Networking Vs. Strategic Networking

Basic Networking Vs. Strategic Networking‼️ 

➡️ Basic Networking is like fuel for your career, propelling you forward.

➡️ Strategic Networking goes even further.

➡️ It involves building meaningful connections & leveraging them effectively – oftentimes before you even begin your #jobsearch.

➡️ Strategic Networking is about  cultivating genuine relationships, rather than simply accumulating contacts.

➡️ Its is a critical ‘job search strategy’.

➡️ Whether you’re a seasoned professional or fresher, Strategic Networking helps to accelerate your Job Search & jumpstart your career.

 7 tips to help on your *Strategic Networking Journey*

1. *Maintain Connections *
Rather than waiting for crisis like a layoff, Strategic Networking involves regular, interactions to keep  connections ‘warm’.

 2. * Relationship mapping *

➡️ Mapping your professional network, helps pinpoint key mentors, colleagues, bosses, industry insiders, leaders, who can provide valuable insights & assist on your arduous ‘#jobsearch journey’.

3. * Create a Check-in Schedule*

➡️Don’t just commit to maintain connections. Schedule them by priority‼️

➡️ For those on your relationship map, at your level or one step above, consider monthly catch-ups.

➡️For higher-level executives, think quarterly or bi-annual interaction, to respect their time.

➡️“If you’re thinking CEO, you don’t ask for coffee every week, but a quarterly/bi-annual check-in, depending on circumstances/relationship.

4.  * REACH-OUT”

➡️When initiating 1on1, be clear about WHY you value the person, her work, her possible connections.

➡️Begin with something like
“I’ve always admired your work, & I’d love to hear more about your experiences over coffee.”

➡️ Be specific in communicating  Mutual Benefits; be Respectful of  Time.

➡️ Start with a quick 10-minute call, building up gradually, to request for #informational or #exploratoryinterviews as appropriate (2 are very different)

 6. *  Approach With Non-Transactional Mindset *

➡️ Crucial to begin,  without  expecting anything in return immediately – it’s a journey!

➡️ Build relationships, without feeling like you’re doing this for a Gain.

7. * Engage Actively*

➡️ Engaging with insightful Comments  (rather than ‘Wonderful, ‘great’ or  just ‘likes’ & emojis, ).

➡️ Comments lead to stronger connections, that may evolve into #job opportunities, down  the line.

⏺To sum up: Strategic Networking is more than sharing your cue card.

⏺ It’s  building non-transactional relationships that provide mutual value.

⏺Strategic Networking is your Marketing‼️

✅What do you Think?
Do share your perspectives in the comments below.

#career #networking #jobsearch
#skillgrill