Linda Lande  By Linda Lande
 (c) November 3, 2009 


By definition, “networking” means to exchange information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. But what does networking in the professional arena really mean? Can it effectively boost your career or your business?

Or is it merely a social event where, occasionally, someone gets lucky and makes a connection that leads to a choice position? 

Networking offers you the opportunity to cast your “net” and make it “work” for you. But it takes action on your part—and preparation, too.

Successful networking goes way beyond walking into a room, grabbing a drink, and saying “hello” to a few people.

Marni Hockenberg, Executive Recruiter and Principal of Hockenberg Search, has more than two decades of recruiting and business consulting experience. She attends networking events with specific goals in mind, such as: 

  • How many people she wants to meet.
  • What clients she wants to connect with each other.
  • The number of business cards she wants to distribute and collect.
You might be thinking, “Easy for her to say! Recruiting and consulting is her business.” But she believes it’s everyMarni Hockenberg career person’s business—even those who break out in a cold sweat at the mere mention of a social activity.

The good news is that networking has evolved dramatically in the past decade, and there probably is a format that’s just right for you. Here are a few descriptions of common networking configurations:

Light networking involves attending an event where a loosely connected group of people gathers for a social/cocktail hour. These are common at conventions or large chapter meetings of professional associations. The intention of the networking event is to afford people an opportunity to connect, but it’s not tightly targeted on a specific topic or helping people discover a direct avenue to their next career.

Targeted networking goes one step further when you choose to join local groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, local chapters of professional organizations, community groups, and the like. Peruse the Web sites of these organizations to learn about upcoming events, online discussions or meetings, and other ways you can connect.

Structured networking might involve people of similar interests or complementary needs (e.g., job seekers and potential employers) gathering at an event that allows each person to give a three- to-five-minute presentation.

Speed networking focuses networking events even further. Similar to speed dating, a number of people, who previously have indicated their area of interest, are invited to a location where, at specific intervals, they switch from one person to another and are guaranteed a certain number of contacts. “This is good for people who are uncomfortable with or brand new to networking,” says Marni Hockenberg, principal and executive recruiter of Hockenberg Search.“ The structure is helpful. Everyone is being ‘forced’ to move on and talk with someone else.”

Online networking is booming. According to CareerNetworking101.com, LinkedIn is probably the most popular online networking site in the United States. If you do not yet have a profile on LinkedIn, create one—today. Even if you choose not to take full advantage of the networking tools, you can bet that any future employer will look for your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you. And it’s to your advantage to make sure potential employers find a professional, descriptive profile explaining your background and what you do.

Once you have a professional profile on LinkedIn, you can connect to people you currently know, those you worked with in the past, or people you’d like to work with in the future. You can send emails, participate in chats, or participate and network in various other ways.

If you work in a specific industry or profession, look for targeted online networking sites.

“For job seekers,” warns Hockenberg, “it’s important not to remain in your comfy pj’s all day hiding behind your computer and participating only in online networking events. Online networking is vital and important,” she says, “but people meeting people is where the magic happens.” Hockenberg recommends attending at least one face-to-face networking event a month. “Even if it doesn’t land you a job, it’s good for your spirit,” she says.

Look for networking opportunities by contacting your profession’s association, perusing your community’s Web site or local newspaper, reading business journals, or ask for assistance at your local library.

Then, set some goals, put on your best business suit, and head out!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Add to favorites
  • email
  • LinkedIn
  • PDF
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon