FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY #9
Hannah Morgan’s Article Transcript:
It’s easy to make excuses for not networking. A lot of people just don’t like doing it or don’t know how easy it really is.
Here are the top 7 reasons people give for not networking (and I’ll debunk them).
1. I don’t know anyone
Yes, you do! You can network with anyone- friends, family or past co-workers. Just reach out to the people you know and ask how they are doing and what’s new. That’s all networking is. You do not need to ask for anything. Just reach out and see what happens.
2. I have run out of people to talk to
If this happens, I’m sorry, but you haven’t been networking the right way. Either the people you’ve met with should have wanted to provide you with additional names of people they know OR you should have asked for recommendations of people to speak with.
3. I am too shy
This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your extroverted side. Is it uncomfortable? Yes, but this really isn’t an excuse. Learn from others and watch what expert networkers do. You can even ask them for help.
4. I don’t know what to talk about
You simply need to ask questions about the other person. Focus on learning about them and what they do. Have a set of questions ready to ask of anyone you meet.
5. People keep turning me down
Re-think what you ask for. There are very few people who will turn down a request for help. Is it your wording? Is it your delivery? Ask a friend to critique your invitation.
6. It hasn’t worked for me in the past
Were you expecting immediate results- perhaps a job offer on the spot? The process of networking takes time. Trust builds over time.
That is why it is so important to make networking a habit. And networking is about being a resource. What have you offered? Help? Information? Introducing someone?
7. I don’t have money for coffee and gas
Thank goodness we learned to use Zoom and other video conferencing tools! But there’s nothing quite like a good face-to-face meeting over coffee. Be smart in how and when you schedule your meetings. Perhaps you can schedule meetings back to back to decrease driving around town.
Did you see your excuse above? Is there another reason you aren’t networking? Put it in the comments below and I know you’ll get some help!
Want more great tips?
Hanna’s Website: https://careersherpa.net/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahmorgan/
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