Tag Archives: networking for a job

Connecting with Online Influencers takes Bawls!

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Fueled-By-BawlsEveryone’s talking about “Building your Online Community” and influence all over creation. I’ve talked about it myself. But does anyone ever tell you the HOW TO’s? How does that work if you are naturally shy? Good of you to ask!

It actually is great if you’re a little on the shy side because though networking online or off may be similar, you can sort of hide behind the computer and talk to folks through the keyboard as opposed to a little face-to-face action (unless you’re Skying or hanging out on Google+).

In fact, I prefer it. I always feel so uncomfortable networking IRL (in real life) because I tend to be a little on the timid side when first meeting and blow that outta the water after we’ve conversed awhile. I know, you find that hard to believe but it’s the gosh dang truth. However, both networking IRL and online are needed to build your community, further your business and get the word out or to help others do the same. It takes interacting with others and it makes the world go round as apposed to playing jacks in a corner somewhere by yourself.

When working your way through the online world and connecting with others it’s a good rule of thumb to follow others and especially influencers in your space who have been plowing ground and making headway. And sometimes following those influencers, connecting with them on Facebook and across different social platforms can be a little intimidating to say the least. Sometimes it takes bawls of steel to hit the “friend button” on Facebook for fear of rejection or whatever.

Here’s how I developed my strategy.

  1. Follow the experts – I researched who the influencers were in my space. I studied where were they writing, who were they connected with, how were they connecting, what were they talking about? If there are folks doing it right, figure out what they’re doing that’s working. Now, apply that to your strategy – and I don’t necessarily mean copy them. But you can learn from them, follow some of the same folks they follow and who follow them and go from there to find your own voice.
  2. Find one platform, do that well! – I started with Twitter. I read every book I could find on Twitter, figured out the ins and outs and then began to start practicing what I learned. I searched hashtags and sat in on Twitter chats and watched what was going on. Then I connected with those folks who were “experts” for lack of a better word, and followed them, following their followers etc, etc. I started reading their blogs, commenting on them, showing my face in their world while sharing my own blog and my area of expertise.
  3. Cross-pollinate – I love the word cross-pollinate because to me that represents the best way to take your connections on one platform over to another platform. I began with my connections on Twitter that I was following, engaging with and learning from and finding them on Linked In and sending a short intro like “I’m bringing this on over from Twitter and would love to link up!” And most of them accepted my request.  I built my Linked In with several these same folks from Twitter. Then I started doing the same with Facebook. All of these platforms have their own feel and what I found was Facebook was very laid back where Linked In was more business chatter. I started learning about their kids, families, what they loved doing through Facebook and it created a great way to connect on a more personal basis. Twitter was a land all it’s own but very short, sweet and to the point and definitely serves a purpose. (NOTE: if you don’t want to mix personal and professional you don’t have to, but it can be a great way to dive deeper into these relationships you’re trying to build).

I will say I had some major kahuna’s to connect with the folks I’ve connected with – but I’ve always had those (not literally). But you never know until you try and reach out and touch someone, right?

What happens when you do this? You become part of some really amazing communities. You have the chance to perhaps even be considered a thought leader yourself and have the opportunity to advance your business, find a new career and help others do the same.

So grow some bawls, reach and connect with others. Learn from them and give back by liking their posts, commenting on their blogs, and simply engaging with them. There are some fantastic folks out there just waiting to show you the ropes!

Photo Credit: BevNet

Networking is a bunch of malarkey!

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network meetingToday’s guest post comes from my friend in the HR/Recruiting world Bonnie Ungaro who is in my neighborhood, ya’ll! Bonnie know’s what she’s talking about when she writes about networking and I wanted to share with you to spur you into networking – online and off! Enjoy, and make sure to connect to Bonnie and subscribe to her blog where this post was originally aired. She’s also on the Twitters.

_______________________________________

How to make a real connection with other professionals? 

Ah-ha, gotcha! I don’t really believe networking is BS, however earlier in my career I honestly did not see the value and here’s why – I was meeting the wrong people.

In the beginning of my career I attended several conferences, seminars and networking events and had a decent amount of exposure to HR folks. However, a majority of the time I had the luck of running into one of two kinds of people “The burnt out HR person” and “The blah blah me, me, me person“. Of all the many HR folks I met I only made two valuable HR connections (connections that I am still in contact with today!).

Here’s one super awkward example from my experiences. A couple of years back (before my professional social media days) at ILSHRM, I attempted to “network” during the lunch break. I approached three different tables with people and asked if I could join them for lunch. The first two tables told me they were full, the last table had one woman and she was the “classic burnt out HR person“. It was terrible! I felt like I was in high school, and that I was a huge LOOSER:(

But it’s not just me! Recently, in speaking with some of the younger folks at work about networking I’ve learned they too don’t see the value. Additionally the networking events I do attend in my community (from an eyeball perspective) the average age is 45+, not to mention many of these seasoned professionals have well established relationships so when they are at these event they are talking with each other. This situation is highly intimidating to “younger”/ “foreign” people. (Stay tuned for my post about seasoned professionals and being inclusive.)

Here’s how YOU can network more efficiently:

1:) Use social media to make connections. Using Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and/or G+ or one of the many other social media sites out there will help you find “the good ones”, the people worth connecting to!! It’s kind of like how Match.com changed the dating world. Yeah, you’ll still meet weirdos but you’ll also have a greater chance at connecting with really amazing people in your industry!

2:) Once you’ve established the “superficial” social media connection, schedule a phone chat, G+ hangout or Skype call with the people you see potential value in. This will further your relationship and open the door to a real professional connection.

3:) Ask your new contacts if they will be attending any of the upcoming conferences, seminars, etc. If they are arrange a time to meet.

So that’s you’re 1,2,3 to making valuable connections and networking more efficiently.

On another note, if you’re like me and kind of shy, don’t be afraid to say hi to someone you’ve met through social in person or AKA “IRL”. Some will be receptive and some may not, but at least you can walk away saying you tried.

Meet the Author:

bonnieMy name is Bonnie and I am certified human resources professional, and certified social sourcing recruiter. I have great passion for all HR topics that I share over at TheHRLife. I’d love for you to come visit! Feel free to connect.

When HR is kicked to the Curb

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I can’t tell you how many emails, DM’s, Facebook Messages and LinkedIn messages I get from folks that are looking for work. And I don’t mind at all.

I love connecting folks with other people who are looking for prime candidates online and looking for referrals and recommendations from people they trust. That’s the new way of doing it.

With every new job posting it seems there are hundreds applying for that same position which can be very frustrating and overwhelming to someone in our current job market.

Even if you’ve gone to college and received a PHR, SPHR, GPHR or GOPHER (okay, I made this last one up) and have worked in your field of expertise for hump-teen-million years – you are not exempt from being laid off. It’s a fact!

It’s interesting and alarming that so many HR and Recruiter friends are the ones contacting me lately with the awful news of them finding themselves being laid off, canned, booted out of their long-term positions and some of them are frantic. I would be the same.

I will say it again folks, nothing is EVER a sure thing.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’ve found yourself in this position and are in job-search mode:

  • Network: Try and stay connected online and off. You may just connect to the right person that can make that introduction to a key connection that will help you get that next gig.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach out to your connections and let them know (like folks are doing with me – and that’s cool). Sometimes you just have to open that mouth (or email) and let others know your business. We all need support. And again, your connections may be key in helping you get that next opportunity.
  • Keep your certifications up to date. Go to conferences and sit through all the boring sessions if you have to.
  • Continue to pour any and every kind of knowledge in the ole brain. And no, you don’t already don’t everything there is to know. If nothing else, it will help you maintain your sanity. (Note: Try to refrain from all the Alien shows. You don’t want to mention those in your next interview)

It hurts my heart when I receive an email from a friend (especially a smart and savvy HR friend) telling me they were just let go. I immediately go into a mode where I’m looking through all my connections to see who I can connect them with that can help, wracking my brain for a job posting I’ve seen across the Webs that have been shared by my recruiter friends and struggling to try and see how I can help them in their search.

As I stated yesterday on a status update “It takes a Village.” But if you haven’t invested time in building that Village before you need it I just don’t see how you are going to survive this new way of the social job search incorporated into your strategy.

Being able to connect and pull from those said Villagers is key in getting ahead in your job search in today’s social savvy marketplace.

For more info on how to develop social into your job search strategy check out Discovering Social’s “Defining your Personal Brand.”

The What, How and Why of Defining your Personal Brand

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Big brands like Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds are understanding the need for having an online presence in not only promoting their brand but actively listening to what folks are saying about them online, being able to quickly respond and engage their customers or potential customers.

The same tools can be used for building your personal brand to actively listen online, connect with key influencers and potential companies you’d like to work for and stay in touch with current job opportunities, for example.

It even works in our social business strategies. Knowing how to develop a strategy from point A to point B is so important.

Your brand is all about who you are and how you want to be known.

My pal Kyle Lacy just posted a fabulous article on this subject called “10 Steps To Writing Your Personal Brand Story” and it has many nuggets to incorporate into your strategy. I encourage you to read it.

That being said, I am hosting a Webinar today at 2:00 pm Central Standard Time, on “Defining Your Personal Brand” that will give you some insight into a few things such as:

  • Being present in social spaces
  • The importance of having an online presence
  • How Organizations and Big Brands are using branding and social media
  • How Job Seekers are using personal branding to find jobs (with a REAL LIFE Case Study)
  • What is Employer Branding?
  • What separates you from the pack?
  • The Power of Engagement and Online Connections

You won’t want to miss it. Sign up HERE>”Defining Your Personal Brand Webinar“

I’ll be sure and put on some makeup, do my hair and get out of my PJ’s.

What NOT to put on your Linked In profile

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Last week, while hanging out over at Google+ I came across this post from a recruiter who basically said, “WTH? Did this guy really post this on his Linked In Update?” Of course I had to go to the profile and check it for myself (It has since been taken down, thank God).

Here is what was posted on his status update:

After I finished yelling and screaming at my screen I of course posted this to Facebook for all my FB friends (a lot of them are in HR and Recruiting). I wanted to gather their opinions (yes, and create a little controversy). I had about 23 comments on this anywhere from “Oh S$#@” to “I wonder how he treats women in the workplace” which were all great responses.

Let me address a few of my concerns:

  1. He doesn’t have his theology correct (for more on this, see my update over at Facebook)
  2. If he is looking for work, he is sure to cut himself off from 90% of HR Managers who are women
  3. Posting your political views and or religious views on your business pages is just.not.smart. (unless, you are running for office or are trying to get a job at a religious institution, and are still iffy)
  4. It is very discriminating and makes you a hatemonger (to say the least – watch out for the hate mail sure to come your way)
  5. He’s an idiot (this is my opinion)

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this. Let it fly, …………………………

Linked In Recommendations; What are they good for?

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In the past week or so I received another Linked In email from a “connection” to endorse them and recommend them for their Linked In profile.

The problem with that? I don’t really know them. Yeah, I’m connected with them but only on Linked In. We are not connected on any other SM platform, we never engage one another, until now, I’ve never received an email or DM from this person. EVER!

Here is the email:

Dear Susan,

I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

Ms. X (not her real name)

I was tempted to respond with, “My only question is, ‘What would you like me to write?’”

Instead, I responded with:

Dear Ms. X,

While I appreciate the connection with you and the request to recommend you, I am going to have to decline. I cannot, with a clear conscience, do that. Not without knowing you or your work to the degree where I would feel comfortable doing so.

I do wish you well.

You may be thinking “That is totally rude of you, Susan.” But I say, NAY!

How could I pull something out of the air and recommend someone that I hardly know. That’s like recommending a doctor, dentist, lawyer or whatever, to one of your friends without first-hand knowledge or experience of them or their services. It just doesn’t make sense.

Social Media is about engagement. Engaging and staying connected throughout our platforms. We are hanging out on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. We hear about each others businesses, what’s going on with each other, in our worlds, (children, family, pets) and we know, trust and hopefully like our community. Our trusted network. THEN, we can in good conscience, recommend them to our other friends.

This is the only way these things work.

Check out Laurie Ruettimann’s post on Linked In Recommendations. I love it. And, I totally agree.

By the way, do Linked In recommendations really make a difference? I’d love to hear from you, especially from you Recruiters and HR practitioners……

(stay tuned for “5 Reasons Why I Hate Linked In” coming soon)

Photo Credit: The Anti-Social Media

Boomers, Networking and Baby Showers

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Since I am on the road traveling, I thought I would pull one of my guest posts out for you guys this week: Take it away – Joan.

A NOTE TO MY FELLOW BOOMERS - Back when you and I began our professional lives, the term “networking” was not in widespread use. We got our jobs and presumed that if we worked hard and long at them, we would stay working. No one spent time deliberately trying to cultivate a professional network for future job opportunities. If you had a professional network, it was created as a necessity of your particular job.

The economy was shifting underneath us, though. The country was gradually moving from manufacturing goods to providing services, and technology allowed businesses the flexibility of geographic moves and fewer employees. So when the economic bubble finally burst a few years ago, many of us had no professional network to turn to when they lost their job.

Yes, there are job boards and job fairs and even old-fashioned want ads. But statistically, most people get jobs through referrals. In fact, around 60% of all jobs are filled by referred candidates, because studies show that they make better employees.

But being referred means having a network of people willing to refer you to their boss, colleague, or acquaintance. And it is your responsibility to make sure that the world, or at least as large a network as you can grow, knows you are looking for work.

I recently attended a baby shower. As luck would have it, I ended up sitting next to a woman who had recently left the hospital accounting department where she and the hostess worked together, and was in the market for another job.

“I’m an HR consultant,” I told her, “and maybe I can help with your search. Do you have a business card or other contact information with you so that I can put the word out on my network?” Sadly, she had nothing to give me other than her name and piece of paper with her phone number scribbled on it.

In the job search world, this woman didn’t exist.

The lesson here? Treat every event in your life as a potential networking event. 

Networking means establishing conversations with people you meet, being prepared to explain your needs if the opportunity arises, and offering to help them if possible. It’s never too late to start, and there are many opportunities to network that you may not even consider. Use them all, and develop a network even if you are employed, because, as a wiser person than me once said, you should expect the unexpected.

Oh, and carry a business card with you. Always.

About the Author: Joan Ginsberg, JD, SPHR

From police officer to law professor to HR manger, Joan has traveled a unique and interesting career path. Recognizing the common and vital thread running through those fields – a commitment to communication and honesty – Joan has fully embraced both in the new and exciting field of social media management. She writes about HR and workplace issues at her blog Just Joan ( www.joanginsberg.com)  and Women of HR. (www.womenofhr.com) She is the president and co-owner of Castanet Social, a social media services company for small business, and the Director of Social Media for the Human Resources Association of Greater Detroit (HRAGD). She is highly active in the online HR community through social media outlets like Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

joan@joanginsberg.com

@JoanGinsberg  (Twitter)

JoanGinsberg (Facebook and Google+)

Networking for a job; Virtual or IRL?

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I’ve been blogging and tweeting now for a little over four months and I can tell you that my social media  network consisting of my blog and Twitter is invaluable. I still can’t believe the level of expert information available just by connecting with people over Twitter and my blog.

I do have to signal a note of caution though about social media networks….they are no replacement for the real thing.

Let me explain. Due to my recent lay off I have been spending a lot of time working on my resume, blog, Twitter, and (of course) looking for a job. I know it’s a tough job market out there so I have jumped in with both feet into the deep end of the pool.

My social media network has provided me with access to hundreds of experts and loads of information for navigating the job market but I don’t think it is as valuable as my local network. 

If you are not actively working to develop a local network, you must begin to do that now.

What can a Local Network do for you?

  1. You will meet professionals in your area that do the same type of work,  or work in the same industry,  they understand and have been navigating the same territory,  you may even discover target companies you haven’t heard of before.
  2. You can frequently get the “inside” scoop from employees who work at your target companies or have worked there in the past.
  3.  Find out the best networking groups in your area. Why waste your time endlessly hopping to different networking groups? Find someone with similar career interests and ask them what they have found to be the best groups, then start with that list.

What can your Virtual Network do for you?

  1. Ability to connect with people all over the world.
  2. Access to best practices,  new ways of thinking and cutting edge professionals.
  3. Ability to show off your skill set and collaborate with others via your blog, twitter and other social media sites.

At the end of the day your social media network is a valuable asset but always remember that  recruitingislocal. Your social media network will never replace the value of  face to face time with your local network.

About the Author:

Melissa Fairman has been working in HR for 5+ years in a variety of positions in HR systems, recruiting, and projects.  All that experience coupled with an MBA and a PHR makes for a pretty dangerous HR blogger. You can connect with her via her blog: HrRemix, Twitter @HrRemix,  or connect with her on LinkedIn.