Articles

Self-described introverts often says, "It's so easy for extroverts to network. They are not shy about approaching someone they don't know or introducing themselves at social functions." In fact, while that may be how things appear, many extroverts have their own set of challenges. By understanding the pitfalls that one another faces - and understanding how those can turn into opportunities - both introverts and extroverts can learn from each other.

It’s just before 7:00 a.m. it’s an early-riser business-and-education conference at the Metro Convention Centre. The attendees are a mix of over 800 entrepreneurs, educators employers and new graduates. Everyone has come to scout for clients, money, new contacts and jobs.

One of the things I do, as a career coach, is to make sure I keep on top of trends that can enhance my own professional development and by extension allow me to further help my clients. While I sometimes get dizzy from all the online resources that are available, since 2005, I have been experimenting with a number of online networking tools to see what value they offer and how I can incorporate them in my work. So popular have these sites become that hiring managers, recruiters, proactive jobseekers and business people are using them to market their skills or services, or to find the right talent. I am talking about online social/business networking tools or Web 2.0 technology, which refers to the changing trends in the use of the World Wide Web to connect, share information, and yes, find opportunities.

Imagine that everyone in the world is part of an endless chain of connections, and that the best way to build business is to be part of that chain. It might be easy to connect, but does that connection actually link into other profitable connections? The Link and Think™ theory shows everyone how to be aware of their missing links and to use the theory to build their own chain of connections.

The future of networking is now based on a virtual network - one where we don’t meet face to face, we can’t judge body language or shake hands. How then, are we going to master the art of InterNetworking? E-Commerce is the topic on everyone’s lips – what does it mean when it comes to building more profitable connections using networking?

Attendance at professional events provides an opportunity to hear cutting-edge speakers, meet influential and up-and-coming people, and to network. It is a chance to build the rapport you need to move on to the next step in maximizing your networking skills at any event.

 Networking is very easy for extroverts, but for introverts the prospect of “meeting and greeting” is just like root canal without the drugs, only less desirable. Here are a few tips to help get you introverts out there into the networking game: (by the way, contrary to popular belief, I am actually an introvert myself, so I’m not just blowing smoke here)

Networking has always been a great way of finding out about job opportunities that you might otherwise not hear about. Some studies indicate that up to 80-90% of jobs are found through the hidden job market, so it's important to know how, when and where to network. Networking involves making contact with people and nurturing those relationships.

Through our many years of experience at in meeting and coaching individuals in career transition, we have identified a number of errors people make while networking which do not produce the results they were looking to achieve. To be effective in networking here are six important items to pay close attention to that will lead to productive meetings.

OK, there's no guarantee of happiness in life. But, I've found it's hard to be happy if you're unemployed and worried. It can take a while, and there are days when you can feel like you'll never find anything. Often, that worry can paralyze you and you don't know where to turn. Everyone else is lucky enough to have a job, why not you?