When it comes to networking, there are times when a chance meeting becomes serendipitous.
When it happens, rapport develops easily and there is a mutual curiousity we experience about the other.
There are also times when you can create your own serendipity … or at least create a likely situation where it may occur.
Let’s be strategic. If you are a job seeker, you will want to create serendipity to enhance your job search or create an awareness about your business (in the case of a job search, your business is YOU.)
I’ve found that a number of my career transition clients are reluctant networkers for a multitude of reasons (usually because they feel a great distaste about ‘Networking’ for a job).
And that usually is because they have been going about networking in the wrong way. They think networking is asking for a favour or a job opportunity. Wrong! Networking is NOT something you do only when you need a job.
I’ve found that their attitude towards networking is what holds them back from developing valuable relationships.
If your attitude towards networking is ‘ick’, and that it’s ‘schmoozing’, then let’s turn that perception around. The following suggestions will make a positive impact in the long run:
When you attend an event, conference, social gathering or other networking opportunity, go with an expectation that something great is going to happen. You are probably going to meet some really interesting people.
Attend networking events with the emphasis on relationship building rather than job hunting, business development and pitching. You will find it easier to become comfortable with meeting new people.
Treat every encounter, client meeting or networking event as an opportunity to provide value to whom you’re talking.
Be professional, warm and authentic – developing strong working relationships is the same as developing personal relationships. It takes time – you need to get to know someone, like that person and then trust and respect that person for the relationship to get to the next level.
You are going to meet someone who is going to make a difference in your life. What that difference will be remains to be seen, but turn up with an open and curious mindset.
10 Golden Rules of Networking:
- Focus on letting yourself be free from agendas and create a positive impression on everyone you will meet. Allow yourself to enjoy each meeting, as you will learn something from every encounter.
- Prepare for success by finding out what you can about attendees beforehand. Check them out on LinkedIn and discover if there are synergies before you turn up for the event so you can plan ahead. Reach out to connect with a personalised note and mention that you look forward to meeting them. Make it an authentic connection.
- Before you get to the event, reminder yourself that you are going to have a great time and will meet interesting people.
- Armed with a positive attitude, open for all good things to come, ensure that you are prepared with what is necessary to create the serendipitous moment … business cards, marketing material (if appropriate.) It’s all well and good to expect great things to happen – you do need to prepare so you have what’s required to follow up if and when the time is right.
- Be observant. Keep your focus on what is going on around you – who is attending an event, what the vibe is in the room, all this will give you clues as to whom you may wish to approach to ask a question or strike up a conversation. Be open to being approached too and welcome an introduction with a warm smile and firm handshake.
- Evaluate your surroundings. If you’re attending an event, conference or social networking event and the aim is to expand your network, ask yourself the following questions: Where will I be the most visible? Where are people most likely to engage with me? Who looks like someone I’d like to have a conversation with?
- Just BE THERE! Show up and be prepared to let new people and situations unfold. If you are relaxed, others will relax with you too.
- Extend every encounter. When talking with someone new and there is a mutual respect developing, ask if they would like to continue the conversation over lunch or coffee. Be interested. The longer you spend with someone, the more likely you are to discover how you can help each other. There may be other events you could attend together.
- Make your memory happy. After you meet someone, make a note (either on their business card or elsewhere) of some memory joggers such as what he or she looked like, what you talked about, some personal info you can bring up next time you meet, your common point of interest.
- Follow up with a phone call or an email within the week. Use the information gathered from #9 in your follow up. Prove that you really were listening! Then, offer something valuable like a link, recommendation or article. Provide something of value or interest and develop a genuine relationship without expectations.
If you make a genuine connection, what will happen is that you will make a new friend or acquaintance. If you focus on another person and how you may be able to help them rather than what you want out of the connection, that’s where the magic happens.
Be open and curious about others – every individual has a story – wouldn’t it be fascinating to discover what their story is?
A chance meeting that develops into a positive connection is serendipitous.
Develop a positive attitude of expectation, be open and curious, and when you turn up with a smile, that serendipitous moment (new people, new opportunities) will come to you.
And if your networking experiences provide you with a great connection to a recruitment consultant, here’s how you can work most effectively with recruiters.
How have you created serendipity when attending an event?
If you need help in the job search, book a complimentary career clarity chat with Jane.