If networking is a garden, I have a brown thumb

January 9, 2012 8:38 AM

How do I cultivate my professional network when it doesn't seem to be growing at all?

I'm currently underemployed at a part-time position, and am in dire need of a full-time position. I'm working my way up in a new field I entered three years ago, taking contract work whenever I can get it.

I understand the importance of networking, but I'm still uncertain as to how to go about it properly. I've joined a few professional groups and some people have become friendly with me - however, these people are often not in the position of hiring. At conferences and other gatherings I try to make acquaintance with hiring managers and senior-level folk in my field, but they treat me like persona non grata.

I'm really discouraged and disgruntled at this point. I'm in a field that's practically dedicated to helping others, and yet I'm getting the "fuck you, got mine" attitude from the higher-ups. What can I do to get on their radar?

posted by never nice to Work & Money (6 answers total)

If you're underemployed, can you volunteer within your field? Join projects related to your field outside of your job? I think networking events and conferences are where so many people try to "build up" their networks by glad-handing a lot of people, and that can get tiresome. I think it's far more productive to work with people than to just meet them and hope they'll become part of your "network."

Also, most networking I know of is done outside of the professional environment. Part of what's attractive about Ivy League schools is that people have a connection beyond the fields they've decided to join. That doesn't mean you need to enroll in Harvard, but what other activities could possibly have people involved that could be of help to you professionally? I get freelance work through people I've met in community theater. Are there non-professional organizations where some power players might get to know you outside of your professional capacity and then be more open to talking about your work situation?
posted by xingcat at 8:54 AM on January 9, 2012 [1 favorite]

short answers: Blog, start a group / meetup, volunteer, join LinkedIn, create value.

longer:

People in that position of power are used to people toadying and wanting things from them. What can *you* do to help *them*? Bring them article reprints? Good ideas? Turn them on to grants / funding streams they don't know about? Massage their egos / buy them coffee?

"Oh, glad to run into you Ms. So-and-so. YourEmployeeWhoIsMyFriend raves about you. Read the press release about YourOrg, and was wondering if I can pick your brain over some of its implications. Want some coffee? I am just headed that way. Oh, and I think you might want to know that MyFundingStream has changed some of their requirements in a way that would help YourOrg. Oh, and I'm giving a workshop on how SilverBulletTech might help. Think any of YourMinions would want to come?"
posted by gregglind at 9:12 AM on January 9, 2012

You aren't networking; you're trying to meet people that can help you. Networking is meeting people and finding ways that you can help them. Hopefully, someday they'll return the favor. People you meet right now are highly unlikely to help you in your current search -- there's very little reward for the risk of recommending an unknown quantity for a position.

Keep building your network, but put your efforts into an old fashioned job hunt. Recruiters are the one group of people that you could fast-track network with right now.
posted by bfranklin at 9:14 AM on January 9, 2012 [1 favorite]

I can relate to how you feel. I am in a dead end job, trying to break into a field which I have great educational experience, but lmited experience and connections. Yet, like you I do some contract work which is becoming more fruitful recently as others recommend me. While it is not my desired path, its good money and something that comes naturally.

I simply try to attend as many events as possible. I need to brush up my website and my linkedin bs. I try to meet people, and simply take on projects which will put me on the radar. I am working on my masters which is helpful as I forge relationships with my fellow students and professors.

Its hard, but even when I have volunteered and nothing at least professional has occurred, I've made great contacts and relationships.

I've learned fostering relationships is key and can pay dividends down the road, not always immediately.
posted by handbanana at 9:16 AM on January 9, 2012 [1 favorite]

To echo many of the people here, it sounds like you are approaching professional connections with the hopes that they will find you a job. Unfortunately it's also the wrong approach. I don't necessarily agree that you *must* provide something of value to them, although it helps. For the most part, networking is about meeting people in your industry who share similar experiences and interests, and with whom you can talk all the shop you like.

I suggest that you make friends for the sake of making friends who share your interests. Do so without any expectation, other than the expectation that you'll have more awesome people in your life. There's a chance that down the line people will suggest you for opportunities, but only if they already like you, know something about your work ethic/ability, and want to work with you.

That said, all of this is irrelevant if you are talking to recruiters. Recruiters are there to fill open positions. Don't worry about befriending them; chat for a minute, hand them a business card, follow up, and see what happens.
posted by MsMartian at 10:48 AM on January 9, 2012 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I think volunteering is an okay way to meet people, but it's important to be choosy about how you volunteer your time. Doing nametags etc at events is great if you really want to help out, not so great if you're trying to find a job (except if you want a job where you assign nametags to people).

I've worked for several "professional hub" organizations, including a chamber of commerce and an industry association. I'm what's called a "connector". I know everybody in my industry at a local, and, to some extent, national level.

My advice is to just start asking people to meet for coffee. Be blunt about your objectives - you're looking to build a career.

Always ask for advice. Always ask people how they got where they are. Ask questions. Talk for just 15-20% of the time.

LinkedIn is not great for networking, unless you can contribute to group discussions.

The phonebook or online business directories are awesome for networking. Always start at the top - the president or CEO. Send an email explaining what you're looking for. Promise in the email to followup with a phone call.

Follow up with a phone call early in the morning (7-8:25) or later in the afternoon (after 4:15).

Coffee meetings should last no more than 30 minutes.
posted by KokuRyu at 5:47 PM on January 9, 2012 [2 favorites]