It’s important to feel enthusiastic and energized about your current job and your long-term career. Research shows that when you feel happy and energized about your work you are more likely to be productive, creative, and successful. And beyond success on the job, a satisfying work-life has a huge impact on your well-being—improving your attitude, your energy level, and even your health.

Many people—even those who love their remote jobs—find it’s not easy to stay fully engaged when they are by themselves. Maybe they feel isolated, or bored, or they miss the energy that comes from hanging out with the rest of the team.

If you’re not feeling motivated about today’s tasks or your long-term career path, there are countless little things you can do to generate more enthusiasm. But where to begin, or how to keep going?

Whether I’m working with clients or trying to generate more oomph in my own work life, I often refer to an easy little tool I call “The Engagement Triangle.”

As I wrote in my new book, Find Your Happy at Work, you’re more likely to engage and feel happier when you’re aware of three things: your sense of purpose, the people associated with your work, and the best ways to approach your tasks.

The three points of the Triangle—purpose, people, and performance—are keys to your happiness and success on the job. My executive coaching clients often like to “do the Triangle” by asking themselves questions related to each of these three keys.

Engagement Triangle Basics

Purpose

It’s easier to love your job when you’re working for something bigger than just your paycheck.

• Your reason for pursuing this career path is about more than money. Chances are you take pride in your work because of its impact on other people. And your personal career mission may encompass the values that guide your broader life, like kindness and integrity.
• Your work has greater meaning when you understand and support the vision and standards of your organization, your immediate team, or other professional colleagues.
• Although you may not actually know your customers, your pride in providing others with an excellent product or service can make every day feel worthwhile.
• Even a tedious job can feel rewarding if you have a good reason for working so hard, like supporting your family or preparing for the future.

People

Your job can feel more satisfying because of your colleagues, customers, and other people you encounter through work.

• Human beings evolved to need community and enjoy collective activity. When you feel connected with others, your outlook on life is more positive.
• Having friends at work can make you happier and more effective in interacting with everyone. Creating friendships when you work remotely requires you to be proactive. It means you often have to be the one to reach out and focus on your colleagues’ concerns and interests.
• Studies say teams accomplish more when coworkers show each other respect, gratitude, trust, and integrity. You can model these values by showing concern for your teammates.
• If you’re working far away from your colleagues, find other ways to spend time with people. For me, that can mean walking dogs with a friend and, at the same time, chatting about our career challenges.

Performance

You’re more likely to love your job if you invest effort in your tasks, build expertise and interest in your work, and exercise some autonomy.

• Time passes quickly when you have challenging tasks and opportunities to create something. Look for ways to use your strengths, move toward your goals, and innovate as you pursue your projects.
• When work feels dull, you can stimulate fresh energy by learning something new. The sense of achievement that comes from acquiring a different skill or deeper knowledge can spark an upward spiral.
• Workers who decide how to get a job done are happier and more productive than those who always wait for directions. If you’re feeling over-managed, focus on the decisions that you can control, and make repetitive tasks more interesting by finding ways to improve the process.
• You can find considerable satisfaction by consistently doing your job well and meeting your obligations. You’ll enjoy it even more if you keep finding ways to improve your work.

Use the Triangle to Generate Energy and Enthusiasm

Try motivating yourself by considering questions related to each of the three points. A starting point might be to begin every workday by quickly writing answers to these questions:

1. Purpose: What core value will I keep in mind during my work today?
2. People: To whom will I reach out in the course of the day?
3. Performance: What project might bring me an opportunity to learn something new?

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones works with leaders to spark new engagement and productivity in their teams, and she helps coaching clients to grow and thrive in their careers. Her work as an executive coach often focuses on enhancing performance, managing time and energy, improving communication, or navigating transitions. Bev’s new book, Find Your Happy at Work, is a roadmap to helping you find more joy, meaning, and success at work at the same time you motivate your team. Her book on building career resilience, Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO, is available around the world, from Africa to India and Europe, and in languages including Simple Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, or connect with Beverly on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

The post 3 Keys to Staying Motivated When You Work Alone appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You probably do realize how much your networking efforts matter. But while the pandemic reminded us of the importance of social interaction, socializing may now feel more challenging than ever as you step tentatively into the changing work environment.

If you’re thinking about refreshing or shifting your career, now is a good time to strengthen your network. But this doesn’t necessarily mean attending more events. You can build deeper relationships, and get more returns from your normal activities, by cultivating habits that allow you to better focus your attention with each routine encounter.

Here are three smart ways to enhance your socializing and make your networking efforts more effective.

1. Become a better listener.

When you launch a new chapter of your work life, a classic starting point is to engage with potentially helpful people. It’s often smart to collect information from folks outside your regular orbit. But whether you are meeting with strangers or old friends, you may get more from each conversation if you improve your listening skills.

By “listening,” I mean that you not only stay quiet long enough for the other person to talk, but you also silence the voice in your head prompting your next comment. Instead of interrupting, you concentrate on what the speaker is saying. You keep refocusing on them in a nonjudgmental way, even if it means you must fight the urge to disagree or become defensive.

Intense listening is a SUPERPOWER!

We humans often go through life aching to have our concerns acknowledged and our presence felt. When you truly listen to another person, you meet that essential need. Deep listening can help you connect with someone in a special way, even if it is not obvious at the time.

Listening is so fundamental to human interaction that you can usually tell if a person is actually hearing you and not merely pretending. Research suggests that speakers can sense whether others in a conversation are paying attention or just waiting for their turn to talk.

And when you really listen, the speaker is more likely to see you as genuine and trustworthy, and even regard you as attractive.

Enhancing your power as a listener is like developing your physical strength. You can build your listening “muscle” by noticing your reactions to a speaker and then putting them aside. For example, let’s imagine your boss says, “You let me down.” You instantly think, “that’s not true!” But you can build your listening chops by choosing to put your defensive thoughts aside and refocusing on what your boss has to say.

Of course, it’s harder to listen when in-person conversations are replaced by endless virtual meetings. Sometimes you can’t see who is speaking, or audio lags mean that people talk over one another.

Even when the technology is working well, your brain tires more quickly during remote meetings because of the need to process confusing visuals or micro-delays in speech patterns. And it can be exhausting to feel like people are staring at you.

The fact that remote meetings may be more challenging does not make listening less important. If anything, your authentic engagement during a video call may set you apart from the pack. These tips can help you listen better, even in remote meetings:

• Get rid of distractions. You will take in more of the conversation, and appear more fully engaged, if you consistently direct your attention to each speaker. So turn off notifications and put away your devices or other distractions. Taking notes can help you concentrate, but consider letting others know what you are doing so they don’t think you are ignoring them.
• Listen with your whole body. Great listening goes beyond hearing what someone says. It means observing body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. In a brief phone conversation, you may be surprised by how much you can pick up by listening for attitude as well as words. And as you listen closely, you will subtly convey your genuine interest, perhaps with qualities in your voice or expressions, or by mirroring a speaker’s emotions. When people are truly engaged in conversation, the energy rises and there may be a feeling of alignment.
• Try to relax. It’s more difficult to listen when you are tense, worried, or bored. Consider taking a few deep breaths before you start a challenging conversation, or at the point when your attention wanders as a meeting drags on. A good way to trigger active listening is to summon up compassion for each speaker, perhaps by imagining what it’s like to see things from their perspective.

2. Keep records of contacts and networking efforts.

A few people are born networkers, gifted with an endless curiosity and the ability to remember names, faces, and stories. But others with robust networks nurture their circles of connection by keeping track of their social life and the information they collect along the way.

You probably know that LinkedIn is a critical tool. This powerful site allows you to research potential contacts, approach people with whom you have something in common, and stay in touch with old friends. And once the two of you are LinkedIn connections, you can always find reminders of your history with an acquaintance.

But LinkedIn is not enough. Many powerful networkers find it effective to develop their own ways for recording facts, recalling events, and staying in touch with the people they meet. Techniques like these can help you get more from your human interactions:

• Track your activity. When you job hunt or pursue complex projects, you may make more progress if you record key steps. Some people use spreadsheets to note every contact and the outcome of each call or meeting. Others prefer a diary system, briefly noting developments as they evolve throughout the day. A good tracking system is valuable because it allows you to save information that could be useful down the road. Beyond that, maintaining a picture of your work as you go along can highlight potential problems and opportunities, inspire new ideas, and reinforce your sense of accomplishment.
• Record handy personal facts. Your contact list or address book is a good place to capture a few reminders when you meet someone. Many strong networkers not only record the names and contact details of new acquaintances, but also add notes to help them remember each person. When I meet someone I hope to see again, my note might be something like, “Mary’s sister, part-time event planner, met Christmas 2019.”
• Add reminders to your calendar. I know a star networker who adds notes about potential meeting participants directly onto her calendar. She routinely records little personal facts in her address book, like the interests of a colleague’s kids. Then, when she expects to see that person, she may jot the information onto her schedule. This allows her to demonstrate interest by asking a friendly question like, “how is Diego enjoying his new school?”
• Keep lists. Consider creating lists of people with whom you would like to connect, and in various ways. One list might consist of casual friends—people you like but seldom see. When we are busy, we tend to speak with the same few people frequently but lose track of others. A casual friends list can remind you to initiate contact with a broader circle, and some of these folks may help you discover ideas and opportunities.
• Keep a “names” list. I enjoy greeting people by name, and sometimes it can make a transaction go more smoothly. To help me build my memory bank, I keep an accessible list of the first names of people I meet casually during my normal routines, like schedulers, assistants, and other gatekeepers or service providers.

Regardless of what techniques you choose, creating records and reminders makes it easier to track and stay connected with people you know, even slightly. Beyond that, a tracking habit can help you focus more intensely on other people, nudging you to actively listen and fully engage in each conversation.

More: 6 Simple Ways to Keep Your Network Alive

3. Refresh Your Personal Style

During the pandemic, it felt like we might never get out of our sweats again. And now many of us still enjoy wearing soft fabrics, as well as loose-fitting pajama styles that comfortably adapt to an extra bit of COVID weight.

But if you’re interested in cultivating a more robust career, I urge you to resist the urge to spend your entire life in low-grade leisurewear.

Jordan Stolch, Founder of the Los Angeles firm MiKADO Personal Styling, says the way you shape your look still matters at work, even when colleagues see you only on a screen.

At least unconsciously, people make assumptions about you based on your wardrobe and grooming. And research says that the appearance of women is judged particularly harshly.

It’s not fair and it’s not right, and I understand why you may choose to ignore how people assess your personal style. But curating your appearance is one option that is within your control, so why not make an effort and perhaps get more from your social interactions?

Pumping up the way you dress doesn’t mean you have to be a fashionista. Jordan says, “Using style to our strategic advantage is about being aware of what we’re communicating, consciously and unconsciously, through our fashion choices.”

“When you show you’ve put the necessary care and attention into your image, people subconsciously associate that same care and attention with your work as well,” Jordan says. “Furthermore, when you invest energy into yourself, and focus on things like dressing well, you raise your own bar by setting higher expectations and accepting greater challenges.”

Even when you are on a routine Zoom call with colleagues, making a little effort about your look quietly sends a message that you care. And when you tweak your look for a client meeting, you subtly suggest that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and ready to work.

Perhaps what matters most is how your styling choices make you feel. Jordan says, “when we wear clothes we feel good in, our confidence is lifted, and ultimately, our success increases.”

Putting together a powerful look is about making mindful choices. Here are more tips from Jordan on style choices that serve you well:

• Be authentic. The clothing you wear is an extension of who you are. It should strengthen your image and yet express your true self, so don’t force it. Select outfits that are comfortable, that look like you, and that make you happy.
• Do some research. Studying the accomplishments of those who’ve already mastered a skill is a good place to start learning anything. So when you want to upgrade your style, notice people around you and look for inspiration from those who exude the kind of energy you admire. Identify coworkers, TV personalities, or others who strike you as consistently put together. Create a collection of images that reflect your sense of style. Pinterest.com is one handy platform for saving and organizing photos.
• Sort out your closet. Becoming clear about how you want to appear will help you assess your wardrobe with honesty and objectivity. Sometimes upgrading your appearance is mostly a matter of editing. Give away items that don’t fit, need repair, or no longer support the image you hope to cultivate.
• Invest what you can afford in good basics. People with great style tend to spend a little extra money on key wardrobe essentials. Concentrate your budget on fundamentals, like high-quality denim, well-fitting pants, or clean white shirts.
• Look professional on-screen. Comfortable, casual work clothes are here to stay, particularly for remote work. But you won’t seem organized and focused on your tasks if it looks like you just rolled out of bed. It’s smart to suggest that you gave a little thought to grooming. And for important meetings, like job interviews, you can show you care by dressing a bit more formally than usual.

Being mindful about the things you can control, like your personal style, can help you feel confident and relaxed around other people. And when you are calm and centered, it’s easier to focus your attention on others, and your interactions are more likely to be positive and productive.

The Bottom Line: 

Connecting more effectively with people you routinely encounter is one key to creating a network that powers your job search and enhances your whole career. And you can enjoy a better return on your efforts by cultivating smart habits and fully engaging in your social encounters. People will take you as seriously as you take yourself. Magnify the impact of your networking efforts by listening intently in conversations, keeping track of your outreach efforts, and choosing a personal style that helps you feel confident and organized.

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and her new book is “Find Your Happy at Work.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post 3 Ways to Re-energize Your Networking Efforts appeared first on Job-Hunt.

And from reading Job-Hunt, you understand that a big network is critical for your search because employers like to hire people with whom they share some kind of connection.

Beyond that, career opportunity is just one of the many benefits of having a strong circle of connections.

Social support can even help you live longer.

The Clear Benefits of an Open Network

In The Blue Zones, author Dan Beuttner shared lessons from the lifestyles of some of the world’s longest-living people. His research suggests there’s a strong link between social connectedness and longevity

Beuttner said that people who regularly visit with friends or family live longer than lonely people. But the type of social connection doesn’t matter so much for longevity, just as long as you do have a supportive community.

On the other hand, the structure of your network certainly does matter if your goal is to create a stronger career and a more interesting life.

In fact, scientists who study patterns of human connection say that an “open,” varied network is a key predictor of career success.

Most people have networks that are “closed,” meaning that they usually hang out with the same old gang. If most of the people you know share an industry, religion or political party, the chances are that your network is closed.

With a closed network, you tend to bump into people with similar backgrounds, educations and interests. And chances are that your perception of the broader economy could be fairly narrow.

There’s comfort in your closed network, and if it’s big enough it will help you get things done. But you miss countless opportunities to expand your knowledge, spot emerging trends, escape the dangers of groupthink and find opportunities you never expected.

Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to live with an open network because people with different backgrounds don’t always get along. But there are also huge advantages.

By building a more expansive network, you’ll be able to tap into far more circles, whether you’re looking for a job or searching for new ideas.

An open network can help you understand evolving trends, connect with more professional communities and build a clearer view of the big picture. And as you grow more comfortable with your far-reaching web of connection, you may also become more innovative and creative.

How to Move Past These 4 Excuses for Not Broadening Your Network

Maybe you’ve been working hard to attend more professional events and add connections to your LinkedIn account. And here I come along telling you that your success to date is good, but it might not be quite enough.

But please hear me out!

All the work you’ve done so far has helped you meet people, practice networking and build your social skills.

So now it may be a good time for you to use those networking skills in a wider variety of situations.

The benefits of a more varied network could be tremendous!

I can imagine some of your excuses for not venturing further out because they’ve popped into my head, as well. So here are four common excuses, plus tips on why and how to reject them.

Excuse #1: I’m not comfortable with people who are different.  

It is daunting to step out beyond your tribe. And that’s normal.

“Homophily” is the term used to describe the tendency for humans to link up with each other in ways that confirm our core beliefs and world views. It’s a sociologist’s fancy way of saying that “birds of a feather flock together.”

To Move Forward:

But there’s no need to do anything drastic. As with any project, you can start opening up your network with a series of tiny steps:

• Begin by articulating your intent to engage with a more diverse collection of people. And remind yourself of that intent any time you’re out and about.
• Each time you’re at a gathering, look around for someone who seems different from your normal crowd. Then go over to that person.
• To make it more likely that you’ll encounter a wider mix of people, vary your routine and attend events that are outside your norm.
• Try taking a class. Or join a group based on an interest not related to your work, like your favorite sport, your neighborhood, or a worthy cause that’s not associated with politics.

These are painless ways to expand your network.

Excuse #2: But it’s scary to go to places where I don’t know anyone. 

It’s tough to be alone in a crowd. And it’s even more difficult to walk up to someone who hasn’t expressed an interest in meeting you.

One reason we’re uncomfortable approaching folks we don’t know is that we are, in fact, social animals.

Our ancestors survived through the ages by cooperating with other humans, and along the way they became biologically wired with a yearning to belong. And now that need for belonging is often accompanied by a fear of rejection.

To Move Forward:

Don’t give up. In reality, our in-bred fear of social rejection is often much worse than the actual experience of being casually rejected at a social event.

I understand that worrying about being intrusive or unwelcome can feel excruciating. But from long experience, I can report that if you’re actually snubbed at a party, it might hurt less than you expect.

You don’t actually lose much when other people don’t choose to talk with you. They don’t know you, maybe they’re anxious or busy, and typically a rude encounter is more about them than about you.

People who become adept at “working a room” know that it’s a numbers game. You don’t need to be welcomed by everyone. As with sales, the process of forging new connections may require more than one try.

The more events you attend, and the more you practice the skill of introducing yourself, the easier it gets to move on from encounters that don’t produce a good fit.

Excuse #3: I want to do something more meaningful than hang out at events.  

Sometimes it feels frivolous to party when there are so many problems in the world.

And we all need to do our bit to help.

But here’s some good networking news: one of the best ways you can build connections is by volunteering for something that matters.

To Move Forward:

A massive 2019 study in Britain by the National Council for Voluntary Organizations suggests that people who volunteer find new friends and have fun:

• Almost 90% of volunteers said they met new people.
• About 76% of people 34 and younger said volunteering helped them feel less isolated.
• More than three-fourths of the volunteers reported improved mental health and well-being.
• Most volunteers cited benefits that matched their initial reasons for volunteering, like meeting people. And they also reported additional benefits, like enjoying the experience.

Many other studies suggest that volunteering can help you make new friends and create more meaning in your life.

An excellent way to expand your circle is to volunteer with a nonprofit group, then gradually work your way to membership on a committee or board. Working with people outside your normal professional or friends circle is a terrific way to become part of a different kind of community.

More: 6 Simple Ways to Keep Your Network Alive

Excuse #4: I can’t bring myself to party when I’m feeling down.  

When things aren’t going well, or you just have no energy, it’s tempting to stay at home and curl up alone.

But being with other people, particularly happy people, may be exactly what you need.

In their book Connected, professors Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler explain that emotions are contagious.

And they say you can “catch” the emotional states that you observe in other people, maybe in a few weeks, or maybe in just a few seconds.

Emotions spread through human interaction because “we are biologically hardwired to mimic others outwardly, and in mimicking their outward displays, we come to adopt their inward states.”

To Move Forward:

Given the contagious nature of emotions, one of the best ways you can become more upbeat is by spending time with cheerful people.

According to Christakis and Fowler, “having happy friends and relatives appears to be a more effective predictor of happiness than earning more money.”

One option is to consider where happy people might gather, whether it is a bar, a church, or a ball game. And go there.

A simpler approach is to stick to your regular patterns but, everywhere you go, look around for people who seem to be optimistic. Once you spot sunny, positive people. find ways to stay in their company.

The Bottom Line:

Networking isn’t only about racking up a long list of connections within your professional field. Effective networking means talking with folks wherever you go, learning from a wider range of people, finding more ways to connect, and nurturing a variety of relationships. As your network becomes more open, you’ll find new friends, ideas, and opportunities.

More About Job Search Networking:

• How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
• 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post How to Build a Stronger Network appeared first on Job-Hunt.

And if you are launching a job search, this is probably the time to intensify your efforts.

As an executive coach, I have been speaking with a range of managers and senior leaders, some of whom may eventually be in a position to hire.

They have left me with the sense that this is an excellent time for you to concentrate on networking, but you need to carefully consider your strategies.

Basic Networking Truths

So let’s take a look at how to strengthen your network, even while the COVID-19 crisis continues.

First, a review of some networking basics. These things about networking are always true:

•   The foundation of networking is our in-born need to be connected with other people.  

  Humans are inherently social, and networking is about laying groundwork for beneficial social relationships of all sorts. These can range from casual acquaintances with whom you share interests, to close and enduring friendships.

•   It is a gradual process.  

  Great networkers understand that building connections is something you work at consistently, doing a little at a time, but doing it regularly.

  If you are eager to broaden your network, commit to doing a little something every day.
  When you discipline yourself to maintain a steady pace, you become increasingly creative and the process gets easier as you go along.

•   Savvy networkers focus on being helpful.  

  Often the best way to connect with people is to find ways to add value. This might mean something as simple as liking their Instagram post or adding a comment to their clever Tweet. Cultivate a feeling of kindness and generosity as you approach other people, and ideas will come to you.

•   Most people actually enjoy helping others.  

  Early human beings had to band together in order to find food or escape danger. So now we have evolved with emotions – like empathy and generosity – that help us bond with other people. Most people feel good about being generous and cooperative during difficult times. And many of us feel an urge to reach out to members of our communities (and “community” can be broadly defined).

Today’s Special Challenges

The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been great, on both our personal and our professional lives. Many Americans, including the healthy ones, are struggling with the ramifications of our mandate to stay home:

•   Some people are lonely.  

  Millions are feeling isolated and are looking for acceptable forms of social contact. They appreciate hearing from individuals and they are yearning to feel connected with communities.

•   But other people are overwhelmed by too much connection.  

  Many professionals are working overtime to care for children at home, support older family members, and at the same time stay connected with their jobs. And some leaders are exhausted by the need to keep checking in on team members, customers and other stakeholders.

•   Don’t assume they want to Zoom.  

  The availability of cool Apps does not mean that everyone is open to the idea of virtual coffees or Google hangouts. Some people want a break from their screens. And perhaps a quarter of Americans — including many of those hunkered down outside of urban areas — don’t have reliable access to high speed broadband. So spotty WIFI service is one of the reasons many people are aching to spend less time hunched over their devices.

Build Your Network Now

You can start today to strengthen your network.

While some professionals don’t have a minute to connect with one more person, others might be glad to hear from you. And there’s much you can do to strengthen your profile and lay groundwork for future outreach. Here are some ways to start:

•   Communicate with friends and mentors.  

  Even busy people enjoy receiving friendly messages.

  It is always OK to let people know that you are thinking of them and to briefly update your status. The smart way to deliver a note is through the channel likely to be preferred by the recipient, which for professional contacts could mean email, rather than texting.

•   Go to where the people are.  

  While some potential employers don’t have time to connect with you, in many online communities people are happy to engage.

  A good starting point is LinkedIn, which is certainly the premier professional network.
  First make sure your profile is complete and well written. Next, adopt the habit of visiting the site daily, getting the hang of how it works and methodically building your presence.

•   Connect with alumni groups.  

  Many universities are reaching out to their alumni, urging them to support students and graduates who may be struggling to find jobs. And do not forget “corporate alumni” — people you worked with or who also work/worked for the same employer.

  A good way to make a cold contact is to open your message by describing how you attended the same academic program or naming the employer you have in common. These can be a great basis for connecting.

  LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for finding fellow alums who work in your target professional fields.

•   Seek older mentors.  

  As you search for like-minded people who might be willing to help, do not hesitate to contact senior professionals. As they move up the ladder, successful workers often become more interested in giving back and supporting aspiring young colleagues.

  Also, recent retirees may still be well connected and happy to broker connections.

•   Research growing fields.  

  While some industries are contracting, others are continuing to grow. Use your slow time to research sectors that interest you, looking for companies that seem ready for the future and identifying skill sets that will soon be in demand.

•   Build your skills.  

  As you research online jobs listings, notice technical skills and areas of expertise that are mentioned most frequently. And start taking online courses, and acquiring certificates, that will make you more desirable to potential employers.

•   Polish your writing skills.  

  In recent years, employers have been complaining about the poor writing skills of recent college grads and other applicants. But because they needed the help, organizations could not be picky, and they hired anyway.

  In the new job market companies will be able to go after what they really want, and that will include excellent writers. If business writing is not your strength, take a course to brush up on basics, like grammar, punctuation and a tight, clear style of communication.

•   Bolster your profile.  

  Show off your strengths and insights by regularly writing comments or articles online. This could mean witty tweets, thoughtful comments responding to LinkedIn articles, or lengthy essays on Medium.

  Look for blogs and professional journals that will accept content. And whatever you write, proofread and edit closely, and show off your commitment to high quality work.

•   Keep busy.  

  It may take a while to find a job that puts you on your dream path. While you are looking, search for remote freelance work and look for ways to market any special skills you have.

  Even if your gigs are unrelated to the career you want, this can be a chance to demonstrate your entrepreneurial thinking and willingness to hustle.

•   Volunteer.  

  A wonderful way to bond with people is to work with them on projects that matter.

  If you are able to be out and about, this could mean supporting a nonprofit effort by delivering Meals on Wheels, packing boxes in a food pantry or cleaning at an animal rescue facility. And many nonprofit websites list openings for virtual volunteers.

The Bottom Line

Any time is a smart time to network. Devote a portion of every day to nurturing the relationships you already have, from your closest friends to members of your virtual communities. And maintain a steady pace as you build your professional skill sets and raise your online profile.

More About Job Search Networking:

• • How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
  • 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
  • 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network

• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post Key Coronavirus Pandemic Network Building Strategies appeared first on Job-Hunt.

I say things like, “expanding your circle of relationships is key to generating all kinds of opportunities, whether you love your current gig or you want to shift jobs.”

Most professionals already have heard plenty of comments like this.

And I suspect they can list many benefits of creating a broad and diverse group of connections.

But, often, knowing the value of networking isn’t enough to get people moving.

There are reasons they’ve been resisting socializing. They might say:

• I don’t have the time.
• It doesn’t feel authentic to chat up strangers.
• I just don’t know where to begin.

I understand that the concept of networking seems to make some people cringe.

So instead of arguing the point, I work with each person to find techniques they can enjoy. As they start to enhance existing relationships and build new ones, they feel a sense of accomplishment, and they gradually start to have fun.

You can have fun, too!

Building Your Network Painlessly

Here are strategies for painlessly building your network:

  1. Start where you are.  

Expanding your circle of connections means not only meeting new folks but also firming up contacts you have now.

You can jump-start your networking by reaching out to the people you encounter in the places where you already hang out.

Last year, my client Barbara decided to chat more often with the folks in her yoga classes. And when she invited a friendly yogini out for coffee, the woman mentioned an opening at her office that sounded perfect. Barbara followed up and snagged a job offer within two weeks.

  2. Say “thank you.”  

A powerful way to strengthen relationships within your circle is to express gratitude or offer sincere compliments.

Rob ran a legal department where a survey suggested he wasn’t well liked. In describing his feedback style, Rob said lawyers don’t need praise. “These people are grown-ups,” he said. “And if I’m not yelling they know they’re doing good work.”

Together we came up with a game requiring him to stay at the office each day until he had logged three instances of praise or thanks for a team member’s good work. After a slow start, he raised his daily target to five positive comments.

Soon Rob said he was addicted to his “thank you” practice. “Not only do they like it, but noticing the good stuff makes me feel so much happier.”

  3. Try other activities.  

The real juice in networking comes when you start expanding your social web.

If you’re not seeing new faces because you spend most hours at home or in the office, it may be time to find new ways to have fun.

Bob was a marketing consultant struggling to build his client base. The stress of the hunt was getting to him, so he decided get more exercise by joining the neighborhood softball team.

It turns out that one of his teammates needed marketing help, and today this softball buddy is Bob’s biggest client.

  4. Find a helpful role.  

When you decide to get more strategic about networking, you’ll probably join professional groups, sign up for local events, or head to conferences.

It can be intimidating and exhausting to be in a crowd where you don’t know anyone. But you can ease your stress at all sorts of gatherings by volunteering to help.

If you join the planning committee, you’ll know a few people by the time of the event. And conference organizers are always looking for helpers to do things like hand out agendas or sit at name-tag tables.

I often feel more comfortable when I have an assignment, so if I go to a party I may offer to help with something, like taking coats or tending bar.

  5. Create games.  

When you’re at a cocktail bash full of strangers, don’t just stand there and suffer. Give yourself a little challenge.

As a young Washington lawyer, I represented clients at congressional fund raising events. When I entered that world I felt like a nobody, and I dreaded imposing on anyone’s time.

So I amused myself with small games. I might decide I couldn’t leave the room until I had encouraged at least three strangers to talk about their pets.

Maybe I’d glance at my watch and say to someone, “I need to get home to let my dog out.” I might just get a shrug, but often people would start telling me about their pets.

After sharing Rover’s story, they were more likely to remember me next time.

  6. Show up.  

Whether it’s a party, a board meeting or a workshop, it is hard work to stage an event. And it is very disheartening when nobody comes.

Often you can do something kind, and build a relationship at the same time, by saying “yes” to invitations.

And once you have agreed to attend, never ghost a host.

When I’ve thrown an important event, I can recall the guests who attended, even years later. And that is pretty normal.

By accepting invitations, you will be doing somebody a favor at the same time you seize the chance to mingle.

  7. Don’t assume networking happens only at large events with strangers.  

Often, the best, most comfortable networking happens in groups of five or fewer people.

Leverage LinkedIn, other social networks, and Google to track down former colleagues, co-workers, and other members of your network you have not seen for a while. Or, simply invite people you have just met at work or at another event to have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

I watched a former co-worker connect with a great new job when she met a former boss at a small “corporate alumni” get together.

The Bottom Line:

Networking helps you keep up with trends, while you meet prospective clients, mentors and employers. More important, when you make the effort to forge human connections you lay groundwork for true friendships and personal growth.

More About Job Search Networking:

• How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
• 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post Yes! You CAN Enjoy Networking: 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network appeared first on Job-Hunt.

On the one hand, they keep an eye out for people who need help.

As they engage with others, they find ways to act with generosity, often reaching out with kindness and small gestures of assistance.

At the same time, however, they keep their own long-term goals in mind, and they watch for people who might be good to know.

Self-Interest vs. Smart Selflessness

In his book Give and Take, psychologist and management expert Adam Grant explores this balance between self-interest and selflessness.

He says people have dramatically different expectations about reciprocity when they interact with others.

Grant describes three kinds of people, based on where their social interaction lands on the reciprocity spectrum:

  1.”Takers” focus on what they can get.  

They are self-centered and want to receive more than they are willing to give.

  2.”Givers” enjoy helping others.  

They tend to be good at networking and collaborating. And often they work to create success for the whole group or for people they don’t know, even when it may not be to their advantage.

  3.”Matchers” fall between Takers and Givers.  

They strive for fair and equal exchanges with others. They will give things away, but they expect to get something back in return.

Research suggests that, regardless of their occupation, Givers tend to dominate the top of the success ladder. But they also are overrepresented at the bottom.

In other words, the best and worst performers are Givers, while Takers and Matchers are more likely to cluster in the middle of the pack.

While many Givers flourish, Grant says a giving approach in the workplace has costs as well as benefits. Givers can exhaust themselves helping others, and sometimes they are treated like pushovers or doormats.

So, what’s the difference between successful and unsuccessful Givers? Grant says high-performing Givers often assist other people but they also remain aware of their own best interests.

Their basic reciprocity style is to be helpful, but they can vary their approach in order to avoid burnout and also to support their goals.

The 2 Smart & Simple Habits of Successful Networkers

Strong networkers are both strategic and kind.

Along with insights regarding career success, Grant’s book offers spot-on networking advice.

He describes several great networkers who build connections little by little, day after day, with helpful gestures and small acts of kindness. These folks are classic Givers, but they also stay focused on their goals. And when they need assistance, they are comfortable seeking help or information from others, including casual acquaintances.

During my years in Washington, D.C., I have seen many examples of how networking skills support career resilience. My work gives me a close-up view of some top-flight networkers, and I learn by watching them.

The best networkers seem to consciously create two habits:

  1. They build a practice of assisting others in small ways.  

If they meet somebody needing a job, they might offer to make a call. No matter how busy they are, they often find a minute to do something kind.

  2. They invent ways to connect with new and interesting people.  

But these adept networkers are also strategic in pursuing their careers. They study the big picture and enter communities that might prove helpful in the future, steadily making their networks larger and more diverse.

One Washingtonian I enjoy watching is Arlean Leland, Associate General Counsel for Civil Rights, Labor and Employment Law at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It can take a while for Leland to walk along a hallway or through a crowded event. She is constantly pausing to chat or introduce herself to folks.

Leland says, “I believe in connecting. You never know which person might be able to help you on the ladder, whether you’re moving up or moving down.”

I asked Leland about her habit of pausing to inquire about the well-being of an acquaintance and about how quick she is to offer help. “Everybody needs a shot,” she says, “and every day you should help people get theirs.”

Leland says being helpful is not entirely unselfish. “What you put into the Universe – professionally or personally – comes back to you 10 times over.”

5 Steps to Start Connecting Like a Networking Champ

You can jump-start a more robust network by contacting current friends, interacting with other people who might be helpful to know, and at the same time looking around for those who might need your help.

These tips can help you launch an effort to nurture relationships and expand your network:

  1.Start where you are.  

Savvy networking is more than just meeting new people.

You can enhance your network by strengthening relationships you already have.

People you know even slightly may welcome a chance to interact with another person, whether that means exchanging friendly words across a driveway or hearing from friends via social media.

The lingering pandemic provides a good reason for reaching out. A small gesture – as simple as inquiring about how a person is doing – can enhance your tie with a casual friend.

And this is a good time to send a message to people you care about, but seldom see.

  2.Become active in communities.  

You already belong to multiple communities because of where you live, work or studied. And becoming more active in these circles can quickly expand your network.

Leland describes her varied communities as “circles of people connected by interests or values.” Among them are her alumni clubs, church friends, bar associations, and mission-focused organizations such as the Urban League and NAACP. These days, groups like these are recruiting new members with virtual gatherings and social media.

Perhaps Leland’s most valued circle is Alpha Kappa Alpha. AKA’s nearly 300,000 members are college-trained women who promise to support each other’s personal and professional growth and also to work for social change supporting equality and equity.

Leland says she enjoys assisting sorority sisters, and when she needs support there’s always somebody to call. Leland is now sequestered at home because she has a compromised immune system, and AKA is helping her remain in touch with the outside world.

Recently, after a Facebook post mentioned her stepmother’s passing, Leland received flowers, fruit baskets and more than 90 sympathy cards from AKA members.

  3.Revive old connections.  

Grant says reconnecting with someone you once knew, like a college friend or former colleague, is easier than starting a relationship from scratch. We tend to trust and feel comfortable with people from our past, and often enjoy rekindling former friendships.

If you have done small favors in the past, such as offering information or advice, the recipients may be particularly pleased to get back in touch. Grant says, “Dormant ties are the neglected value in our networks, and Givers have a distinctive edge over Takers and Matchers in unlocking this value.”

  4.Start with easy steps.  

Committing to small steps can be a powerful way to energize your networking. At the beginning of your effort, you may be tempted to quit because the thought of contacting so many people can be intimidating. So start reaching out with a series of actions that don’t feel too challenging.

This might mean committing to contact one friend or acquaintance every day for two weeks. Some of your messages will be well-received and will generate a dialogue. It will feel good to get moving, some interactions will inspire new ways to connect, and each positive response will motivate you to keep going and to reach a little further out.

Not only will your early successes fuel bigger success, but frequent small steps can become habit-forming. If you resolve to communicate in some way every day, you will find yourself spotting new possibilities even on the days when you are not in the mood.

Also, you will be more likely to keep up your enhanced networking if you track your daily activity. Recording your progress will feel good, and each time you note an action step, it will feel like a tiny victory.

  5.Be kind.  

Networking can feel more natural when it involves helping someone else.

And you may grow more comfortable with asking for help if you start by seeking support for other people. This might mean something like asking one friend to assist another friend who is searching for job leads.

In addition to helping individuals, becoming involved in volunteer activity is an effective way to network while being generous. Even if you are stuck at home, you can cultivate relationships by working in support of causes that matter to you. Websites such as VolunteerMatch.org and Amava.com can match you with volunteer gigs either in your neighborhood or at a remote connection.

And your acts of kindness will bring a bonus. Research suggests we are hardwired to feel happier and more optimistic after helping somebody. In his classic book Flourish, psychologist Martin Seligman said, “Scientists have found that doing a kindness produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested.”

A kindness habit is self-reinforcing. And the positivity that comes from being helpful can energize your job search and help you remain upbeat in the face of setbacks.

The Bottom Line:

You know that networking is critical to your job search now, and to your career in the future. A smart way to grow relationships is to do a little bit every day, picking up your pace when your search is active, and continuing your outreach even when your career feels stable. One key to building broad circles of connection is to engage in professional and other communities, reaching out to interesting individuals, and showing up for critical activities. Another is to keep looking for ways to help other people.

More About Job Search Networking:

• How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
• 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post 2 Smart Keys to Easy and Successful Networking appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Being connected to other human beings is vital to your health and happiness.

And having a large and varied network of relationships is extraordinarily important to every phase of your career.

When you launch a job search, broadening your network should be the cornerstone of your plan since employers prefer to hire people with whom they share some kind of connection.

While online tools like LinkedIn are very helpful for networking, engaging with people face-to-face might be where the real breakthroughs happen.

Sometimes in-person, face-to-face networking involves attending professional events. But it also includes engaging with people throughout the normal course of your life, whether you’re at the gym, a community meeting, or a cocktail party.

In any gathering, there are opportunities for making connections, and you never know which ones might eventually lead to opportunities.

But perhaps you dread the thought of meeting, greeting, mingling, and chatting?

If you don’t feel comfortable putting yourself forward in social situations, you’re not alone. Most people feel like that, at least some of the time.

Getting past the discomfort, and even having fun, is easier than you think if you master these four socializing skills.

4 Skills That Help You “Work” the Room Comfortably and Successfully

  1.Embrace Small Talk  

Many people say they hate networking because they can’t stand the small talk.

“Small talk” is the polite chitchat at the start of a social interaction. It involves an exchange of inconsequential remarks, like:

• “I got soaked on the way in, but at least rain is good for my garden.”
• “Have you tried the crab cakes? They are really good”
• “How do you know (insert name of hosts)?

It is easy to dismiss small talk as meaningless, because by definition it does not involve communication about anything important.

But even though the content of a small talk exchange may be trivial, the ritual of exchanging casual remarks plays in big role in helping people to connect.

When you bump into an acquaintance or meet someone new, engaging in a series of trifling remarks can be the first step in building trust and rapport. Small talk is a bonding ritual, and it helps people feel comfortable with one another.

Even if we understand that it is part of the game, a reason many of us avoid schmoozing is that we believe we are not good at it. When it is our turn to talk, we may not think of anything clever to say. And when we make an insignificant remark, it might sound petty to our own ears.

If you tend to squirm when it’s time to chitchat, try these steps to move past your aversion:

• As you head out to an event, think about a few noncontroversial topics to mention, like the weather, a local sports team, or the theme of the gathering.
• When you approach an opportunity for small talk, remind yourself that content does not matter. The listener is likely to respond to your goodwill and your effort to connect, not to the words you use.
• Find openings to practice. Build your skill by voicing pleasantries in low risk situations, like when you’re talking with a salesclerk or waiting in line at the office coffee machine.

The more relaxed you become with small talk, the more adept you will be when hobnobbing at professional events. And you may enjoy other benefits as well. Research (link at the bottom of the article) suggests that even minimal social interactions like small talk help fulfill our basic human need to belong.

  2.Smile!  

In his immensely popular 1936 book, How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie said your smile “is a messenger of your goodwill” and a simple way to make a good impression.

He advised readers to smile even when they don’t feel like it, because action and feeling go together. He said that if you smile, you will feel happier, and soon people around you might as well.

In the years since Carnegie offered his advice, psychologists have undertaken countless studies of the human smile (link at the bottom of the article). And while there are caveats — because the message that your smile conveys may depend on the situation — modern research affirms that “smile!” is excellent networking advice.

Here are reasons to smile when you engage with other people:

• Smiling is healthy and makes you feel good.

  Smiling can increase the release of endorphins and other mood-enhancing hormones. It can calm your heart rate and blood pressure, contribute to a heightened sense of well-being, and lead to improved health.

• You will look good.

  Research says that when you smile, there’s a better chance other people will perceive you as competent, attractive, likable, and memorable.

  They are more likely to find you approachable. And they might even think you look younger.

• Smiling is contagious.

  We are hard wired to mirror each other’s happy looks. When you smile as you meet someone, they may automatically return your expression.

  More importantly, as you exchange smiles with another person, the two of you connect in a more fundamental way, with positivity flowing between you.

• Smiling starts to feel natural.

  The most powerful smiles are genuine, emanating from deep within you. But social smiles – those that require you to summon up a positive feeling — are effective as well.

  The more often you practice on the inside to feel good and generate a happy facial expression, the more likely it is that you’ll experience spontaneous smiles.

For inspiration, think of a happy event — something or someone that makes you smile (in a positive way). Remember a great picture of your kids or significant other, a adorable kitten or puppy, or a cute squirrel or chipmunk. Maybe when your favorite team won an important game. Or the punch line from your favorite joke. Whatever makes you smile when you think about it works.

  3.Listen Mindfully  

Not everyone can be a smooth talker.

Often effective communication is less about what you say and more about how you listen.

According to distinguished psychologist Ellen Langer, the skill that can set you apart from the noisy crowd is “mindful listening.”

Dr. Langer and her Harvard colleagues have long been examining the difference between “mindful” and “mindless” activity, and exploring what that difference could mean to the way we live and work.

We all engage in mindless activity, like when we’re driving our car and suddenly realize that we have no recollection of the last 20 miles. And we know what it’s like when other people are mindless, like the waiter who repeats the specials from rote but does not seem to hear our questions.

But, when we are mindful, we are fully present, paying attention to the current situation, without feeling judgmental.

When you listen in a mindful way, you concentrate on the speaker. You make eye contact and you turn your body in their direction. And you keep refocusing on what they say, even if it means you have to quiet the voice in your head, fighting the urge to interrupt.

Neuroscience and philosophers tell us that people go through life aching to have their concerns acknowledged and their presence felt. When you truly listen, you meet that need and connect with the speaker in a special way, even though it might not seem like it at the time.

Dr. Langer suggests that listening is so fundamental to human interaction that you can usually tell if a person is actually hearing you, or is just waiting for their turn to talk.

Dr. Langer’s research demonstrates that if you meet someone and really listen, without passing judgment, you are more likely to be seen as genuine, charismatic, and even attractive.

Learning to be a stronger listener is like developing your physical strength. You “build” your listening “muscle” by noticing your reactions to a speaker and then putting them aside.

For example, let’s imagine that an acquaintance verbally attacks your favorite government leader. You instantly think “that’s not true!” But rather than butting in, put that defensive thought aside and focus on hearing what else the person might say.

You can sharpen your mindful listening skill by practicing it throughout the day in low stress situations, like when you’re talking with a barista or sales clerk.

For just a minute or two, give your normal concerns a rest and shift your focus to the person who is talking.

  4.Ask questions  

A good way to connect with other people is to ask questions.

During the small talk phase of an interaction, your questions should be non-controversial and worded gently, so the other person does not feel defensive.

You could start out with simple factual questions, like: “Do you live around here?”

Or you might ask for an opinion on an appropriate topic, like “Did you enjoy the speaker’s remarks?”

As a conversation continues, you can promote your state of active listening by asking more open-ended questions, meaning that they can’t be answered with a simple fact, or a “yes” or “no.” You might ask, “What was your favorite part of the speech?”

When you’re networking, keep your questions positive. Focus on strengths, goals, and solutions, rather than on the negative aspects of a situation.

The Bottom Line

Connecting with other people, in-person, is something you can learn. And the more you practice your socializing skills, the easier networking will become. In each situation, start by setting your attitude, reminding yourself that these people may feel as shy as you do, and you wish them well. Focus on each person as you engage, and just move politely along when it feels like there’s no more to be said.

Small Talk: Social Functions

There’s Magic in Your Smile

More About Job Search Networking:

• How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
• 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• If You Hate to Network…
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of building my network until I was able to visualize it as a web of interconnected and authentic human relationships.

Now I love my network. It feels to me like a living, comforting presence, always there when I am ready to tackle a challenge.

My network has helped me shift careers, grow a business, learn new skills, help others, and meet wonderful new friends.

And I see how many professionals get better at expanding and nurturing their relationships once they develop a mental image of how their network is organized.

Visualize the 5 Circles of Your Network

If you are ready to strengthen your network, pause to imagine how it will look as it grows. A good way to visualize your network is as a web of human connections, spreading out from you in a series of five concentric circles:

•   Circle #1:  In this innermost ring are your best friends and closest family.Introverts particularly enjoy spending much of their time here. But even with besties, you can’t take things for granted. So nurturing this central group may require you to pick up your phone or initiate get-togethers.
•   Circle #2:   Beyond your core group are newer friends, as well as people you’ve known for a long time but don’t see so regularly.Here you might include current coworkers, neighbors, and people you regularly bump into at social gatherings.Simply asking about the latest news and then expressing real interest is one way to cultivate this crowd. But if you don’t make an effort to grow the relationships, it is all too easy for these people to drift out of your orbit.
•   Circle #3:   This large group could include dozens, hundreds or even thousands of acquaintances from over the years.Among them are kids you went to school with, coworkers from a while back, members of your Pilates class, and neighbors who wave when you’re out walking.Also here are folks you’ve never actually seen, like colleagues with offices across the country or the new spouses of old friends. You also might find Circle #3 to be a rich source of professional contacts with whom you’re seldom in touch – but could be.While each of your Circles has a special role to play, when you’re starting a job search Circle #3 is particularly important.

  One reason: your buddies in #1 and #2 tend to hear the same news that you do. Circle #3, however, is tight enough that you all share a real connection, and yet it’s broad enough to bring new insights and opportunities.

•   Circle #4:   Your network expands considerably when you include people with whom you simply share a community.Maybe you’ve never met these folks, but you could because you belong to the same organizations, went to the same college, or share some of the same history.The essence of a community is that it’s a group that has members, rather than a random collection of unconnected people. Membership may be informal or unacknowledged, but you do have something in common with each person, regardless of whether you’ve met.A growing body of research links good health with social connection, and suggests that you benefit from engaging with even loose, widespread communities.

  For job seekers, the good news about Circle #4 is that people often respond warmly to fellow members, even when they haven’t met. An easy starting point can be reaching out to alumni from your college.

  And also consider “employer alumni,” and get in touch with people who once worked in the same places you did.

•   Circle #5:   Your social media contacts may include thousands of people from around the world who share your interests. In this Circle you are playing long shots.But don’t discount the possibilities here. I’ve found wonderful clients and friends through sites like LinkedIn. Among them is Susan P. Joyce, creator of Job-Hunt.org, whom I met through a Twitter introduction by a mutual friend.A good starting point for networking online is to search for and follow people in your professional field. If you like what they write, get their attention by regularly sharing and commenting about their posts.

It’s hard to overestimate the value of the full range of your relationships.

In all five of your Circles you can find people who will give you advice when you need it, and join the party when there’s something to celebrate. They are a source of career intelligence and many will reach out to help, even though they don’t yet know you well.

5 Smart Ways to Nurture Your Network Circles

Savvy networkers regularly think about other people. They make forging connections a steady, gradual process, with little steps built into the rhythm of their normal lives.

A technique that can be effective in all your Circles is to methodically look for little ways to be helpful.

The essence of networking is exchanging assistance and support with other people. Regardless of which Circle you’re addressing, stay alert to small, easy opportunities to add value. Start today to offer help in ways like these:

  1.Make matches.  

Become known as a “connector” by matching needs and resources and making introductions.

Perhaps you meet someone moving to a new city and you have a friend in that town who needs volunteers for his nonprofit. By making an email intro, you can help two people at once.

  2.Show up.  

If somebody you know is giving a speech or planning an event they regard as important, work hard to be there. They may always remember that you made the effort.

  3.Cheer.  

If an acquaintance does something well, let them know you noticed and offer congratulations. Don’t be afraid to show your respect and affection, and be willing to share in the excitement.

  4.Notice rough patches.  

If you see that somebody has hit hard times, don’t wait for them to call you. Assume that they would be around if you were in need, and reach out.

  5.Volunteer.  

There is no better way to get to know people than to work with them. So, to break into a group, look for a chance to help with their project.

This might mean offering to join a committee at work, or looking around for nonprofit groups that make a contribution in your neighborhood.

The Bottom Line:

Our networks are essential sources of friendship, information, and support. Viewing them as belonging in circles helps you understand the value that each circle brings. Nurturing your network enables you to strengthen ties, allowing you to both benefit from and contribute to the success of the members of all of your network’s circles.

More About Job Search Networking:

• 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Career Success
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Well, get over it.

Networking is critical to your job search. And to the rest of your career as well.

The Definition of Effective Networking

Before we discuss why networking is key to professional success, we’ll talk about the meaning of “networking.”

To begin, let’s explore why the term might creep you out.

One reason you might feel unease is that the word “networking” often is used to describe how computers are linked so they can operate together. So perhaps part of your negative reaction is that computer-speak can have a technological, inhuman tone.

The term seems to imply that you intend to use people for your own gain.

But, “using people” for your benefit is not real or effective networking.

Definitions of networking vary, but a common one is something like: “meeting people and sharing information and services for mutual benefit, often in the context of your career.”

That definition leaves out a very important word: relationships.

So for this article, and my other posts here on Job-Hunt, let’s define “networking” as “building a diverse collection of relationships for the purpose of sharing information and support.”

And let’s be clear: the foundation of networking is each person’s need to be connected with other people.

Although requirements for companionship vary among individuals, all humans are inherently social. In fact, the link between social connection and overall health is becoming increasingly clear.

Medical experts suggest that people with rewarding relationships are more likely than their peers to recover quickly from illness, build resilience and immunity, and live long lives.

Beyond physical health, research suggests that connected people have more confidence and self-esteem, and they experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. In contrast, the consequences of feeling isolated can be dramatic, including chronic negativity, fearfulness, disrupted sleep and disengagement at work.

Networking is about laying groundwork for beneficial relationships of all sorts, from casual acquaintances with whom you share a community, to close and enduring friendships. The wider and more varied your collection of relationships, the more they can provide support for your professional interests, as well as for your broader life.

Because Job-Hunt is focused on work issues, much of what we talk about involves ways to support your career growth. But career networking doesn’t happen within tight boundaries.

The people you know in any aspect of your life have the potential to bring opportunities and insights that can transform your professional journey.

7 Reasons Networking Is Important for Your Career

Now that we’ve defined networking, here are seven reasons why it is so important for job seekers and other professionals:

  1. Most jobs are found through relationships.  

Countless surveys, including those conducted by Job-Hunt and LinkedIn, suggest that networking is the dominant method used by successful job seekers.

More than 70 percent of the time, winning searches involve a referral or other human intervention, and not simply the workings of a job site or automated system.

One reason for this is that much of the job market is hidden, with many jobs being filled internally or through referrals, without ever being posted.

  2. Networkers are more likely to collect details about good jobs.  

Even when a job is listed externally, connected people have an advantage. First, they may hear about the job before it is posted.

And when they are able to speak with people within the organization, the information they gather is helpful as they complete an application and prepare for an interview.

  3. Connected people are more able to obtain references from known sources.  

It’s always helpful if your former boss is willing to write a glowing letter about your work. But a reference will carry more weight if it comes from a person who is known and trusted by someone in the hiring organization.

And the more people you know, the more likely it is that you can identify a shared contact willing to speak up for you.

  4. People with diverse networks have broader perspectives.

One value of having many professional contacts is that it puts you in the flow of information about things like market shifts, regulatory developments and technical innovations. And if you participate in multiple communities, you may spot developing trends and speak with deeper insight about the future of your field.

  5. Networking brings surprising opportunities.  

Any good networker can tell you that when you are out and about meeting other people you frequently come across opportunities. Maybe you hear about somebody who needs a speaker or podcast guest, and you snag an invitation that’s a perfect way for you to raise your profile.

Sometimes you hear about an opening that would be great for someone you know, like your college friend who really needs a new job. If you become a connector, bringing other people together, you can develop a tremendous reserve of goodwill that will always be there when you need it.

And then one day you may learn about a new position that would be perfect for you, even if you didn’t think you were in the market for a new job.

  6. Networkers can polish their communication skills.  

You may be reluctant to go to conferences or other events because you don’t feel comfortable making small talk, or you are afraid that strangers might reject you. Many of us start our careers feeling shy. But learning to get over the hesitation and confer with our colleagues or clients can be essential to career success.

The best way to move past fear and improve your skills is to practice, practice, practice. An easy way to get started is to push yourself out of your shell in situations where you are already relatively comfortable, like in your church or neighborhood.

As you become more adept at networking you may become more effective in various aspects of your job.

  7. Networking can be satisfying.

When marketing consultant Bob Shaff walks through a room of strangers, you can see that he’s a master networker. Bob interacts with person after person, asking gentle questions and helping each one to relax and engage with the crowd.

He obviously knows how to build relationships. But Bob says that he didn’t start out that way.

As a young engineer at IBM, Bob was painfully shy and felt isolated. But then IBM taught him sales skills, and he learned that connecting with other people is deeply rewarding. Today, he says, meeting other people is a source of endless joy.

And research suggests that happy, positive people are more likely to be attractive to others and experience career success.

The Bottom Line on the Importance of Networking:

Humans are social beings with a deep need to stay connected. Having a strong collection of relationships is good for your health and can bring you confidence and a sense of well-being. Relationship-building is a skill you can learn, and the more you do it the more rewarding it will feel. And the more widely connected you are, the more you will grow as a professional, attract career opportunities, and help other people as well.

More About Job Search Networking:

• How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career
• 7 Strategies for Painlessly Building Your Network
• The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success
• What Network? I Don’t Have a Network
• 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers
• 10 Networking No-No’s
• Networking Lunch Rules
• How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews

About the author…

Beverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” Her career podcast, “Jazzed About Work,” appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting, and Find Bev on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
More about this author…

The post 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical to Your Job Search & Career appeared first on Job-Hunt.