)
A few things that help:
1. Consider that depending on how you are approaching, they may/maynot be looking at that platform right now. While many are out of work, many are also juggling kids with working from home and/or job hunting themselves. This means they are twice as busy and may not be able to look at anything right now that isn't an immediate need in their lives.
2. Keep in mind with blind networking that you are performing a kind of 'sales/marketing' role. You are asking for something (advice) and would like them to engage with you. I find that reading books on sales actually helps me with networking. I've leaned to tailor my message and try to start a conversation instead of just asking for advice. I try to 'ease into' the ask and I always try to give them something first as psychologically a person is more inclined to respond in this type of circumstance. This might mean that you see that they retweeted an article and/or posted something on social media. Read what they tweeted/posted and reach out with a question about what you agreed with them on and/or a question about what they wrote. This can become a conversation where you can then ask for some advice.
Last, remember that in sales - there are many "no's' to one "yes". So just keep swimming. When you find someone who wants to help, it's like finding gold!
Good Luck!
Lauren CastelluzzoA bicoastal creator of brand experiences
72
06/16/20 at 5:52PM UTC
I think networking is key! Especially now with so many people unemployed or looking to change careers. I find LinkedIn to be a great tool, and if you can craft a message that offers something to the other person or that recognizes something they have done before (not just how to help yourself), people have been really receptive. I’ve also seen a ton of my contacts post about setting time to offer advice and practice interviews since they have more time on your hands. At the end of the day, you need to stand out and you never know who you might meet. You have nothing to lose! We can all pay it forward.
Robyn WickHiEd Professional/PT Fitness Inst
736
06/16/20 at 4:42PM UTC
On a networking site, if someone reaches out and it is clear that they are looking to network for a purpose, I will respond. I do a lot of networking as part of my job and whenever I can be of help, I try to be. Even if I can't, maybe I know someone else who would be a good contact.
Linda KappaufLearning & Development Professional
17
06/14/20 at 1:52PM UTC
I think it’s perfectly fine to reach out and connect with individuals in other career fields especially if you explain that you are considering a career change. In most cases, these individuals will feel flattered that you reached out to them to ask questions and explore.
Be sure and update your LinkedIn Profile too making sure you have a current list of your job skills/experience. Remember that your skills can definitely transfer to other industries.
IrinaHelping you become a coach or a consultant
224
06/13/20 at 10:15PM UTC
I don't think you should break your head too much over this; some people are a good fit and they will give you what you need, others are guarded or maybe not interested and they wouldn't be able to open up enough to help you anyway. So things are good the way they are. It's very important to be comfortable in your own shoes and do what you feel makes sense.
If you are interested I am open to have a career change conversation with you any time. I can even help you test what would be the best fit for you right now. Let me know! And just follow your instincts, they never lie! :)
Patricia M. VelezEnergetic Marketing Professional in Fort Worth.
79
06/13/20 at 9:24PM UTC
Virtual network can be difficult. I do it in Linkedin so I can meet peers in my industry, people don’t reply back but you have to persistent you’ll never know who might respond and it becomes a good connection.
Elyse Shermer
124
06/13/20 at 2:24PM UTC
I was doing just that before the pandemic hit. I asked for informational interviews. For the most part , many were receptive. Since the pandemic I reached put to less people and got less responses. I felt I might have been a bother with all that is going on in the world. At this point I am just trying to keep up the relationships with the new connections I made earlier this year. I hope that helps!
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.82k
06/13/20 at 11:39AM UTC
Personally, I'm completely open to connecting, even blind connections. I think we need to approach each other as humans first and be as supportive as we can to whomever reaches out.
I always think about how much courage it takes to blindly connect and how a small act of kindness, jumping on a call or answering some questions, goes a long way!
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