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I was asked today if it's smart to network in a bad economy.
First thing's first: There are two types of networking, when I'm speaking to this audience. There are those of you that are networking to get a job and those of you who that have jobs and want to network to boost your career. Either way, though, networking is essential.
And it shouldn't be done online only. Nothing compares to a handshake and a personal memory you'll make of someone--or what they'll
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Comments
11.12.08
I agree that a "bad" economy is a great time for networking (although my belief is that networking is a 365/24/7 deal). When times are "bad", folks have more time and are often more willig to share their time with you. "Bad" economy is also a GREAT time to do favors for others, because that's how you build up good wishes in the bank of life. Whether it's connecting someone to a job lead or business lead that doesn't match your sweet spot, or forwarding a piece of information that might be helpful to them in their quest. I don't believe that a "bad" economy translates into a universal "bad" time. In any economy, there are those that will flourish, and those that will struggle. Regardless of which category you're in at the moment, you can be certain that it will change at some point, for some length of time, down the road. Reach out and be helpful to others now, and they'll be there for you when you need them!
11.12.08
I think networking is smart to do regardless of the economic time. In undergrad, professors told us that we had to “network.” They urged us to join professional societies and approach recruiters at internship/job fairs. Honestly, this approach is the tip of the iceberg of networking.
Networking is about forming mutually beneficial relationships. I believe networking can be done anywhere at any time- from meetings to social gatherings on the weekends. Like Kathleen said, I think it is more of a 365-24/7 deal. And blogging definitely enhances this possibility of endless networking. Penelope just wrote a fantastic post yesterday about viewing networking as a lifestyle, not as specific events. I think it is the right mindset to have.
11.12.08
The first thing I'm thinking about when I talk to people is not whether I can have their business card, sorry. Some of us have dignity.
I've gotten all my jobs on my own. Networking is important, but lets not overdo it. Skills and experience are also important.
11.12.08
Kristen, I always enjoy a good post on networking. I think we are arguing about the wrong thing here. What's important to realize is that your entire life is a networking event, whether it's a crap economy or a favorable one, that makes no difference. What's important is that you treat each interaction, as a new connection and try and establish relationships through life that will lead to opportunities (jobs, etc).
11.14.08
You know, I find the conventional view of networking a bit Machiavellian and that makes me uncomfortable. I think that for networking to be effective it must be about really bonding with people. And I do not believe that's achieved by a simple 'hand-shake, gotta go shake the next person's hand' approach. The best opportunities that I've had that have been a result of networking have come from people I've bonded with and who know me well. It took time and sincerity to develop those bonds...and a real interest in those people. Not just a 'what's in it for me' approach. In that sense I agree that networking is a 365/24/7 affair, because I really like interacting with people and so I do all day, every day.
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