Networking

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines networking as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” Networking is based on the premise of providing and receiving support; both parties profit from the relationship. The old saying goes without question “It is not what you know, but who you know.”

Networking allows you to:

• Better learn the fundamentals of your field.
• Obtain the "inside scoop" about specific job opportunities that may not be known to others.
• Connect with your local community.
• Assist in the creation of mutually beneficial and reciprocal professional relationships.
• Develop your interpersonal skills.
• Promote your personal brand.

Networking is NOT: 

• Schmoozing or using/pursuing others solely for what they can provide you.
• Asking for a job.
• A contest to see who can "collect" the most contacts.
• A one-time, one-sided deal.

Communicate with others on a personal level and approach professional as you would any other relationship. Make an effort to learn about the individual and bond with them on a level other than business. Relationships are not solely quid pro quo; humans naturally incline towards caring about one another. This is critical in terms of networking with others, keeping relationships alive and also fostering the personal growth of both parties involved.

Common methods of networking include:

1. Informational interviews. Theses informative interviews conducted with contacts you have are a great way to learn more about a field or occupation.
2. In-person at events, conventions, lectures, etc. You can visit our office to learn more about local, as well as nationwide, networking events.
3. E-mail communications. This is perhaps the most convenient way to network with others. Click here to find out the basics of networking via e-mail.
4. On-line communications. Specific social sites, such as LinkedIn, are professional in nature and are a great platform to connect with potential contacts and initiate conversations with others. 
5. Writing letters and notes. Showing gratitude is something that will never go out of style. Sending and receiving handwritten notes/letters is a rarity in this day and age; make yourself stand out by taking the extra time to thank your contact for connecting with you. To write a successful letter, be sure to include the reason for the letter, the person who referred to you (if relevant), a request to meet the new contact, an assertion of only obtaining information and not requesting a position, followed by a note of gratitude.
6. Over the phone. Do not be shy to pick up the nearest telephone and directly call your desired contact. Make sure to leave your name, number, reason for calling, and thank them in advance for their time.
7. Wherever you meet a contact!

Do you know which career path you want to pursue? Talk with somebody who is currently employed in that field to gain a better understanding about the career and what it entails. This occurs during what is called an “information interview”, which is a method of obtaining information and guidance from an experienced worker in the field you exhibit interest in.

Here are just a few reasons to conduct an interview of your own.

1. To gain understanding and awareness about a particular career, industry, or field.
2. To learn the specifics about the career you are pursuing, which may not be commonly known to other job seekers.
3. To acquire professional contact(s) that may assist you in your future job search.
4. To assist you a) during preparation for interviews and b) how to best answer the questions you will likely encounter.
5. To gather information firsthand from experienced people in the field about how to prepare for the career you desire.

How do you go about conducting an interview? Follow these simple steps.

1. Gather your contact information. Once you decide which career you are interested in, make a comprehensive inventory of contacts you wish to speak with. Make a note of anyone who has mentored you in the past or who may have a large network of connections, as they may be able to refer you to someone else who may be able to offer help. Also research the company you would like to work for and find someone who is currently working there; that person would be able to offer unparalleled information.
2. Find them on a professional networking platform such as LinkedIn. Many professionals use this networking site today. Most of their contact information should be listed on their profile. If not, send them a brief message (see step 3) explaining your intentions.
3. Initiate the connection and communicate with them. Do not be afraid of reaching out to a potential contact. Persistence is essential when initiating contact. When introducing yourself, make sure to convey your interest in holding a short meeting to learn more about the specific career/field/industry. If a phone call is not returned or your e-mail goes unanswered, try another method of communication.

Be prepared and bring several copies of your resume. Do not present your resume to your contact right away, but do have it on hand in case the interviewee asks for it. He or she may have helpful connections in his/her network that may help you during your job search. In any case, they may be able to offer you personalized advice on how to improve your resume to appeal to employers in the field you are pursuing.

Think of questions to ask beforehand. Inquire about the career/industry/field you are interested in. 

Be prepared to offer your branded “elevator pitch”. This is your chance to promote yourself, your skills, strengths, experience, accomplishments, as well as professional ambitions and goals. The pitch itself should be very brief, about 30 seconds to one or two minutes (or the length of time it takes to ride in an elevator, for which the speech is named). Highlight your area of interest, your skillset, any specific knowledge you possess, and level of education. Also talk about your past and current experience across different areas, as well as the amount and level of experience you have. Emphasize your strengths in regards to your skills and your character, and do not be afraid about discussing your biggest accomplishments to date (which can also include awards or accolades you have earned). Do not forget to mention your long-term career goals.

Analyze the interview once it is finished. Take a moment after the meeting to go over what was or was not discussed. Did you receive the answers to critical questions? Did you think of any questions after the interview ended? Would you like to interview another contact to acquire another opinion? Did you leave anything out that you would have liked to ask the interviewee?

Always thank the person afterwards. It is absolutely crucial to follow up with the person within 24 hours to thank them for lending you their time, guidance, and wisdom. Handwritten notes and typed e-mails are both suitable.  The method is up to you- just make sure to do it.

Keep a record of every informational interview you conduct. Make sure to keep contact information, dates, and any notes you took.

LinkedIn is a very important networking tool. Using LinkedIn, you are able to view job openings, employer, and even find contacts at different companies. Most importantly, it's completely FREE to create an account. Please note: LinkedIn is a professional networking sites, and is not intended to be used like Facebook or other social media platforms.  

Tips for using LinkedIn:

1. Be professional. This may be how an employer learns about you. It is not uncommon for employers to reach out to potential candidates based on what they see on their profile. Be the best you.
2. Make sure your profile matches your resume. If there are discrepancies between what your profile and resume states, there may be question of the legitimacy of everything else stated on your profile/resume.  An example would be the dates of your employment listed your profile for Employer X is different on You do not want the potential employer to lose interest because of a minor mistake.
3. Provide a picture. A profile is not complete if there is no picture.
4. Stay active. LinkedIn is a good place to research companies. Stay active by reading posts, providing comments, and staying connected with alumni and employers. You can also join groups of interest and learn some new things.
5. Connect with as many people you know. The bigger your connections, the larger your network. You will be able to connect and find more people as your connections grow.
6. Create your account now.

There are many organizations locally, regionally, and nationally that offer opportunities to network with other professionals.  Below are a few in our area. Keep in mind that networking takes place where ever there are people - churches, civic organizations, sports leagues, golf courses, etc.!

• Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) - is Louisville's local Chamber of Commerce.  Chambers of Commerce are associations whose members are businesses and organizations from the local area engaged in promoting the interests of businesses in the region. Check out their Calendar of Events for networking with professionals. 
• EnterpriseCorp - is a division of Greater Louisville Inc. that assists entrepreneurs with business assessment, customer discovery, capital access, talent acquisition, space selection, strategic introductions and peer-to-peer networking.
• Louisville Business First - is Louisville's weekly business publication.  It is a great resource for networking and researching different employers in the region.  Check out their Calendar of Events.  Their parent company is American City Business Journals which owns 42 other local business publications across the country.
• Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) - is a professional and social networking group for 20-and-30 somethings.  Check out their Calendar of Events.
• One Southern Indiana - is the Lead Economic Development Organization (LEDO) and Chamber of Commerce for Clark and Floyd Counties on the Indiana side of Louisville, Kentucky. 
• Southern Indiana Women’s Networking Group - provides women entrepreneurs a forum for the interchange of leads, ideas and contacts in the business community. This is achieved by sharing their business experiences and knowledge through regular meetings, a strong network of professional contacts, educational opportunities, and ongoing support.