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Debbie Runyon

11/22/20 at 10:44PM UTC

Career

Networking

I am currently employed, but looking for a new position. I need to do a better job with networking. Does anyone have advice that benefited them while looking for a new position and/or just in getting to know others?

25 Comments

Yvette

Nonprofit Data Expert

11/22/20 at 11:09PM UTC

Volunteer opportunities. Board service.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:26PM UTC

Thank You Yvette.

1 Reply

Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.

622

Administrator | Educator | Intrapreneur

12/05/20 at 7:15PM UTC

Agree! There are lots of virtual opportunities on VolunteerMatch and CatchAFire. The best way to network is to give value to others. And, it won't hurt to add the experience to LinkedIn either.

Keisha Jones

128

11/23/20 at 12:09AM UTC

Hi Debbie, I agree with Yvette. Also, I would try to reach out to everyone involved that plays a part in helping to make decisions that are directly linked to the position you are trying to land.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:28PM UTC

Thank You Keisha.

1 Reply

Keisha Jones

128

11/27/20 at 7:16PM UTC

You're welcome Debbie.

Brittany Cyran, MPH (she/her)

Account Management & Public Health Professional

11/23/20 at 12:15AM UTC

Meetup is a great place to find networking groups on specific topic areas. I also recommend following a couple of groups or individuals on LinkedIn that are focused on your area of interest. Take stock of who they follow and repost, and over time, you'll learn about other groups and people that you can follow. People are constantly posting interesting articles and events on LinkedIn, so there is always something new to find!

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:34PM UTC

Thank You Brittany.

Jennifer Nuest

11/23/20 at 12:38AM UTC

Reach out to people you trust in your industry. Many people are willing to help others, but may not reach out proactively.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:36PM UTC

Thank You Jennifer.

Nancie Zobrist

11/23/20 at 1:26AM UTC

Volunteering is the way to go. You’d be amazed at the people you can get to know by getting involved in your community. Some options would be Rotary International, Optimist Club, Jaycees (depending on your age), your local Chamber of Commerce.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:37PM UTC

Thank You Nancie.

Jackie Ghedine

4.25k

Coach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans

11/23/20 at 12:22PM UTC

I want to flip the switch on how you think about networking and then how to network all so you can get better at it. Instead of thinking about networking as ways to get people to know that you're looking for a job, think of networking as ways to meet people where you can support each other's career growth. How can you be of service to someone else, whom do you know that you can connect people together? I find some of the greatest places to networking (online and off) are industry associations where you can naturally be in groups with people who do what you do. I would also consider joining women's groups like Elevate, Dreamers and Doers and Lean In where the goal is to boost each other through networking and opportunities for growth.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:38PM UTC

Thank You Jackie.

Mimi Bishop

1.27k

Biz+Life Coach for GenX Women (and Millennials)

11/23/20 at 2:22PM UTC

Debbie -- I'm so glad to see that you posted this. So many people shy away from networking. However it can be a great way to meet new people and truly one of the most effective ways to bolster your career. A few suggestions: + Get involved in groups where you have a common interest, both professional and personal. Think about it as expanding your circle from a human first approach. + This can be both in person (difficult now!) or in online groups such as here on FGB, FB groups, LinkedIn groups and other online forums. + Start building these relationships in groups and then invite people to have an online "coffee" to get to know one another. + Approach networking as win win for all. What I mean by that is not about what you can do for me, but how can we help one another? + Keep in touch! Follow up and check in regularly. Relationships take time to build. + Consider investing in a paid networking organization, such as something like The Cru where members are looking for networking opportunities. Best of luck here!

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:43PM UTC

Thank You Mimi.

Krista Coutts

317

Marketing Professional, Cross-Functional Leader

11/24/20 at 9:34PM UTC

You probably have a list of companies that you would like to work with...research some of those...follow them...and look for any connections in your network for "introductions!"

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:44PM UTC

Thank You Krista.

Aly Brine

1.47k

a little corporate a little hippie alotta hustle

11/24/20 at 9:34PM UTC

Some great advice on networking above! I'd also add, a great way to find new folks to add to your network is through LinkedIn's alumni tool. If you graduated from a college or university, you already have a built in network of fellow alums. You can use the powerful data in the tool to find folks in jobs, industries or companies you'd be interested in learning more about. You already have a common factor with initiating a relationship with them so it's an easy way to start! I have a free quick overview of the tool here: https://www.alybrine.com/LinkedInAlumniTool

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:48PM UTC

Thank You Aly.

Joann S. Lublin

I am a journalist and book author.

11/24/20 at 10:42PM UTC

I totally agree with the prior advice you got here. Here are a few more tips: *Make sure you end any outreach to a new contact by offering to help in return. Networking works best when it's a two-way street. *In reaching out to fellow alums via LinkedIn, mention that connection right away as you'll likely hear back faster. *Put reminders in your calendar about various contacts you want to stay in touch with on a regular basis. *Your follow-up outreach should include links to interesting articles or online events that your contact might appreciate.

1 Reply

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 6:50PM UTC

Thank You Joann.

Debbie Runyon

11/27/20 at 7:01PM UTC

Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions and advice. I appreciate the time you spent answering my question. Many great ideas. Debbie

Joann S. Lublin

I am a journalist and book author.

11/27/20 at 7:50PM UTC

We're always happy to help. Keep us informed about your progress! Joann

Sarah Bartley

107

Front-end Web Developer

11/29/20 at 8:13AM UTC

One of the things I've learned about networking is that every interaction is networking. So in order to be better at networking, ways you can improve these interactions. This can be things such as commenting on a blog post, attending a webinar, or sharing what someone has said on social media. These are additions that help people remember you. Another tip I've learned about networking is providing value without expecting a response in return. This can be sending a resource they might be interested in or sharing information that they need to solve a problem. Messages that get people to respond are ones that are narrowed, focused, and helpful.