Comments on: How To Network http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/ A personal finance blog for career minded women with small budgets and big dreams. Tue, 29 May 2012 14:43:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Trish http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/#comment-19729 Trish Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:24:23 +0000 http://thebudgetingbabe.com/?p=1236#comment-19729 Sorry to weigh in so late - stupid firewalls at work and living in BFE without Internet! The key to true networking is staying in touch. Everyone knows it is 'who' you know. When I started out in PR fulltime, I was 26. I didn't know anyone in PR because I was from a small town. I was in a room full of interns at Edelman and I was the only one who didn't know someone to land the job. Once I get to know you, and I like you, I stay in touch. This started way before LinkedIn- but I'm glad LinkedIn exists since people change jobs so frequently, as do their emails. Networking events are awkward... no two ways about it, so again stay in touch with those you know and your network will grow. If I see an article that reminds me of someone, I shoot them an email. Here's two good networking stories. I found my second fulltime PR gig because the boss of a fellow intern at Golin worked at the new place. (if that makes sense) I saw a job posting. Researched the PR contact. Saw it was someone I would say hi to in the hallways but didn't really know - so I reached out to her and said how we knew one another... boom, interview! Then the other day I realized my very first PR client is from the smalltown I just moved to. I've kept in contact with him about every two years and if I'm in San Fran I reach out to them. So I gave him a ring just to chat. Networking can be easy, fun and fruitful. You just have to maintain the contact and not reach out solely when you need something. Sorry to weigh in so late – stupid firewalls at work and living in BFE without Internet!

The key to true networking is staying in touch. Everyone knows it is ‘who’ you know. When I started out in PR fulltime, I was 26. I didn’t know anyone in PR because I was from a small town. I was in a room full of interns at Edelman and I was the only one who didn’t know someone to land the job.

Once I get to know you, and I like you, I stay in touch. This started way before LinkedIn- but I’m glad LinkedIn exists since people change jobs so frequently, as do their emails.

Networking events are awkward… no two ways about it, so again stay in touch with those you know and your network will grow. If I see an article that reminds me of someone, I shoot them an email. Here’s two good networking stories.

I found my second fulltime PR gig because the boss of a fellow intern at Golin worked at the new place. (if that makes sense) I saw a job posting. Researched the PR contact. Saw it was someone I would say hi to in the hallways but didn’t really know – so I reached out to her and said how we knew one another… boom, interview!

Then the other day I realized my very first PR client is from the smalltown I just moved to. I’ve kept in contact with him about every two years and if I’m in San Fran I reach out to them. So I gave him a ring just to chat.

Networking can be easy, fun and fruitful. You just have to maintain the contact and not reach out solely when you need something.

]]> By: Missie http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/#comment-19444 Missie Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:33:16 +0000 http://thebudgetingbabe.com/?p=1236#comment-19444 A word from a friend or acquaintance can go a long way -- and a nice impression at an event can help, too. Our industry is a bit secretive and isn't into much in the way of networking, but we do try. I would also say, too, when submitting your resume some where, include a cover letter specific to that company and position -- at every interview I've ever had, I was told one of the reasons I was selected for an interview was because I included a well-written cover letter specific to the company and the position(s) available. A word from a friend or acquaintance can go a long way — and a nice impression at an event can help, too.

Our industry is a bit secretive and isn’t into much in the way of networking, but we do try.

I would also say, too, when submitting your resume some where, include a cover letter specific to that company and position — at every interview I’ve ever had, I was told one of the reasons I was selected for an interview was because I included a well-written cover letter specific to the company and the position(s) available.

]]> By: The Budgeting Babe http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/#comment-19441 The Budgeting Babe Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:52:24 +0000 http://thebudgetingbabe.com/?p=1236#comment-19441 I probably should have added two more things: 1) ALWAYS treat people like you want to be treated, and 2) Never burn bridges. Those are 2 important lessons that a lot of people never get. I probably should have added two more things: 1) ALWAYS treat people like you want to be treated, and 2) Never burn bridges. Those are 2 important lessons that a lot of people never get.

]]> By: Allison http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/#comment-19440 Allison Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:08:07 +0000 http://thebudgetingbabe.com/?p=1236#comment-19440 I think it is so true, it really is all about who you know and who knows you. It is really hard trying to get your foot in the door, that is for sure. I taught for four years, have a masters degree, and have won teaching awards. Yet, because I didn't know anyone in this area, I couldn't even get an interview at a school this summer. I was really fortunate to find a job, and it be given a chance in a new industry, but it is so true that networking helps. I think it is so true, it really is all about who you know and who knows you. It is really hard trying to get your foot in the door, that is for sure. I taught for four years, have a masters degree, and have won teaching awards. Yet, because I didn’t know anyone in this area, I couldn’t even get an interview at a school this summer. I was really fortunate to find a job, and it be given a chance in a new industry, but it is so true that networking helps.

]]> By: Becky http://thebudgetingbabe.com/2012/01/19/how-to-network/#comment-19439 Becky Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:01:02 +0000 http://thebudgetingbabe.com/?p=1236#comment-19439 I absolutely 100% agree that networking is the way to go. I sent resumes and cover letters to 100's of schools, and my 2 interviews and job offers were because someone I personally knew walked in my resume. From my husband's perspective too, effective networking is essential. For corporate jobs, I would add: networking a lot with headhunters in your industry. For example, using their services to hire in your company, and building a relationship with them leads to a lot of follow-up conversations where you can say what you are interested in doing in a year from now. The strong relationship and record with them means they will come to you first when they hear about an opportunity that suits you. Also, memberships in industry-related associations lead to speaking opportunities at conferences, panels, etc, or writing opportunities in journals or even newsletters, which gets your name out even more. Great article! I absolutely 100% agree that networking is the way to go. I sent resumes and cover letters to 100′s of schools, and my 2 interviews and job offers were because someone I personally knew walked in my resume. From my husband’s perspective too, effective networking is essential. For corporate jobs, I would add: networking a lot with headhunters in your industry. For example, using their services to hire in your company, and building a relationship with them leads to a lot of follow-up conversations where you can say what you are interested in doing in a year from now. The strong relationship and record with them means they will come to you first when they hear about an opportunity that suits you. Also, memberships in industry-related associations lead to speaking opportunities at conferences, panels, etc, or writing opportunities in journals or even newsletters, which gets your name out even more. Great article!

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