The statistics say that 80%+ of jobs are filled via networking with personal and professional connections.
My experience has been 100%. Every job, contract, client I gained, has been through my network and their referrals. People I have known for years and new acquaintances.
Are you networking regularly?
To all the people who have currently been laid off, do not be shy to reach out to your network. If I can help in any way, please reach out to me.
Not comfortable networking? Networking is a learned skill, even for the introverts out there, who are reading this and squirming in their seats.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Tillis Lederman, a networking expert, earlier this year at an event Marshall Goldsmith held for Forefront and the 100Coaches. I got to see her networking brilliance in action.
I paid attention, to see what I could learn.
Michelle wrote the book: The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact. It is a great resource for the novice and more experienced networker, with great tips on how to show up at your best and make networking a habit. I highly recommend it!
The upcoming holiday season provides a great opportunity for networking. Take advantage of all the holiday events, holiday parties with friends and family, your partner’s work events, or a potluck at school, those are all opportunities for you to network, make new connections, and update people on what you have been doing or looking for.